Learning new languages, appreciating different cultures, overcoming the obstacles of living in another country, and gaining a better knowledge of the globe are all benefits of studying abroad. All of these characteristics are sought after by modern organisations when recruiting, and they will only grow more essential in the future.
Every year several Indian students apply to various Universities abroad in order to receive a top-quality education. The UK, USA and Canada have often been regarded as the top choices when it comes to studying abroad. Are you planning to study abroad? Which is more accepted in Canada? Confused about whether to take IELTS vs TOEFL? Read this article to find out what would be the right choice.
What is TOEFL?
Pursuing an education in Canada may be your goal, but do you have what it takes to get in? You may have completed your whole school with English as your first language, but do Canadian colleges recognise it? They do not!
So, what should you do? You must demonstrate your command of the English language by completing globally recognised language examinations.
Now that we have discussed what this exam is about, TOEFL vs IELTS, which exam will you take? Which is more accepted in Canada?
Both these exams are accepted in Canada, so you can appear for any as per the requirements of your program. The TOEFL exam is administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS), a private non-profit company. The test was created in the early 1960s by a group of organisations in the United States and was first used in 1964. ETS has been in charge of it since 1973.
Structure Of TOEFL
TOEFL is recognised by over 9000 institutions in over 130 countries.
TOEFL IBT (internet-based test) is a fully computerised test that, prior to COVID-19, was administered at officially authorised test centres and completed entirely on a computer given at one of these test centres situated all over the world. Because of COVID lockdowns, ETS has just made a TOEFL Special Home Edition test with extremely specific requirements available.
| Skill | Level of the exam |
| Reading | Advanced (24 – 30)
High intermediate (18 – 23) Low intermediate (4 – 17) Below Low intermediate (0 – 3) |
| Listening | Advanced (22 – 30)
High intermediate (17 – 21) Low intermediate (9 – 16) Below Low Intermediate (0 – 8) |
| Speaking | Advanced (25 – 30)
High intermediate (20 – 24) Low intermediate (16 – 19) Basic (10 – 15) Below basic (0 – 9) |
| Writing | Advanced (24 – 30)
High intermediate (17 – 23) Low intermediate (13 – 16) Basic (7 – 12) Below basic (0 – 6) |
How Difficult is TOEFL?
Most universities will demand an overall TOEFL score of at least 90/120, but you should always verify with the institution you intend to attend to see if they accept TOEFL (if the school is located outside of the United States) and what the minimum overall and individual part scores are.
TOEFL examinations were considered as fairly difficult to take. TOEFL can be said to be slightly difficult as compared to IELTS.
Some Facts about TOEFL
Let us know some facts about the TOEFL exam for Canada.
| Duration of exam | 4 hour |
| Scoring pattern | Most schools require a grade of 90 points or higher out of a possible total of 120 points. |
| Cost of test | $165 (approx. INR 11000) |
| Test centres | 4500 test centres in 165 countries |
| Test dates | Multiple times a year |
Is TOEFL Accepted in Canada?
Is TOEFL accepted in Canada?TOEFL is not as generally acknowledged across the world as IELTS, but it is gaining traction, particularly as an academic language exam for university applications. It is not recognised as a language exam for permanent residency in Canada.
As of September 2020, the TOEFL is recognised in the following countries:
Australia – universities as well as immigration agencies.
New Zealand – this includes both institutions and immigration officials.
Europe – if you are planning on taking an English-language program in the EU, check if the respective universities accept TOEFL or not. Universities in Canada recognise TOEFL, but not immigration officials.
TOEFL Requirement in Top Universities in Canada
| QS University Ranking Universities in Canada | PBT | IBT |
| University of Toronto
McGill University University of British Columbia University of Alberta McMaster University University of Waterloo |
600
577 90 580 |
100
90 86 86 90 |
Also Read: IELTS Exam Pattern for Canada PR: The Complete Overview of The Format
What is IELTS?
It began in 1980 as the English Language Testing Service, developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council, and has since grown to become the most popular English Language Test in the world, with 3 million tests taken in 2017.
It is currently managed by the organisations listed below:
#Cambridge English Assessment
#The British Council is a non-profit organisation based in
#IDP is an acronym for International Student Placement Organization.
Academic vs General IELTS? Which One Should You Take?
Academic-This strand is intended for students studying at a college or university level in an English-speaking nation, as well as those seeking professional careers in sectors such as engineering and healthcare.
General-This is mostly for high school and lower-level students, as well as those travelling to work in an English-speaking nation.
Structure of the IELTS Exam
The format of the IELTS exam is as follows:
#The listening section lasts 30 minutes, with an extra 10 minutes for you to upload your responses.
