IELTS vs TOEFL Score Analytics for 2025

If you are planning to study abroad, then applying for the scholarship and getting admission in your preferred universities requires English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL iBT. Knowing about these tests and their scores can help you to set realistic goals and choose the tests that suit your preferences. In 2025, both of these exams will be widely accepted by the universities, so let’s look at the score analytics of IELTS vs TOEFL for this year to enhance your knowledge on the same.

What is Score Analytics in Language Tests?

Score analytics in language tests means the detailed study and interpretation of test scores according to each section. These score analytics help you to understand how students performed in each section of the listening, reading, writing and speaking, along with the trends across the countries, age groups and test formats.

Score Analyrics helps you to understand the following things:

• Which sections are easiest or most challenging
• How do test takers in different countries perform
• Typical score ranges accepted by universities
• Where do you personally need improvement
• How IELTS and TOEFL compare in difficulty

What are IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognised English proficiency test that is mainly accepted in the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and many Asian countries. There are two types of IELTS: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another widely accepted English proficiency test that is especially preferred by U.S. universities. It assesses your skills in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing through an online test called TOEFL iBT. TOEFL scores range from 0–120, whereas competitive programs usually require 90–110

Before moving ahead with the score analytics, let’s understand the key difference between the IELTS and TOEFL.

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL iBT
Module	IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper	IELTS on Computer
Length	2 hours 45 minutes	3 hours 15 minutes
Score	0-9	0-120
Results	IELTS on Computer results within 2 days and 7 days for IELTS on Paper test	10 days
Score validity	2 years	2 years

Also Read: TOEFL Preparation Online Free: Solve Sample Papers

IELTS vs TOEFL: Direct Score Comparison

This section provides a detailed comparison of IELTS and TOEFL, based on the overall performance. All these insights are officially published by the IDP, British Council, Cambridge English, and ETS. Let’s look at this section and analyse the comparison.

Overall Performance Comparison

Here we have published the overall performance comparison between IELTS and TOEFL.

• TOEFL test-takers generally score higher in overall averages, especially in Reading and Listening.
• IELTS shows more variability, particularly in Writing and Speaking.

Section-Wise Difficulty Comparison

When comparing the sections of each exam, let’s see the section-wise difficulty comparison to prepare accordingly.

Section	IELTS Difficulty Factors	TOEFL Difficulty Factors	Verdict
Reading	• True/False/Not Given traps  • Variety of question types (matching, headings, sentence completion)  • More time pressure with dense passages  • Requires strong scanning strategies	• Academic-style passages similar to university texts  • Mostly objective (MCQs)  • Predictable structure • Longer passages but clearer question flow	TOEFL Reading is generally easier. IELTS Reading is tougher due to T/F/NG and time constraints.
Writing	• More subjective marking by human examiners • task response heavily weighted • Handwritten Task 1 for paper-based version • Historically lower global averages	• Fully typed responses • Clear heading for both independent & integrated tasks • Integrated Writing offers a predictable structure	IELTS Writing is harder for most test-takers due to subjectivity and stricter criteria.
Speaking	• Face-to-face interview with an examiner • Human interaction • Nervousness may influence performance • Higher score fluctuations	• Microphone-based responses • Combination of AI + human scoring • More standardised delivery • Less emotional pressure	TOEFL Speaking is more predictable and stable. IELTS Speaking varies more due to human factors.
Listening (optional)	• Different accents (British, Australian, Canadian) • One-time audio playback • Complex multi-tasking	• American accent primarily • Audio often slower + more structured • Clear note-taking time	Slight advantage for TOEFL Listening in predictability

IELTS Score Analytics 2025

IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English tests for studying abroad. That’s why it is very important for students to understand the score analytics and global performance trends. The IELTS system ranges from Band 0-9, with each section of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

According to the latest IELTS insights, the average IELTS score is between 5.5 and 7.0. To understand the section-wise IELTS average score as per the 2025 trends, here we have given the recent performance report for the same.

IELTS Section	Global Average (2025)
Listening	8
Reading	7.5
Writing	7
Speaking	7.5
Overall	7.5

Usually, most international universities accept.

