Choosing the right test to assess your English language skills is a crucial step for students and professionals looking to achieve their academic or career goals. Among the world’s most popular tests, TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia are the leading options. With the increasing demand for these tests, it is important for applicants to understand the differences between them and how to choose the most appropriate one according to their needs. In this article, we will review the most prominent differences between TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia , and explain how students in Saudi Arabia can determine which test is right for them to achieve the best chances of success.

Introduction to TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia:

TOEFL and IELTS are two of the most popular and internationally recognized English language tests, and are the basic tests that students in Saudi Arabia and many other countries rely on to apply to universities or educational institutions abroad. Both TOEFL and IELTS aim to assess English language skills in various areas, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. TOEFL is specifically an academic test that focuses on the English language used in universities, while IELTS assesses English in a variety of contexts, including social, professional, and academic.

TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia are essential requirements for students who wish to pursue their studies abroad, as many international universities require passing one of these two tests with a specific score. With the increasing need for these tests, students in Saudi Arabia must be fully aware of the differences between TOEFL and IELTS, as well as understand which test best suits their specific needs. In addition, students must choose the test that aligns with their academic goals, whether it is graduate studies, cultural exchange programs, or international scholarships. In the following lines, we will discuss the main differences between TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia and how to choose the most appropriate test based on personal and academic requirements.

The main differences between the TOEFL and IELTS tests in Saudi Arabia:

1-Test type:

- TOEFL: The TOEFL focuses primarily on academic English used in universities, and is administered exclusively online (iBT) at most test centers around the world. It includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

- IELTS: IELTS is a comprehensive test that assesses English language skills in a variety of contexts, including everyday life and academics. It is available in two versions: the Academic version, which is suitable for students wishing to study at university, and the General version, which is used for immigration or professional purposes.

2- Evaluation system:

- TOEFL test: The applicant's performance in each section is evaluated from 0 to 30 points, with a total score of 120 points. This evaluation shows the student's ability to use the English language in academic contexts.

- IELTS Test: IELTS assesses the student's performance on a points system from 0 to 9 in each of the four sections. The final score is calculated as the average of the scores in the four sections. This system is compatible with testing language skills in general.

3- How to conduct the test:

- TOEFL test: The TOEFL test is most often conducted using a computer, and this includes the writing and speaking sections. The speaking section is assessed via audio recording.

- IELTS test: The IELTS test is usually conducted in a traditional way, where answers are written by hand in the reading and writing section, while the oral interview is conducted with a human examiner in the speaking section.

4- Test duration:

TOEFL test: The TOEFL test takes approximately 3 and a half hours.

- IELTS test: The IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, which makes it shorter than the TOEFL.

5- Availability of tests in Saudi Arabia:

- TOEFL test: The TOEFL test is conducted in several Saudi cities online, and is one of the most popular tests for students planning to study at American universities.

- IELTS test: The IELTS test is available in several cities in Saudi Arabia, and is the most popular choice for students wishing to study in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.

6-Choose between the two tests:

- TOEFL test: It is considered the best choice for students who plan to study in the United States of America or in universities that require the TOEFL test. Applicants who prefer to use a computer to take the test may prefer the TOEFL.

- IELTS: This is an ideal choice for students planning to study in the UK, Canada or Australia. It is also preferred by students who prefer the traditional assessment method and personal interview in the speaking test.

While both TOEFL and IELTS provide an accurate assessment of English language skills, the choice between them depends on several factors such as the study destination, the assessment method, and the student’s personal preferences. It is important for students in Saudi Arabia to understand these differences to ensure they make the most appropriate decision based on their academic and career goals.

What is TOEFL iBT?

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) is an internationally recognized test that assesses the English language skills of applicants who are not native speakers. This test is designed to measure individuals' ability to use English in academic contexts, such as applying to international universities or applying for jobs that require advanced English language skills.

•       Key features of the TOEFL iBT test:

1-Online test:

The TOEFL iBT test is entirely online and is mostly computer-based. Candidates' performance is assessed in four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

2-The four sections of the test:

- Listening: Includes questions about academic lectures or dialogues that test applicants' ability to understand spoken English.

