TOEFL/IELTS: Launch pad for study in Europe in English

If you intend to study abroad, in an English speaking country or a Programme taught in English in non English speaking country like Czech Republic  , it will often require of you to  score good  in an English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.

The TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is accepted by more than 7,500 institutions in 130 countries, including the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The test score is valid for two years. You can re-attempt the test in seven days, to better your score. Here’s more about the test meant for people whose native language is not English.

Test details: Reading section – 60-100 questions, 60-100 minutes; listening – 34-51 questions, 60-90 minutes; break – 10 minutes; speaking – six tasks, 20 minutes; writing – two tasks, 50 minutes

In India, only the Internet-based TOEFL is available.

Fees: US$170

Rescheduling fee: US$70

Pay by dollar draft in favour of ETS-TOEFL (iBT), payable at US or by international credit card/ debit card

How to apply: You can register online, by phone, via mail or in person at a centre. Apply online at www.ets.org/toefl

The IELTS

More than 6,000 institutions in 135 countries recognise the IELTS score. IELTS comes in two versions, IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training. The listening and speaking tests are the same in the Academic and the General one. The reading and writing tests are different for the two.

Test details: Listening – 30 minutes; reading – 60 minutes; writing – 60 minutes; speaking – 11-14 minutes

The listening, reading and writing sections are given in one session. You can take the speaking test the same day or up to seven days prior to or post the other tests.

Fees: $330, payable through debit/credit card, demand draft

How to apply: Register online, in person at your nearest British Council office, by post or courier. Application form is available on ielts.org.