Almost every English-taught programme and scholarship asks you to prove your English. Choosing the right test — or showing you are exempt — saves money and time.
The four main English tests
- IELTS Academic — the most widely accepted test for the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and Asia. Scored 0–9 in half-band steps for listening, reading, writing and speaking. Results usually in 3–13 days depending on paper or computer delivery. For UK student visas, check whether you need the UKVI version.
- TOEFL iBT — preferred by many US universities and widely accepted elsewhere. Scored 0–120. Taken on computer at a centre or at home.
- PTE Academic — computer-based and scored by AI, accepted in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and many universities worldwide. Results usually within a few days.
- Duolingo English Test — taken online at home in about an hour, results in about two days, and much cheaper. Accepted by many US and some European universities, but not by all, and rarely for visas. Always check each university’s list.
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