IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo? How to choose the right English test for 2027 admissions

Applications for the autumn 2027 semester are already open at many universities, and an English language certificate is an important part of almost every application. The three tests you will meet most often are IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET). All three measure your English, but they differ in format, length and how quickly results come out.

There is also an important change this year: since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT has used a new 1–6 score scale. As a result, some university websites may still list requirements on the old scale, while others already use the new one. Below we explain the key features of each test, based on official sources.

The most important rule first: check the university’s requirement

There is no universal answer to “Which test is best?”. The right choice depends on what your programme accepts. On the programme page, be sure to check:

which tests are accepted (some programmes accept only one or two);
the minimum overall score and the minimum score for each section;
whether your certificate will still be valid at the time of application or enrolment;
whether at-home online versions (IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition) are accepted.

To look at several programmes at once, you can use our 835-programme university database.

IELTS Academic

It has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total time is about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Scores are given on a 0–9 scale in whole and half bands (for example, 6.5). The overall band is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
In Azerbaijan, the British Council runs computer-delivered tests in Baku (AGA Business Center) and Nakhchivan (Nakhchivan State University). There is also IELTS Online, taken from home, for the Academic module.
Results for the computer-delivered test are typically available within 1–2 days (the official range is 1–5 days).
Results are valid for two years.

In IELTS, the Speaking test is a live conversation with an examiner. For people who feel comfortable in face-to-face conversation, this can be an advantage.

TOEFL iBT: what changed in 2026

Since 21 January 2026, section and overall scores are reported on a 1–6 scale in 0.5 steps. The overall score is the average of the four sections.
During a two-year transition period, score reports also show your CEFR level and a comparable 0–120 overall score. According to ETS, a score of 5 in any section corresponds to C1 for that skill.
The Reading and Listening sections now use a multistage adaptive format — tasks adjust to your performance midway through the section.
Base section times: Reading 30, Listening 29, Writing 23, Speaking 8 minutes (about 90 minutes). ETS recommends allowing about 2 hours for the whole process.
Official scores appear in your ETS account 3 days after the test.
Scores are valid for two years. There is also a Home Edition, taken at home with a live human proctor.

Practical tip: if a university still lists its requirement on the 0–120 scale, look at the comparable 0–120 score on your report. If in doubt, the most reliable option is to send the admissions office a short email asking which scale they use.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

It is fully online and can be taken from home at any time. You need about 1 hour of uninterrupted time.
It is a computer-adaptive test: the number and difficulty of questions change depending on your answers. At the end you produce writing and speaking samples, which are sent to universities together with your result.
The score scale is 10–160, in 5-point steps. In addition to the overall score, you receive four skill subscores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and four integrated subscores.
Results arrive within 2 days, or within 12 hours with the “Faster Results” option.
Once you buy a test, you have 21 days to take it; you can buy up to 3 tests in any 30-day period.
Results are valid for two years.

The DET is flexible and fast, but not every university accepts it. Some programmes, as well as visa procedures, may recognise only certain tests — please confirm this before you apply.

Quick comparison

Length: IELTS ~2 h 45 min; TOEFL iBT ~90 min (allow ~2 hours); DET ~1 hour.
Score scale: IELTS 0–9; TOEFL iBT 1–6 (with 0–120 alongside during the transition); DET 10–160.
Results: IELTS (computer) typically 1–2 days; TOEFL iBT 3 days; DET 2 days.
Validity: two years for all three.
Where: IELTS — at a test centre or online; TOEFL iBT — at a test centre or at home; DET — online only.

Which one to choose? A few simple steps

List your target programmes and write down the tests each one accepts. The test they all have in common is usually the most sensible choice.
Keep your application deadline in mind: plan for the time it takes to get results and leave a buffer in case you need to retake the test.
Choose the format that suits you: a live Speaking interview, speaking to a computer, or a short adaptive test — what feels comfortable differs from person to person.
Prices can vary by country and format. Check the exact price on the official website when you register.

How we can help you prepare

You can prepare one-to-one with our language tutors to reach your target score. To see which programmes you have a realistic chance at, try the “Check your chances” tool, and you can read more about every test in our Exams section.

Let’s work out together which test suits you. We will look at your target universities and help you choose the right test and a preparation plan. Book a free consultation →