Vietnamese students preparing to study abroad almost always face the same early decision: IELTS or TOEFL? Both are accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, but they differ meaningfully in format, and those differences can matter a lot depending on a Vietnamese learner's specific strengths and weaknesses in English. This guide breaks down the practical differences to help you choose.
IELTS vs TOEFL — Quick Comparison
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper-based or computer-delivered | Computer-delivered (internet-based) |
| Speaking format | Face-to-face with a human examiner (or recorded, depending on test center) | Recorded responses spoken into a microphone |
| Test duration | Under 3 hours | Around 2 hours |
| Scoring scale | Band 0–9 | 0–120 (30 points per section) |
| Accent exposure | Mix of British, Australian, and other English accents in Listening | Primarily North American English accents |
| Where more commonly required | UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand; most UK/Australian visas require IELTS or an approved SELT | USA (though IELTS is now widely accepted too); some US grad programs still prefer TOEFL |
Where Each Test Is Typically Accepted
| Destination | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Widely accepted at most universities | Widely accepted, traditionally the default |
| UK | Required (IELTS UKVI for visa) | Accepted for admission at many universities, but not a UKVI-approved SELT for the visa |
| Australia | Widely accepted, including for visa purposes | Accepted at most universities |
| Canada | Preferred/required for SDS study permit stream | Accepted at most universities, but not part of SDS's defined test list in the same way |
| New Zealand | Widely accepted | Accepted |
Key point for UK-bound Vietnamese students: If you're applying to the UK, you specifically need IELTS UKVI Academic (a Secure English Language Test) for your visa — a standard TOEFL score does not satisfy the UK student visa requirement, even if your university accepts TOEFL for admission.
Key point for Canada-bound Vietnamese students: If you're using the Student Direct Stream (SDS), check the current accepted test list before booking — IELTS Academic is the most consistently referenced test for SDS eligibility.
Format Differences That Matter
Speaking
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Live conversation with an examiner | Speak into a microphone, response recorded and scored later |
| Structure | 3 parts: introduction, individual long turn (cue card), two-way discussion | 4 tasks: 1 independent, 3 integrated (based on reading/listening passages) |
| What it tests | Natural conversational fluency and coherence | Ability to synthesize information from reading/listening into a spoken response |
Writing
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks | Task 1 (describe a chart/graph/process, or a letter for General Training), Task 2 (essay) | Integrated task (summarize a reading + lecture) and an independent essay |
| Typing vs handwriting | Handwritten (paper-based) or typed (computer-delivered) | Always typed |
Listening & Reading
Both tests assess similar underlying skills, but IELTS Listening includes a wider range of English accents (British, Australian, occasionally others), while TOEFL Listening is almost entirely North American English delivered in an academic lecture format.
Which Tends to Suit Vietnamese Learners Better?
There is no universally "easier" test — the right choice depends on your specific strengths. That said, some patterns are worth knowing:
| If you... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Feel more comfortable in a live conversation and can think on your feet in spoken English | IELTS — the face-to-face Speaking format rewards natural back-and-forth communication |
| Find it easier to organize your thoughts when typing rather than speaking under time pressure with an examiner watching | TOEFL — Speaking is recorded privately into a microphone, which some anxious speakers find less pressured |
| Have mostly studied with American textbooks and media | TOEFL — its Listening/Reading academic style and North American accents may feel more familiar |
| Have studied with British Council or IDP materials, or watched more British/Australian media | IELTS — accent familiarity in Listening can be a real advantage |
| Struggle with integrated tasks that combine reading + listening + speaking/writing in one task | IELTS — its four sections are more separated from each other |
| Prefer a fully computer-based, typed exam experience throughout | TOEFL — it is consistently typed and computer-delivered |
For many Vietnamese students, IELTS's live Speaking format is initially more intimidating than TOEFL's recorded format, but with sufficient speaking practice it often becomes the stronger option because natural conversational ability — a common strength among students who've had regular English conversation practice — is rewarded directly, without needing to synthesize a reading and lecture on the spot as TOEFL's integrated tasks require.
Score Comparison Reference
While the two scales don't convert perfectly, this rough equivalence table is commonly used by universities for admissions purposes:
| IELTS Band | Approx. TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|
| 5.0 | 35–45 |
| 5.5 | 46–59 |
| 6.0 | 60–78 |
| 6.5 | 79–93 |
| 7.0 | 94–101 |
| 7.5 | 102–109 |
| 8.0+ | 110+ |
Always check your specific target university's official conversion table where one is published — some institutions use slightly different equivalence bands.
Test Availability and Logistics in Vietnam
| Factor | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Test centers | British Council and IDP centers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other cities | Prometric-authorized centers in major cities |
| Test frequency | Multiple sessions per month in major cities | Multiple sessions per month, often more frequent in Hanoi/HCMC |
| Results turnaround | Typically 3–13 days depending on format | Typically 4–8 days |
| Retake policy | Can retake as often as you like, including a faster "One Skill Retake" option in some locations | Can retake as often as you like |
Cost and Validity
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical test fee in Vietnam | Comparable range, check current pricing at booking | Comparable range, check current pricing at booking |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Retake waiting period | None — can retake as soon as another slot is available | None — can retake as soon as another slot is available |
Exact fees change periodically — always confirm current pricing directly on britishcouncil.vn, ielts.idp.com, or ets.org/toefl at the time of booking rather than relying on a fixed number from a guide.
Making Your Final Decision
- Check your target university and country's specific requirement first — this is the single most important factor and can override any personal preference
- If applying to the UK, IELTS UKVI is generally the safer default given the visa requirement
- If applying to the USA and unsure, either test is normally fine — check whether your specific program has a preference
- Take a free practice test of both before committing — a short diagnostic often reveals which format suits you better than reasoning about it in the abstract
- Consider test date availability — IELTS test dates are frequently available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City through British Council and IDP; TOEFL iBT is available through Prometric testing centers in Vietnam as well
Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL with Gabble — Gabble offers AI-powered Speaking and Writing practice for both tests, with instant band/score predictions so Vietnamese students can identify which test format plays to their strengths before committing to one.