#The reading section lasts 60 minutes and includes multiple-choice and various question styles.
#The writing section lasts 60 minutes and consists of two writing exercises.
#The speaking section lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is conducted in the manner of a live interview.
Facts about IELTS Exam
Are you thinking of taking the IELTS for Canada?
What is the ideal score required- IELTS is graded on a scale of 0 to 10. Although it varies per institution, a fair rule of thumb is that you need a 6.5 average score across all four skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking), with no score lower than 6.0.
Where is the exam recognised- Almost everywhere, including, increasingly, the United States. IELTS is currently accepted as a valid language test by thousands of institutions in the United States. However, certain colleges in the United States still need you to take the TOEFL.
Cost of taking this exam- INR 14,000
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam?
Are you planning for higher education in Canada? Want to know how to prepare for the IELTS for Canada? Follow these tips.
#Take a practice exam.
#Recognize the format of the test.
#Keep in mind the time restrictions of the exam.
#Improve your English skills and IELTS techniques.
#When listening to English, you can multitask.
#Develop a diverse set of reading abilities.
#When writing, use suitable and forceful English phrases.
Also Read: How to Improve Eligibility for Canada Immigration? Know All Important Factors
What are the Differences between the Two Exams?
#TOEFL typically demands you to utilise either US English or UK English throughout the exam and not mix the two, although IELTS appears to be a little more flexible.
#The TOEFL is mostly made up of multiple-choice questions, but the IELTS includes more diversity in how questions are structured and responses must be provided.
#The IELTS exam is less time-consuming than the TOEFL exam.
#The IELTS speaking component is done face to face with an examiner.
#TOEFL will ask you to listen to and take notes on lectures from a university class or snatches of on-campus dialogue during the listening section. In IELTS, you’ll listen to recordings and answer questions as you go, across a variety of now-familiar question formats.
IELTS Scores
Are you planning to take the IELTS for Canada? Let us check how you scored.
Band 9 Expert user
Band 8 Very good user
Band 7 Good user
Band 6 Competent user
Band 5 Modest user
Band 4 Limited user
Band 3 Extremely limited user
Band 2 Intermittent user
Band 1 Non-user
Band 0 Did not attempt the test
IELTS Vs TOEFL
IELTS Vs TOEFL. Want to know how the scores can be compared?
| TOEFL | IELTS |
| 118-120
115-117 110-114 102-109 94-101 79-93 |
9
8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 |
Is it Simple to Achieve a 7.5 in IELTS? How to Improve Your Score?
A score of 7.0 or 7.5 on the IELTS indicates that your English is excellent enough to enrol in any university programme, even top Oxbridge and Ivy League schools. For example, IELTS 7.5 Equals Listening Band 7 + Reading Band 8 + Writing Band 8 + Speaking Band 7.
If you are fluent in English, you may be able to prepare for the IELTS in a month or less. Highly competent English speakers simply need to concentrate on exam knowledge and strategy.
If you only have five hours per week to study for the IELTS, it might take two or three months to improve your IELTS score to the next band. Even if you work 10 or 15 hours each week, it may take more than a month to raise your score with a band.
What Should I Choose? TOEFL vs IELTS?
TOEFL vs IELTS? Which is more accepted in Canada? The test you take may be determined by the nation in which you are studying. For example, if you are studying in the United States, you may be more likely to take the TOEFL. And what your long-term immigration goals are.
However, given both exams are becoming recognised in most English-speaking post-secondary schools across the world, your selection will be dependent on whatever test seems most comfortable to you.
Also Read: IDP or British Council: Which is Better? Are Both the Same?
Why should You Choose to Study Abroad?
Students from all over the world travel across countries, continents, and oceans to receive the greatest education possible. But why is this so? Let us discuss a few reasons.
#One of the things that makes the experience so important and meaningful is stepping outside of your comfort zone. After all, if you can study abroad, you can do anything!
#For many foreign students, one of the most significant benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse themselves in a completely different environment.
#The United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia all have exceptionally well-regarded higher education institutions, and these three nations are home to a sizable proportion of the world’s top universities.
Conclusion
Which is more accepted in Canada? We hope that this article has satisfied your queries regarding TOEFL vs IELTS. Studying abroad is therefore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see more of the globe, as well as a tremendously rewarding educational experience. There is little question that travelling to various areas of the world will have a significant impact on your character and perspective, as well as help you prepare for life in a global world.
Living and studying in another nation will help you develop into a self-sufficient and adventurous adult, ready to thrive in your future job. Stepping out of your home country could be quite overwhelming at first. However, it is an enriching experience. Feeling confused? We at IELTS Ninja, offer mentorship to students who want to study abroad. Go through our latest study abroad blog posts here.
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