IELTS in Jeddah: IELTS in Saudi Arabia vs TOEFL, which is better for Saudi students?

With the increasing globalization and the trend towards higher education in Saudi Arabia, language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS in Saudi Arabia have become an integral part of the application process for international universities and academic institutions. IELTS and TOEFL are considered the most famous and important tests that measure the English language skills of non-native speakers, and both are used as a criterion for admission to universities around the world. For Saudi students, choosing between IELTS and TOEFL is a crucial decision that can greatly impact their educational and professional opportunities. In this article, we will review the most important differences between IELTS and TOEFL, and analyze which one may be the better option for Saudi students. We will cover multiple topics including history and importance, test structure, and university admissions, to help students make an informed decision that aligns with their academic and professional goals.

Definition of IELTS in Saudi Arabia and TOEFL

Here is a clear definition of the TOEFL and IELTS tests in Saudi Arabia :

Definition of IELTS:

Full name : International English Language Testing System.

Purpose : To measure the English language skills of non-native speakers.

the components :

• Listening : Assesses the ability to understand spoken English.
• Reading : Assesses the ability to read and understand texts written in English.
• Writing : Assesses the ability to write coherent texts in English.
• Speaking : Assesses the ability to speak fluently and coherently in English.

Test types :

• Academic : For individuals who wish to enroll in universities or educational institutions.
• General Training : Intended for individuals seeking to work or immigrate to English-speaking countries.

Test duration : approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Evaluation : Each section is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9, and the average is calculated to obtain the final grade.

Admission : Recognized by many universities, academic and professional institutions around the world.

TOEFL Definition:

Full name : Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Purpose : To measure the English language skills of non-native speakers.

the components :

• Reading : Assesses the ability to read and understand academic texts in English.
• Listening : Assesses the ability to understand lectures and conversations in English.?
• Speaking : Assesses the ability to speak fluently and clearly on academic and personal topics.
• Writing : Assesses the ability to write coherent academic texts in English.

Test types :

• iBT (Internet-Based Testing) : Most common, done online.
• PBT (Paper-Based Test) : Used in areas where online testing is not available.

Test duration : about 4 hours.

Rating : It is rated on a scale from 0 to 120, and each section is rated from 0 to 30.

Admission : Recognized by many universities and academic institutions around the world, especially in the United States and Canada.

What are the objectives of IELTS and TOEFL?

Here are the objectives of both TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia in clear points:

IELTS Objectives:

• Language Proficiency Assessment : Measures the English language skills of non-native speakers.

• Academic acceptance :

• IELTS Academic : Used for admission to universities and academic institutions in English-speaking countries.

• Immigration and work :

• IELTS General Test : Used for immigration purposes to English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

• Language Level Determination : Helping individuals and organizations accurately and comprehensively assess their English language level.

• Enhance Language Skills : Improve and enhance English language skills through regular assessment.

• Professional qualification : used as a criterion for admission to some professional programs and training courses.

• International Recognition : Recognized by more than 10,000 educational and professional institutions around the world.

• Improving Communication : Supporting individuals to improve their ability to communicate in English in academic and professional settings.

TOEFL Objectives:

• Language Proficiency Assessment : Measures the English language skills of non-native speakers.

• Academic Admission : Mainly used for admission to universities and academic institutions, especially in the United States and Canada.

• Academic Qualification : Focuses on assessing the academic skills necessary for success in the university environment such as reading, listening, writing and speaking.

• Language Placement : Providing a comprehensive assessment of an individual's English language skills.

• Enhancing Academic Skills : Helping students improve their academic skills in English.

• International Recognition : Recognized by more than 11,000 universities and educational institutions around the world.

• Improving Academic Communication : Supporting students to improve their ability to communicate in English in academic settings.

• International Standard : Providing an international standard for assessing the English language skills of non-native speakers.

International recognition of IELTS and TOEFL

Here are some points about international recognition of IELTS and TOEFL :

International recognition of IELTS:

• Academic acceptance :

Recognized by more than 10,000 educational institutions worldwide, including universities, schools and colleges.

It is widely accepted by British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand universities.

• Immigration and Visas :

It is used for immigration purposes in several English speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Recognized by government authorities in these countries as part of visa and immigration requirements.

• Professional institutions :

It is recognized by many professional organizations to assess the English language skills of candidates for jobs and professional certifications.

• Recognition in the public and private sectors :

Recognized by many international companies and institutions as part of their employment and training requirements.

• Cultural exchange and educational programs :

It is used in cultural and educational exchange programs between English-speaking countries and other countries.

