#ielts2025

Australia continues to be a top destination for international students in 2025, thanks to its world-class universities, teaching standards, and multicultural environment. One of the most important eligibility criteria for admission and visas is English language proficiency, with IELTS being the most widely accepted test.

General IELTS Requirements:

Undergraduate Programs: 6.0–6.5 overall (no band <6.0)

Postgraduate Programs: 6.5–7.0 overall (no band <6.5)

High-demand courses (Medicine, Law, Nursing): 7.0–7.5 overall

Visa Requirements:

VET courses: 5.5 overall

Higher Education: 6.0–6.5 overall

Top Australian universities such as the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Monash, ANU, UNSW, UWA, and RMIT have their specific IELTS band requirements, often slightly higher for professional programs.

Tips to Meet IELTS Band Requirements:

Practice all four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Take professional coaching if needed

Focus on Academic English

Retake the test to improve your scores

Meeting or exceeding the IELTS requirements is crucial for both university admission and student visa approval.

When it is a matter of demonstrating English proficiency in order to study abroad, immigrate, or work professionally, there are two names that are clearly renowned: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both are world-recognized, universally accepted, and meant to test your capacity to use English as a medium of communication.

Yet the question lingers-is TOEFL easier or is it IELTS?

The response isn't that straightforward – choosing one and not the other. It comes down to your strengths, test style, and career or educational aspirations. In this exhaustive blog, we shall deconstruct the differences, emphasize the strengths of each, and assist you in making the correct decision in 2025.

Knowing TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Conducted by ETS

Focuses on American English

Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) is most common

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Universally accepted by universities in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Administered by Cambridge Assessment English, IDP, and the British Council

Offers Academic and General Training versions

Accepts British and American English

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Preferred by institutions in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada

Structure of the Tests

TOEFL iBT Format

Reading: 35 minutes, academic passages

Listening: 36 minutes, lectures and conversations

Speaking: 16 minutes, tasks recorded on a microphone

Writing: 29 minutes, reading- and listening-based essays

IELTS Format

Reading: 60 minutes, various types of passages

Listening: 30 minutes, conversations and monologues

Speaking: 11–14 minutes, face-to-face interview with examiner

Writing: 60 minutes, descriptive work and essays

Key Differences Between TOEFL and IELTS

Test Style

TOEFL: Computer-based, multiple-choice dominated

IELTS: Combination of question types including short answers and essays

Speaking Section

TOEFL: Recorded answers on computer

IELTS: Face-to-face with examiner

Listening Section

TOEFL: Focused on academic lectures

IELTS: Covers a diverse range of real-life situations

Writing Section

TOEFL: Integrated tasks from reading and listening

IELTS: One descriptive task and one essay

Scoring

TOEFL: 0–120 scale

IELTS: Band score 0–9

Which Test Is Easier?

Depends on your skills and preferences:

TOEFL might be easier if:

You are used to typing essays

You prefer structured multiple-choice questions

You don’t want to speak to a live examiner

IELTS may be easier if:

You excel at face-to-face communication

You like a variety of question formats

You are comfortable handwriting essays

Acceptance and Recognition

TOEFL: Favored in U.S. and Canadian universities

IELTS: Preferred in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand

Both: Accepted globally, including visa and immigration purposes

How to Decide Between TOEFL and IELTS

Know Your Goal: Higher education, immigration, or professional certification?

Check Requirements: Verify test preferences of universities or countries

Assess Your Skills: Are you better at computer-based or interactive speech?

Think About Your Comfort: Some prefer speaking to a human, others a computer

Practice Mock Tests: Try sample TOEFL and IELTS tests to see what suits you

Preparation Tips for Both Tests

For TOEFL:

Practice writing essays quickly and clearly

Listen to academic lectures

Time yourself on practice tests

For IELTS:

Practice speaking English regularly

Improve handwriting speed and legibility

Familiarize yourself with different question types

Which Test Should You Take in 2025?

