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Confused about English tests for studying abroad? Our detailed guide provides a detailed comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test formats, costs, and acceptance to help Filipino students choose the best exam.
Whether you are aiming for the USA, Canada, the UK, or Australia, English proficiency tests are necessary for university admissions and visa applications. Among the most popular choices are IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test.SKIP TO WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
For students in the Philippines intending to pursue higher education abroad, demonstrating English language proficiency is a fundamental requirement for both university admission and, crucially, for obtaining a student visa. The following examinations are widely recognised, each with specific details regarding their format, the bodies that administer them, their popularity among universities, and their acceptance for student visa applications.
The IELTS Academic examination offers both paper-based and computer-based options and is recognised globally. It notably includes a face-to-face Speaking section with a live examiner.
The TOEFL iBT is an Internet-based Test primarily focused on an academic context and is widely preferred in the USA.
The PTE Academic is a fully computer-based test, utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for scoring to ensure impartial results and offering swift score delivery.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable and entirely online examination known for its swift results, though it has more limited direct visa acceptance compared to other tests.
Features |
IELTS Academic |
TOEFL iBT |
PTE Academic |
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
Conducting Body |
British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge English |
Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
Pearson PLC Group |
Duolingo |
University Acceptance |
Over 12,000 organisations in more than 140 countries. Broad popularity. |
Over 13,000 institutions worldwide in more than 160 countries. |
Over 3,500 universities and colleges globally, |
Over 5,700+ programs in 110+ countries. |
Visa Acceptance |
Widely accepted in numerous countries. |
Widely accepted by visa-issuing authorities in over 160 countries. |
Highly trusted by governments for student visa applications. |
Generally accepted for student visas in USA, Canada, UK and NZ |
Popular Countries |
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany |
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, various European countries |
UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA |
USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, UK |
Whilst these examinations are broadly accepted for student visas, it is crucial for applicants to always verify the specific English language proficiency requirements of their chosen university programme and the exact student visa category they are pursuing, as these requirements can vary by institution, programme level, and are subject to change by immigration authorities.
English language test fees can vary by location and currency conversion, but here is the cost of English language tests as per their official website.
English Language Exam |
Mode of Exam |
Language Test Fee |
IELTS Academic Fee (IDP and British Council) |
On Computer On Paper |
PHP 13,100 PHP 13,100 |
TOEFL iBT Fee |
Computer Based Test |
US $250 PHP 14,310 (approx) |
PTE Academic Fee |
Computer Based Test |
US $230 PHP 13,200 (approx) |
Duolingo English Test (DET) Fee |
Computer Based Test |
One Test: US $59 Two Tests: US $100 |
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is notably the most affordable option amongst the selection. However, candidates should be aware of its comparatively limited student visa acceptance, particularly for destinations like Australia, where it is generally not accepted by immigration authorities. The IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are in the same price range and are widely accepted for both university admissions and student visa applications across major study destinations.
It is important for Filipino students to note that whilst the stated figures represent base fees, opting for late registration, changes to test dates or centres, or requesting express test delivery would incur additional charges for all these examinations, which would be added to the initial test fee.Each English proficiency test evaluates core language skills through four ways of communication: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but their format, length, and interactivity vary greatly.
Feature |
IELTS Academic |
TOEFL iBT |
PTE Academic |
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
Sections |
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
Speaking & Writing (integrated), Reading, Listening |
Adaptive questions + video interview + writing sample |
Duration |
2 hours and 45 minutes |
Under 2 hours |
2 Hours |
1 Hour |
Question Types |
Multiple choice, short answers, form/note/table/flow-chart completion, essay, description |
Integrated tasks, essays, listening-based questions, multi-choice, reordering |
AI-scored; Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Summarise, Essay, Fill-in-blanks |
Adaptive multi-choice, audio/typing, image description, spoken/written responses, interactive scenarios |
Speaking Format |
Face-to-face with human examiner |
Recorded via computer (AI & human scored) |
AI-based via computer (AI scored) |
Recorded video & audio answers |
Mode |
In-centre (Paper/ Computer) |
In-centre (Internet-based); Home Edition (remote) |
Fully Computer-based (in-centre) |
Fully Online (remote, at home) |
Interactivity Highlights |
Live human interview; separate sections. |
Academic tasks; integrated skills; all sections in one sitting. |
Fully automated, AI-scored; integrated tasks; all sections in one sitting. |
Highly interactive, adaptive difficulty; includes personal video interview & writing sample. |
When comparing the formats and structures of these key English language proficiency examinations, several distinct features emerge. The IELTS Academic stands out as the only test to incorporate a live, face-to-face speaking session with a human examiner, which many candidates find offers a more natural and interactive assessment experience. In contrast, TOEFL iBT is renowned for its comprehensive nature, featuring integrated academic tasks that are particularly well-suited for those comfortable with typing and responding to listening-based questions; its design aims to simulate a university environment.
The PTE Academic is characterised by being fully automated and fast-paced, with integrated questions that efficiently test multiple skills concurrently, all assessed by Artificial Intelligence. Finally, the Duolingo English Test is the shortest and arguably the most interactive, as it is fully adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts in real-time based on a candidate's performance, and it includes a built-in video interview component.The scoring system for IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test differs broadly. Understanding their scoring systems and result timelines would allow you to make a better decision for yourself.
Test |
Score Range |
How It Is Scored |
Result Time |
IELTS Academic |
1.0-9.0 Bands |
Human examiners score each section; the average band is calculated |
3-5 days (computer-based) 13 days for paper based test |
TOEFL iBT |
0-120 |
Each section scored out of 30; the total adds up to 120 |
4 - 8 days |
PTE Academic |
10-90 |
AI-based scoring system; assesses accuracy, fluency |
Within 2 days |
Duolingo English Test |
10-160 |
AI-scored adaptive test + video interview |
2 days |
Source: Official exam websites
Students should note that all English language test scores are valid for two years from the date of taking the exam.
Before choosing between IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test, it is vital to understand that English proficiency tests play a crucial role in international education. Universities and visa authorities in top destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia use these scores to assess if students are ready for academic coursework in English.
A strong score in your chosen English proficiency test can significantly enhance your admission chances and scholarship eligibility and influence visa approval. This underscores the importance of selecting the most appropriate test - one accepted by both universities and immigration, for your study abroad journey.
Ultimately, thorough research into your specific university and visa requirements is paramount before deciding which test will best pave your way to studying abroad. Still unsure about the right exam to study abroad? Get in touch with AECC counsellors and speak with our experts today. Our counsellors also provide test preparation to students looking to register for the test.
The easiest test depends on individual strengths. Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic are often perceived as easier due to their shorter duration and reliance on AI scoring, which can feel less subjective. However, IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT offer more traditional formats with human interaction in speaking sections, which some students prefer. It is crucial to consider your comfort with technology and test structure.
While the Duolingo English Test is widely accepted for university admissions by over 5,000 institutions globally, its acceptance for student visa applications varies significantly by country. For instance, it is generally accepted for student visas in the USA, Canada, and Ireland if your chosen university accepts it. However, for countries like the UK and Australia, it is typically not sufficient for visa purposes, which often require Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).
The scores for most English proficiency tests, including IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test, are generally valid for two years from the test date. After this period, if you need to demonstrate your English proficiency for university admissions or visa applications, you will typically need to retake the exam.
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