IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo: Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo? No test is best for everyone. The right choice depends on what your target university accepts, how you perform in each format, and your application timeline. This article compares the three on format, duration, scoring and delivery, based on the official test websites.

If you are a student in Saudi Arabia preparing a university or scholarship file, start with one question: which tests does the university accept for my program? Then choosing among the three becomes easier. Remember that language rules for scholarships and for admission are separate matters, as we explain in scholarship without IELTS.

Quick Comparison of the Three Tests

Fees and test dates change, so we left them out. Check each official site before you book. If a test is a condition in your offer, read our conditional admission guide.

IELTS: Format and Scoring

The IELTS Academic test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. You can take it at a test centre or online, and the official site says the format is the same either way.

The overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years, although some organisations accept them for longer. If a particular visa needs a specific IELTS type, ask the requiring body which one it accepts.

TOEFL iBT: Format and Scoring

The TOEFL iBT measures Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking and takes about 2 hours without directions. It is computer-based at an authorised centre, or at home as the Home Edition with live proctoring.

According to the current ETS page, scores are reported on a 1 to 6 band scale, and the overall score is the average of the four sections rounded to the nearest half band. Test takers also receive the familiar 0 to 120 score during a transition period after January 2026. So ask your university which scale it uses in its requirements.

Duolingo: Format and Scoring

The Duolingo English Test is taken online, and its official site describes it as fast and affordable with results in 2 days. It adapts to your level as you answer, and scores run from 10 to 160 in 5-point steps with sub-scores for skills.

Not every university accepts it, and some programs exclude it. Do not book it before you confirm that your university accepts it.

How to Choose the Right Test

1. Open the admission requirements page of your university and note the accepted tests and required scores.
2. If several tests are accepted, compare how you feel about each delivery type: test centre or from home.
3. Try an official practice test from each provider where available and note your weak points.
4. Count the time: the application deadline, when results arrive, and whether you can retake.
5. Check whether your scholarship or visa requires a specific test.

To see how the test fits into the wider application, read how to get university admission for a Saudi scholarship.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Test

• Choosing only because friends chose it.
• Mixing score scales, such as comparing a new TOEFL score with the old one without asking the university.
• Ignoring result validity, so it expires before you apply.
• Booking before confirming that the university and program accept the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easiest: IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo?

There is no single answer, since difficulty depends on the person and the format. What matters most is that your university accepts it and that you can perform well in its format.

Is every test accepted by every university?

No. Requirements vary by university and program, and some universities do not accept Duolingo, for example. Check the official page.

How long are IELTS results valid?

IELTS recommends treating them as valid for two years after the test, though some institutions accept them for longer. Ask your university for its rule.

How do I compare the new TOEFL score with IELTS?

We do not publish an official conversion table here. Use the university's own table or ask which score it requires on the scale it uses.

Can I take the test at home?

For all three, an online or at-home option exists: IELTS online, TOEFL Home Edition and Duolingo online. Confirm that your university accepts that format.

Does the test result guarantee my scholarship?

No. The test is one part of your admission file, and the scholarship has its own tracks and conditions.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

If you need a study abroad consultant to help you find which test your university accepts, browse universities and programs, message us on WhatsApp or contact us. We prepare and follow up the file; the final decision belongs to the university.