One of the most annoying things about migrating is when you have to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. The IELTS is also known as the International English Language Testing System which is made for professionals who want to study or work in a place where English is the main speaking language.
But wait, what’s the TOEFL for then?
The TOEFL is similar to the IELTS. What makes the TOEFL different though than the IELTS is that the TOEFL is more commonly accepted in American institutions. Whereas, the IELTS is accepted more in overseas countries. Though, some have said that American universities also accept the IELTS. Lately, TOEFL also has invented two forms of taking the exam: there’s a paper-based one and an internet-based one. The latter being the more popular one.
On the other hand, the IELTS is only paper-based and is coincidentally the more preferred exam in countries that speak British English.
In terms of price, the IELTS is more expensive at $166 whereas the TOEFL is only $130.
So what are the countries that need you to take the IELTS? Here are some of them:
Australia
Australia accepts the IELTS scores and uses it as their basis for their immigration processes. Some professional organizations or private companies prefer that their potential applicants do take the IELTS. This way, they can check if their potential employee knows how to speak and understand British English.
Minimum Grade: 6.5
Canada
Canada is known for two languages: one is Canadian French and the other is their own version of English. Similar to Australia, Canada prefers their migrants and their professionals to take the IELTS to see if they can handle their version of English. Employers also require their potential employees to take the IELTS. The embassy needs applicants for a work visa to also take the IELTS to see their grades.
Minimum Grade: 6.5
New Zealand
New Zealand, also known as the country that has more sheep than people, require people who wish to work in New Zealand to take the IELTS. Often, companies in New Zealand would even ask investors to hand over their IELTS score so that they can see if they are a credible investor. Other sections of New Zealand that require an IELTS grade are for Skilled Immigrant, Residence from Work and, the Parent categories.
Minimum Grade: 6.5
UK (United Kingdom)
Home to the royal family, the United Kingdom also requires an IELTS score especially if one is a migrant looking for permanent residency. In the UK, they have a different form of English especially when it comes to spelling. Their vocabulary also varies which may be why the embassies in the UK prefer if migrants took the IELTS over the TOEFL.
Minimum Grade: 6.5
What other countries are there that require the IELTS?
The US also does consider the IELTS as a possible form of measurement of English proficiency, requiring a minimum grade of 7. Ireland does also as it also relies on English as a means of communication.
But what if I grew up speaking English? Do I still need to take it?
You still have to especially if you’re in a country that hasn’t declared English as an official language. The ones with this kind of problem are mostly Filipinos who go overseas to find work. Many Filipinos here grew up with English as their native language and find the extra hassle in taking the IELTS to prove that they could read, write, and understand English. But because English hasn’t been declared as the primary language under their constitution:
Section 7. For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.
Because of that, Filipinos will still have to take either the IELTS or the TOEFL to get into their English-speaking country of choice. Many Filipinos however who grew up speaking English usually just take the test straight instead of actually reviewing for it.
But if you want to review for the exam, that’s no problem. You can email us at pro@ahead.edu.ph if you need more confidence in scoring high in the IELTS and TOEFL.