TOEFL iBT
The classic academic English test — strongest in the USA.
TOEFL iBT is the long-established academic English test, accepted by more than 13,000 institutions worldwide and historically the default choice for the United States. If your shortlist is mostly American universities, TOEFL remains a strong, universally recognised option.
The modern TOEFL is shorter than it used to be — about two hours — with four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, each scored 0–30 for a total of 120. The Writing section includes an integrated task (read + listen + write) and the "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task.
TOEFL is entirely academic in flavour: lectures, campus conversations and university-style reading passages. Candidates comfortable with academic English often score higher here than on general-purpose tests.
TOEFL at a glance
Types of TOEFL
The main test — at a test centre or as the Home Edition with online proctoring.
A shorter, cheaper, more general test — accepted by fewer institutions.
Who should choose TOEFL
- ✓US university admissions, including graduate school
- ✓Students strong in academic reading and listening
- ✓Canadian universities (widely accepted alongside IELTS)
How BandVisa helps with TOEFL
BandVisa now has AI-scored TOEFL Writing practice: the "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task and adapted Integrated Writing tasks (reading + lecture transcript), scored on the official 0–30 scale with examiner-style feedback, corrections and a model answer for every prompt. Free to start.
Create a free account →TOEFL — common questions
TOEFL or IELTS for the USA? ⌄
Both are accepted almost everywhere in the USA. TOEFL is more academic in style; IELTS offers a face-to-face speaking test and is also usable later for UK/Australia/Canada routes. If the USA is your only destination, either works — pick the format that suits you.
What TOEFL score equals IELTS 6.5? ⌄
Roughly TOEFL 79–93 corresponds to IELTS 6.5, per the published concordance. Individual universities set their own equivalences.
Is TOEFL accepted for Australian visas? ⌄
TOEFL iBT is accepted again for Australian student visas (it was temporarily off the list in 2023–2024). Check the current Department of Home Affairs list before booking.