American or Canadian universities → TOEFL

U.K., Australia, or New Zealand → IELTS

Key takeaway:

Neither test is universally easier

Choose based on your strengths, testing style, and career goals

Final Thoughts

Selecting between IELTS and TOEFL is a key milestone in pursuing studies or work abroad

Both assess English proficiency effectively

Your comfort, practice, and long-term aspirations should guide your choice

By understanding differences, practicing exams, and aligning with goals, you make the right choice and take a step toward success in 2025

Introduction

English proficiency tests are a requirement for almost every international student applying to universities abroad. With options like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, the question parents and students ask is simple: which one should we choose? In 2025, each test has been updated with shorter formats, faster results, and wider acceptance. At GoToUniversity, we guide families in matching the right exam with university destinations and visa requirements.

IELTS 2025

The IELTS Academic test remains highly trusted by universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia. The option of taking it on paper or computer gives students flexibility. Parents should note that IELTS is also a key requirement for visa applications in many countries, making it a safe choice for long-term planning.

TOEFL 2025

TOEFL iBT is shorter than ever before. It is especially valued by American universities but is also accepted worldwide. It measures how students use English in academic environments. Students who are strong in reading comprehension and academic writing often perform well in TOEFL.

PTE 2025

The PTE Academic is fully computer-based, fast, and increasingly recognised. It is particularly important for visa pathways in Australia and New Zealand. Families who want quick results often find this option appealing.

Choosing the Right Test

When deciding, families should consider where the student will study and what the visa requirements are. For example, UK-bound students may be better off taking IELTS, while US-bound students should consider TOEFL. PTE is the right choice if fast visa processing in Australia or New Zealand is a priority.

How GoToUniversity Supports Families

We take the guesswork out of the process. Our counsellors match students with the right exam based on their destination and career goals. We also connect exam choice with admissions counselling, ensuring families have a complete plan from test registration to application submission.

Conclusion

Learners do not come in one make or model, and yet most IELTS and TOEFL preparation programs still pretend that they do.

📌 There are those students who are visual thinkers. 📌 There are others who are auditory learners. 📌 Not all of them are based on repetition but pattern recognition.

However, the test prep is usually one size fits all - and that indeed is the problem.

🚫 Not being able to pass mock tests does not mean that you are not good at English. ✅ It may be simply that you are not doing the right approach to your brain.

👉 Explore personalized IELTS strategies on our platform

In our latest blog, we break down how cognitive science can help you: 🔹 Be aware of how you learn 🔹 Adjust prep according to the way you are absorbing it 🔹 And at last, get scores on the tests that show what you are really capable of

👉 Read the full breakdown

Are you taking the IELTS in 2025? Whether you plan to study abroad or advance your career, a strong IELTS score can lead to countless opportunities. But with so much information available online, it's understandable that you might feel bogged down.

Here's a practical guide to mastering IELTS — particularly if you're learning on an online platform.

🎯 1. Understand the Format First

Before you begin practicing, familiarize yourself with all four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This will enable you to plan your preparation more effectively.

🖥️ 2. Select the Right Online Learning Platform

Not all online courses are the same. Opt for platforms that provide:

Real-time feedback

Updated mock tests

Veteran trainers

💡 Platforms like SkillWizHub.com have domain expertise in IELTS coaching, TOEFL coaching, and PTE training — making your preparation more organized and targeted.

🗣️ 3. Practice Speaking Daily

Record yourself, attend speaking clubs, or get tested by a mentor. Fluency in speaking is enhanced only through regular practice and immediate feedback.

✍️ 4. Don't Neglect Writing Skills

Writing Task 1 & 2 are usually neglected. Practice with sample questions and time yourself. Have your essays checked by a coach if possible.

📚 5. Mock Tests are Necessary

Practice full-length IELTS tests to develop endurance and minimize test-day nervousness.

Utilize IELTS preparation websites that resemble actual exam settings.

🌍 6. Prepare for Study Abroad Exams Wisely

If your target is study abroad exams, it's beneficial to synchronize your preparation with other tests such as the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or PTE. SkillWiz Hub also offers NEET coaching, JEE classes, and government job preparation, so it's a one-stop solution.

🚀 Last Tip: Don't Do It Alone

Even with the best materials, soloing can be challenging. That's where organized coaching comes in. You have motivation, accountability, and straightforward progress monitoring.

✨ Ready to take the next step?