• Language level determination :

It is used as a global standard to assess the English language level of individuals wishing to study or work in international environments.

International recognition of TOEFL:

• Academic acceptance :

Recognized by more than 11,000 universities and educational institutions in more than 150 countries.

Widely accepted in US and Canadian universities.

• Immigration and Visas :

It is used as part of visa requirements for some countries, especially for students wishing to study in the United States and Canada.

• Professional institutions :

It is recognized by many professional organizations to assess the English language skills of candidates for jobs and professional certifications.

• Recognition in the public and private sectors :

Recognized by many international companies and institutions as part of their employment and training requirements.

• Cultural exchange and educational programs :

It is accredited for cultural and educational exchange programs between the United States and other countries.

• Language level determination :

It is used as a global standard to assess the English language level of individuals wishing to study or work in international environments.

Common points in international recognition of IELTS and TOEFL:

• Wide acceptance : Both tests are widely recognized by academic and professional institutions around the world.

• Providing higher education opportunities : facilitating admission to international universities and educational institutions.

• Enhancing employment opportunities : Improving job opportunities in English-speaking environments.

• Reliable Assessment : Providing reliable assessments of English language skills that are internationally accepted.

IELTS in Saudi Arabia vs TOEFL: Which is easier for Saudi students?

Determining which test, TOEFL or IELTS in Saudi Arabia is easier for Saudi students depends on several factors, including each student’s personal teaching and learning style. Here is a detailed comparison of the two tests in terms of ease for Saudi students:

Evaluation system:

• Each section is rated on a scale of 0 to 9, and the average is calculated to obtain the final score.

• Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the scores are summed to give a final total of 120.

Question pattern:

• It is based on a variety of question patterns including multiple choice, sentence completion, matching, and short answer.
• The face-to-face section with the examiner can be comfortable for some students.

• It relies heavily on multiple choice and open-ended questions.
• All sections of the test are computer-based, including the speaking section.

Language and dialect:

• It contains a variety of English dialects, including British and Australian.
• It may be more familiar to students who have studied British English.

• It is heavily based on American English.
• It may be easier for students with a background in American English.

Preparation and training:

• Many preparatory courses and educational materials are available in Saudi Arabia.
• Many training resources are accessible online.

• Many preparatory courses and educational materials are available in Saudi Arabia.
• ETS provides comprehensive online training resources.

Personal preferences:

• IELTS : May be easier for students who prefer face-to-face interaction, especially in the speaking section.

• TOEFL : May be easier for students who prefer to take all sections of the test on a computer.

Personal experience of Saudi students:

• Ease depends on personal experience and individual preferences. Some students may find IELTS easier because of the assessment format and variety of question types, while others may find TOEFL easier because of the emphasis on American language and computerised procedures.

Determining which test is easier for Saudi students depends largely on individual student preferences and learning experience. Students are advised to try out mock versions of both tests to determine which one suits them best.

Language requirements for Saudi universities: IELTS or TOEFL?

When applying to universities in Saudi Arabia, language requirements can vary depending on the university and academic program. In general, both TOEFL and IELTS can be used in Saudi Arabia to meet language proficiency requirements. Here is a comparison of IELTS and TOEFL language requirements at Saudi universities:

IELTS:

• Postgraduate studies : Most Saudi universities require IELTS scores between 6.0 and 7.0 for admission to postgraduate programmes.
• Bachelor's : Some undergraduate programmes may require IELTS scores, usually between 5.5 and 6.5.

• Some disciplines, such as medicine and engineering, may require higher IELTS scores due to the technical and complex nature of the courses.

• Many Saudi universities such as King Abdulaziz University, King Saud University, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals accept IELTS results as part of their admission requirements.

TOEFL:

• Graduate Studies : Most Saudi universities requireTOEFL scores ranging from 70 to 90 (iBT) for admission to graduate programs.
• Bachelor's : Some undergraduate programs may require TOEFL scores, usually between 60 and 80 (iBT) .

• Some majors, such as medical sciences and engineering, may require higher TOEFL scores due to higher language proficiency requirements.

• Many Saudi universities accept TOEFL scores as part of their admission requirements, such as King Abdulaziz University, King Saud University, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

• Many Saudi universities offer preparatory programs for students who do not meet the English language requirements. These programs often include intensive English language courses to prepare students for required tests.

• Test centres for both IELTS and TOEFL are available in most major cities in Saudi Arabia, making it easier for students to take the tests.

Conclusion:

• IELTS in Saudi Arabia and TOEFL are both widely recognized by Saudi universities as IELTS study in Jeddah is very popular.