- Reading: Tests applicants’ ability to read and understand academic texts in English.

- Writing: Applicants are required to write two essays based on the information received in the listening and reading tests.

- Speaking: This section involves speaking to a computer, where applicants are asked to answer specific questions and topics to assess their speaking skills.

3- Test duration:

The test takes approximately 3 and a half hours, and this time may vary depending on the conditions at each test center.

4-Evaluation:

Each of the four sections is scored from 0 to 30 points, with a total score of 120 points. The total score is calculated by adding the scores of the four sections.

5- Global spread:

TOEFL iBT is one of the most popular tests worldwide and is accepted by most international universities and educational institutions, especially in the United States, Canada and Europe.

6- Validity of the result:

TOEFL iBT test scores are valid for two years from the date the test is taken.

•       Importance of TOEFL iBT:

TOEFL iBT is essential for students who wish to apply to international universities or for scholarships. It helps measure applicants’ ability to engage in academic lectures and discussions in English, reflecting their readiness to learn in an English-speaking academic environment.

How do university requirements affect students’ choice between TOEFL or IELTS in Saudi Arabia?

Choosing the right test between TOEFL and IELTS is a crucial decision for students in Saudi Arabia who are looking to study at local or international universities. Universities vary in their English language requirements, as they may require students to submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result as a condition for admission, and sometimes universities may choose a specific type of test based on specific factors. Here is how these requirements affect students’ choice:

1-American universities:

- **TOEFL is the most accepted: Most American universities prefer the TOEFL test as a tool to assess the English language level of international students. TOEFL results are widely accepted in American universities and are accepted by most educational institutions. Therefore, students who plan to study in the United States tend to choose the TOEFL test.

- Compliance with admission requirements: American universities require TOEFL iBT scores, which measure English language skills in academic contexts, making it the most suitable choice for students intending to study at these universities. The criteria for passing the TOEFL test are specific to the major and the university.

2- British, Canadian and Australian universities:

- IELTS is the popular choice: In contrast, IELTS is the most widely accepted test in British, Canadian and Australian universities. Therefore, if a student is planning to study in one of these countries, IELTS is the most suitable choice.

- More flexible options: Some universities in the UK, Canada and Australia accept both tests, but IELTS is often preferred, as it better suits the requirements of these universities. IELTS gives students the opportunity to test their everyday skills as well as their academic skills.

3- Universities in Saudi Arabia:

- Saudi universities rely on both tests: Many Saudi universities that accept international students in academic programs allow them to choose between TOEFL and IELTS. However, some universities may prefer TOEFL, especially in graduate programs or majors that rely on academic English.

- Language requirements in private universities: In private universities in Saudi Arabia, there may be more flexibility in accepting IELTS and TOEFL results, and this depends on each institution. Sometimes, the minimum score may be determined based on the type of academic program.

4- Impact of acceptance criteria:

- Difference in score requirements: The TOEFL and IELTS admission scores differ, as some universities may require higher scores on one test than the other. For example, some universities may require specific TOEFL iBT scores (such as 80-100 points) or similar scores on IELTS (such as 6.5-7).

- Coordination differences between universities: Since there are universities that accept both tests, students applying for TOEFL or IELTS should always check the specific score requirements of each university and academic program.

5- Flexibility and availability:

- IELTS offers two options: Since IELTS is available in two versions, Academic and General, it offers students more flexibility in choosing the test that best suits their needs. Whereas TOEFL focuses on the academic side only.

- Online Tests: Students who are studying in online programs or who are planning to move to the USA prefer to go for the TOEFL because it is taken exclusively online most of the time.

6-Choose the test based on the future location:

- Choosing the TOEFL for American universities: Students who wish to study graduate studies in America generally prefer the TOEFL test due to its widespread use in academic institutions there.

- Choosing IELTS for British and European countries: Students who wish to study in Britain or Australia prefer the IELTS test because it is approved in these regions.

