Almost every international scholarship requires proof of English proficiency, and choosing the wrong test can cost you both money and time. The four main options — IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic — differ in cost, format, and which scholarships and countries actually accept them. Here is how to choose correctly the first time.
The four tests, compared
IELTS Academic is the most widely recognized option globally, accepted by more than 11,000 institutions. It combines a paper or computer-based format with an in-person (or, increasingly, video-call) speaking component, and is strongly preferred for UK, Australian, and Canadian applications. Typical cost runs in the range of $200–245.
TOEFL iBT is fully computer-based and remains the standard for US-focused applications, accepted by roughly 12,000 institutions. Cost is broadly similar to IELTS, and it requires a 3-day minimum wait between retakes.
Duolingo English Test (DET) is the newest major option: taken entirely online from home in about an hour, at a fraction of the cost (typically $60–65) of the other three. Acceptance has grown quickly, especially among US and European institutions, but it is still not universally accepted — always confirm with your specific target university and scholarship before relying on it.
PTE Academic is fully computer-based, roughly two hours, and particularly strong for Australian university and immigration pathways, alongside broader acceptance elsewhere.
Which scholarships require which test
There is no universal rule — requirements are set individually by each scholarship or host university, so always check the specific program’s current requirements rather than assuming. That said, some patterns are useful to know:
- Programs with a US host institution (Fulbright, many US university scholarships) most often specify TOEFL, though Duolingo acceptance is growing quickly.
- Programs in the UK, Australia, and Canada (Chevening, Australia Awards, Commonwealth Scholarships) most often specify or strongly prefer IELTS.
- Some scholarships — including Turkiye Scholarships and Japan’s MEXT — include a funded language preparation year as part of the award itself, which can reduce or remove the need for an upfront English test score depending on the specific program.
- An increasing number of scholarships now accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate — a free letter from your previous school confirming your education was conducted in English — as an alternative to a paid test, where your academic history supports it.
Score validity and retakes
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores are typically valid for two years from your test date; Duolingo scores are also valid for two years. Plan your test timing so your score stays valid throughout your entire application and (if successful) visa process — testing too early is a common and avoidable mistake. If you need to retake a test, IELTS and PTE have no mandatory waiting period, TOEFL requires a minimum 3-day gap, and Duolingo requires 24 hours, though multiple attempts add up in cost quickly regardless of which test you choose.
How to decide, practically
- Check the specific scholarship’s stated requirement first. If it names one test explicitly, that decision is made for you.
- If multiple tests are accepted, choose based on your target country (IELTS for UK/Australia/Canada, TOEFL for the US), your budget (Duolingo is the most affordable by a wide margin), and your comfort with the format (in-person speaking vs. fully remote).
- If you are unsure or the scholarship does not specify, IELTS remains the safest default given its broad global acceptance — it keeps the widest range of universities and scholarships open to you.
- Register with enough runway to retake the test if needed before your application deadline, not after.
How the formats differ in practice
IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test with a human examiner and lets you write answers on paper or on a computer, depending on the centre. TOEFL iBT is taken on a computer and the speaking section is recorded rather than spoken to an examiner. Duolingo is taken online at home and is adaptive, meaning questions become easier or harder depending on how you answer. Students who are nervous about speaking to a person sometimes prefer TOEFL, while students who dislike long computer tests may prefer IELTS. Try a free sample of each before deciding.
Cost and access
Prices differ by country and change often, and IELTS or TOEFL centres may be in only a few cities, which means you may need to travel and book accommodation. Duolingo is usually cheaper and does not need a centre, but it is not accepted everywhere. Always add travel and registration costs to your budget and book early, because centres fill up before deadlines.
Do you need a test at all?
Some universities and scholarships waive English tests for applicants whose previous studies were taught in English. This is usually confirmed with a letter from your school or university, sometimes called a medium of instruction letter. Ask the admissions office whether your school qualifies and what wording the letter must contain. Do not assume, since some scholarships and visa processes still require a test even when the university does not.
Mistakes students make when choosing
- Taking a test that the scholarship provider does not accept.
- Choosing IELTS Academic when the application needs General Training, or the reverse. Check which version is required.
- Booking the test too close to the deadline, leaving no time for results or a retake.
- Ignoring minimum scores for each skill, not only the overall score.
When to retake
If you miss the required score by a small margin in one skill, focus your practice on that skill and retake, rather than repeating the same preparation. Check how many days you must wait before a retake and how long results stay valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duolingo really accepted for major scholarships like Fulbright or Chevening? Policies vary and change over time — always verify current acceptance directly on the scholarship’s official page rather than assuming, since some competitive programs still specify IELTS or TOEFL only.
Do I need a high score even if the scholarship does not set a strict minimum? A strong score can meaningfully strengthen a competitive application even when not explicitly required, since it signals you will be able to fully engage with coursework taught in English.
What is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, and who can use one? It is a letter from your previous school or university confirming your prior education was conducted in English. It is free and increasingly accepted, but acceptance varies by institution — confirm directly before relying on it instead of a formal test.