When applying for an English-taught Master’s degree but English isn’t your first language, you’ll likely need to prove your proficiency in the language as a program entry requirement. This is typically done through English language tests, which often include reading, writing, listening and speaking sections.

These tests measure whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment, and you’ll usually need to get at least a minimum score on a given test in order to be accepted into certain Master’s programs.

There are a number of different English language tests that are recognised widely by universities across Europe. In this guide, we’ll cover TOEFL, IELTS and other popular tests, the differences between them, and tips to help you choose which test to take.

What Is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an American standardized exam. It’s accepted by many universities around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like Britain. While it is accepted by UK university admissions, it’s no longer accepted for student visas there.

About 9,000 total universities in 130 countries accept TOEFL, and it typically costs around $200 USD to take the exam. The exam is usually taken as an Internet-based test, meaning it’ll be completed on a computer provided in a testing room or online.

It takes three hours to complete, and test takers will usually get their results in six to 10 days. Each section of TOEFL is scored out of 30 points for a total of 120 points. If you take the exam multiple times, the best score on each section will be taken from the past two years.

The reading section is multiple choice with three or four written passages and 12-14 questions for each passage. The listening section is multiple choice too with three to four lectures and six questions each, in addition to two or three conversations with five questions each.

For the writing module, there are two tasks, including a written response to a short reading and to support an opinion on a given topic. And the speaking section requires test-takers to give an opinion on an everyday topic and an opinion in response to a short reading.

What Is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English language test for prospective Master’s students. It’s an exam owned and managed by The British Council, Cambridge Examinations and IDP Australia and is recognised by thousands of universities across the world.

IELTS can be taken as a paper or computer-based exam, and it typically costs about £165. The exam takes two hours and 45 minutes to complete with results being given within 13 days. Scores also range from zero to nine. The higher the score reflects a better understanding and ability to communicate in English.

The writing, listening, and reading sections of IELTS are all completed in one day. The speaking section can then be completed up to a week before or after the other parts are completed.

For the reading section, there are three academic style readings with a mix of 40 questions, including multiple choice, gap fills, and short answers. The listening module includes four sections and then a mix of question types must be answered.

During the writing part, test takers have to describe a graph, chart, table, diagram, process, or map in at least 150 words and an academic essay on a given topic with at least 250 words. The speaking section will be done through an interview with an examiner and will include three parts on different topics.

The Differences Between TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL has mostly multiple-choice questions, while IELTS has a greater mix of question types with testers having to more frequently write in answers.

IELTS provides an opportunity to take the test either on paper or on a computer, while TOEFL is predominately a computer-based exam with only certain countries offering paper-based tests.

Additionally, TOEFL has some integrated elements within the test, combining listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. On the other hand, IELTS tests each skill separately.

Another key difference is that TOEFL requires no human contact. However, IELTS requires the speaking section to be undertaken with an examiner asking the questions.

With these differences, you should consider what you’re more comfortable with when it comes to:

• Answer types
• A paper or computer-based test
• How different skills are tested
• Speaking to a person or into a microphone

Other English Language Tests

There are a number of other English language tests too. Here’s a list of some of the most popular ones. Many of these are cheaper, quicker to complete, and you may even get your results back quicker.

Duolingo (DET) is accepted by more than 3,000 universities. It takes only one hour to complete the test and costs $49 USD with results given within two days. The test is taken online and includes a series of different questions that evaluate English skills. The optional writing and speaking sample will cover open-ended prompts that will then be shared with universities alongside your score.

Password English Language Test is accepted by 144 universities in Europe and was designed and academically managed by the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment. It takes just over three hours to take the test and costs £40 to complete the reading, writing, listening, and speaking modules. Specific institutions purchase the test and arrange remote proctoring themselves.

PTE Academic is accepted by over 3,000 universities. It’s taken in a test center on a computer. There are 20 different types of questions from multiple choice to essay writing and includes modules on reading and listening, in addition to a combined section on speaking and writing. It takes two hours to complete the test and costs £180. You usually can get results within five working days.

Cambridge Assessment English is accepted by more than 25,000 organizations in 130 countries. There are two tests, Cambridge English: Advanced and Cambridge English: Proficiency. Results are given on a graded scale. These tests are some of the most advanced English language tests. The certificates don’t have an expiry, and it takes about four hours to complete and costs around £170.

How to Choose Which Test to Take

The English language test that is best for you will depend on your career and academic goals and where you’re planning to apply for a master’s program. Here are some tips to help you figure out which test to take.

1. Check which tests are recognized by the universities you’re interested in.

Most universities will only accept certain English language tests to prove your proficiency in English. Because of this, make sure you know what tests are recognized by the universities you’re interested in applying to.

You may also have to consider if you need to take a certain test in order to be able to obtain a student visa in a specific country.

2. Understand the different testing formats.

Once you know what tests are recognized by the universities you’re most interested in, take some time to understand the formats of the different tests. What format do you prefer?

You also might have to travel to authorized test centers to take certain tests, so you may prefer one over another because there are locations closer to you. Or for some, the test is simply taken online.

3. Consider your strengths.

All of the tests are different, and people with certain strengths will likely do better or worse on different tests.

For example, is reading your strong point? TOEFL only uses high-level academic texts; while IELTS is still high level, it includes a mix of magazine and journal style articles as well, which are often easier to read.

Are you better at multiple-choice questions or writing in answers? Take practice tests to see what you perform best at. TOEFL is mostly multiple choice, while IELTS has a greater number of questions that require answers to be written in.

Additionally, consider if you’re more comfortable speaking to an examiner in person or does that make you more nervous? English language tests undertake the speaking section differently, so consider what your strengths are and how this could impact how you perform.

4. Factor in costs.

TOEFL and IELTS cost around the same amount to take. But it can vary from country to country, so it’s worth checking this and factoring it into your decision making. And a number of other English language tests are much cheaper options, which could allow you to save money on this entry requirement.

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