• 6.5 for undergraduate admission
• 7.0–7.5 for postgraduate programs, especially in the UK, Canada, and Australia

TOEFL Score Analytics 2025 

TOEFL iBT is an English language test, widely accepted in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. This test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, each scored out of 30. According to the recent ETS performance report, the average global TOEFL scores fall between 85 and 95, where Reading is the strongest section, and Speaking is the most challenging section for the students.

Let’s look at the section-wise Average scores for TOEFL iBT 2025:

TOEFL Section	Global Average (2025)
Reading	22–23
Listening	21–22
Speaking	20–21
Writing	21–22

Regional Performance Comparison: IELTS vs TOEFL (2025)

Score Analytics of these English Profecincy Tests also include the regional performance trend. Understanding the regional score pattern helps students understand where they stand globally and how competitive their scores are for the university’s admission. Here, we have cited the regional performance comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL based on the publicly available sources, like  ETS Score Data Tables, and 2024–2025 regional summaries.

Region	Average IELTS Score (2025)	Average TOEFL Score (2025)
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)	6.0–6.5	85–95
South Asia (India, Nepal, Bangladesh)	6.0–6.5	80–90
Middle East	5.5–6.0	78–85
Europe	6.5–7.5	90–100
Latin America	5.5–6.5	80–88
Africa	5.0–6.0	75–85

Also Read: IELTS Reading Practice: Sample Questions with Answers

Section-Wise Strengths & Weaknesses for TOEFL and IELTS

So, if you prefer TOEFL or IELTS, it is important to prepare accordingly by enhancing your strengths and improving your weaknesses. Let’s look at the section-wise Strengths & Weaknesses for TOEFL and IELTS

Section	IELTS Strengths	TOEFL Strengths
Speaking	Face-to-face speaking, conversational style	Recorded format, no nervousness from live interview
Reading	Variety in texts (magazines, reports)	Academic-style passages, good for university prep
Writing	Handwriting or typing (optional)	All typing, fast and neat submissions
Listening	Mixed accents, easier for global English speakers	Academic lectures help prepare for university lectures

TOEFL vs IELTS Score Requirements in Top Universities (2025)

While choosing between the TOEFL and IELTS, students often compare the tests, which are widely accepted by the top universities, along with the scores they expect. Here, we have mentioned a table with a clear comparison of TOEFL vs IELTS score requirements across the top universities for 2025 admissions.

University	Country	TOEFL Requirement (2025)	IELTS Requirement (2025)
Harvard University	USA	100+	6.5+
MIT	USA	100-105	7.0+
Stanford University	USA	100+	7.0+
Caltech	Canada	100	7.0+
University of Pennsylvania	Canada	105+	6.5+
UC Berkeley	UK	100+	7.0+
Cornell University	UK	100+	7.5+
Princeton University	Singapore	105+	8.0+
University of British Columbia	Australia	90-100	6.5
University of Toronto	Switzerland	90–100	7.0

Which Test Should Students Choose? 

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can be quite challenging for students, but by keeping your needs and preferences in mind, you can choose the right one for you. Here, we have given a better explanation to help students make an informed decision.

IELTS Exam

The IELTS exam is a better choice for students who come under the following criteria:

• Prefer shorter tasks and crisp question formats
• Applying to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand
• More comfortable with face-to-face speaking
• Want more frequent test dates and faster results

TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam is the best choice for students if they are;

• Applying to the US
• Comfortable with academic-style English
• Prefer typing instead of handwriting
• Want a fully digital, streamlined test experience

Choose Based on Your Target Country

Students should choose the English proficiency exam based on their target audience, which is given to you below:

Country	Preferred Test	Why?
USA	TOEFL (Primary), IELTS	Long-standing acceptance + academic focus
UK	IELTS	Required for UKVI; widely preferred
Canada	Both Accepted	SDS pathway supports IELTS
Australia	IELTS	PR & university acceptance
Europe	Both, but IELTS is more common	Non-academic preference

FAQs

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