In short, university requirements greatly influence students’ choice between TOEFL and IELTS in Saudi Arabia . Students should check the admission requirements of the universities they intend to apply to to determine which test is most suitable for them.

Options available to students: TOEFL and IELTS test centers in Saudi Arabia:

When it comes to preparing for TOEFL and IELTS tests in Saudi Arabia , there are many options available to students in different regions. These test centers offer excellent services, making it easier for students to apply for English language tests that are a prerequisite for admission to local and international universities. In this context, we will review the most prominent centers available in the Kingdom.

1- TOEFL test centers in Saudi Arabia:

- Approved centers:

 Many centers in Saudi Arabia offer TOEFL iBT tests accredited by ETS. These centers include Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Dammam, Makkah, and Madinah. Students have multiple options to take the test at locations close to them, giving them the convenience of choosing a time that suits them.

- Preparing for the test:

 Many TOEFL test centers also offer preparation courses that help students become familiar with the question format and improve their skills in all sections of the test (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). These courses provide study materials and explanations of how to approach the questions and the time limits for each section of the test.

- Registration:

 Students can register for the TOEFL test online through the official ETS website, with the option to choose the center that suits them. Some centers also offer direct registration options.

2- IELTS test centers in Saudi Arabia

- Approved centers:

 The IELTS test in Saudi Arabia includes several centers accredited by the British Council and IDP Education, the two official bodies administering the tests in the Kingdom. These centers are located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Makkah Al Mukarramah, and Dammam, allowing students in all regions to easily access the IELTS test.

- Types of tests:

 Students can choose IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training based on the requirements of the university or institution they plan to apply to. In addition, IELTS centres offer paper-based or electronic testing options, providing students with more flexibility.

- Preparatory courses:

 The centres also offer IELTS preparation courses that cover reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, with a focus on how to deal with the test sections effectively. These courses provide tips and advice on how to use your time in each section, helping students improve their performance.

3- Comparison between TOEFL and IELTS test centers:

- Spread and flexibility:

 TOEFL and IELTS test centers in Saudi Arabia sometimes differ in their locations, as students who want to take the TOEFL test prefer to choose centers available in Riyadh and Jeddah, while IELTS centers allow for a wider spread throughout the Kingdom.

- Availability and testing times:

 Both tests offer multiple dates throughout the year, with the possibility of pre-registering online. Students are encouraged to register early to ensure they get the date that suits them.

4- How to choose the right center:

- the site:

 Students prefer to choose test centers close to their place of residence to avoid inconveniences on the test day.

- Cost:

 The cost of registering for TOEFL and IELTS tests varies from one center to another, so students prefer to compare prices before making a decision.

- Services provided:

 Students should consider the quality of the center's services in terms of test preparation, academic guidance, and available testing times.

5- Registration in the centers:

Students must register for the TOEFL or IELTS test in Saudi Arabia through the official websites for each test. In addition to traditional registration, it is also possible to register directly at some accredited centers or through agencies specialized in applying for international tests.

The role of elmadrasah.com platform in helping students choose between the TOEFL and IELTS tests in Saudi Arabia

elmadrasah.com platform contributes significantly to helping students in Saudi Arabia choose the most appropriate test between TOEFL and IELTS. The platform provides comprehensive information about each test, in addition to preparatory training courses covering all sections of the two tests. It also provides advisory sessions with academic advisors to help students make informed decisions based on their academic needs. In addition, the platform provides digital educational resources and online tutoring to enhance students’ skills. Through these services, elmadrasah.com enables students to prepare efficiently, making it easier for them to choose the most appropriate test and achieve success.

Ultimately, the choice between TOEFL or IELTS in Saudi Arabia depends on a number of personal and academic factors. Both tests offer effective ways to assess English language proficiency, but the differences between them may make one more suitable for some students. By examining their academic or career goals and the requirements of the universities or institutions they are applying to, students in Saudi Arabia can make an informed decision to ensure the best possible results. Whether you choose TOEFL or IELTS in Saudi Arabia, good preparation is the key to success.