• The choice of test depends on the student's preferences, the requirements of the specific academic program, and the type of test the student feels most comfortable with.

• It is important for students to check the requirements of the specific university they wish to apply to to find out the required IELTS or TOEFL score.

Almadrasah.com offers IELTS course in Jeddah

Almadrasah.com is a distance learning platform in the UAE that provides educational services to the entire Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and Jeddah. It offers TOEFL and IELTS preparatory courses in Saudi Arabia , including the following:

• Online courses : Includes educational videos, interactive learning materials, and practice tests.

• Live online tutoring sessions : where students interact with expert teachers to get live advice and guidance.

• Comprehensive Learning Resources : Includes textbooks, question sets, and past exam examples to help with comprehensive preparation.

• Individual Assessments and Feedback : Periodic assessments of student performance are provided with improvement feedback to enhance strengths and address weaknesses.

• Mock tests and simulations of real tests : Provide students with the opportunity to experience tests under realistic conditions.

• Additional support and individual guidance : Individual reviews and advice on how to improve performance are provided based on the results of assessments and pilot tests.

How to choose the right test: IELTS or TOEFL?

Choosing the right test between IELTS and TOEFL depends on several factors including your personal needs and your educational and professional goals. Here are some points that can help you make the decision:

Academic admission requirements :

• IELTS : Preferred in British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand universities and other countries that adopt the British system.

• TOEFL : It is accepted mainly in the United States and some other American countries.

Personal preparation and expectations :

• Choose the test you feel most comfortable and confident taking, as the test structures and assessment methods differ slightly between IELTS and TOEFL.

Professional or qualification needs :

• Choose the test that best suits your future work or study requirements. Some sectors or educational programs may prefer or require one or the other based on the type of language skills required.

Costs and time :

• Compare the costs of each test and the time required to prepare and take the test.

Comparing IELTS and TOEFL in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Opportunities

TOEFL and IELTS tests in Saudi Arabia face various challenges and opportunities that affect the choice of students and professionals. Here is a comparison between IELTS and TOEFL in this context:

Challenges:

Awareness and availability :

There may not be enough awareness of the difference between IELTS and TOEFL, and hence students may face difficulty in choosing the right test.

Local tests :

Opportunities to take IELTS and TOEFL tests may be limited in some cities or require travel to major cities such as Riyadh or Jeddah.

Test costs :

The costs of IELTS and TOEFL tests may be high for some students, which can be a barrier to getting these certificates recognized.

Opportunities:

International and institutional recognition :

IELTS and TOEFL are internationally recognised, giving students and professionals opportunities to study and work abroad.

Advanced preparation :

Preparation centers offer many courses and resources to help students prepare well for tests, increasing their chances of success on the test.

Community and institutional support :

Language centers and educational institutions are increasingly interested in providing support and facilities for students who wish to pass the IELTS or TOEFL, which enhances awareness and preparation for the tests.

Comparison between the difficulty level of IELTS and TOEFL

The difficulty level of the IELTS and TOEFL tests can be affected by several factors, including each individual’s experience and language skills. Here is a general comparison of the difficulty levels of each:

IELTS:

Listening and reading :

Requires a good understanding of the English language , and a quick analysis of the information provided.

It may involve reading specialized texts in different fields such as science or art.

Writing and speaking :

Writing an academic essay and describing graphic data requires advanced writing skills.

Speaking involves a personal encounter with an interviewer and requires the use of a variety of ideas in an organized manner.

Duration and organization :

The test duration ranges from approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on the version (academic or general).

Good time management and language skills are required to successfully complete the test.

TOEFL:

Listening and reading :

Requires a deep understanding of conversations and academic articles, with an emphasis on advanced language comprehension and vocabulary.

Reading includes articles from the natural sciences and social sciences.

Writing and speaking :

It involves writing evaluative and analytical academic articles.

Speaking involves interactive, assessment tasks that require the use of complex vocabulary and language expressions.

Duration and organization :

The test takes about 4 full hours, including certain breaks.

It requires careful time planning and constant focus to meet the changing challenges during the test.

In conclusion, it can be said that choosing IELTS in Saudi Arabia and TOEFL depends on many variable factors, starting from academic and professional requirements, to the challenges that students may face in their educational and professional journey. While these tests provide great opportunities to study and work abroad, good preparation and institutional support play a crucial role in students’ success in achieving their goals. Individuals should make an informed decision based on their personal needs and future aspirations, in order to benefit more from the available opportunities in order to achieve their dreams and professional aspirations.