Which test should you take?
| Test | Where accepted | Format | Validity | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Accepted nearly everywhere; required for UK/Australia visas | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (with a human examiner) | 2 years | Most applicants; the safest default |
| TOEFL iBT | Very widely accepted in the USA and Canada | All four skills, computer-based | 2 years | US applicants comfortable with computer speaking |
| PTE Academic | Accepted in Australia, UK, NZ and many others | Computer-scored, fast results | 2 years | Fast turnaround; strong typists |
| Duolingo English Test | Many US/Canadian universities; not always for visas | Short, at home, cheap | 2 years | Budget and speed — always confirm it is accepted |
Always confirm the accepted tests and minimum scores on your specific program page, and check separately whether the visa authority accepts the same test.
Score targets
| Goal | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Typical minimum for Masters | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | 79–90 |
| Competitive / top programs | 7.0–7.5, no band below 6.5 | 100+ |
| Scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth etc.) | 6.5–7.0 as the course requires | As the course requires |
| Teaching assistantship (US) | 7.0+ with strong speaking | 100+ with speaking 24+ |
An 8-week IELTS plan
- 1
Week 1: diagnose
Take one full Cambridge practice test under exam conditions. Your weakest section decides where the next six weeks go.
- 2
Weeks 2–3: Listening & Reading
One section daily, then review every mistake and write down why it was wrong. Reading is about technique — skimming, keyword matching and time control — more than vocabulary.
- 3
Weeks 4–5: Writing
Task 1 (report/letter) and Task 2 (essay) on alternate days. Learn four or five essay structures and reuse them. Get feedback from a teacher or a study partner; self-assessed writing plateaus fast.
- 4
Weeks 6–7: Speaking
Record yourself answering Part 2 cue cards for two minutes. Fluency and development matter more than a fancy accent. Practise with a partner daily.
- 5
Week 8: full mocks
Two or three complete tests at the real time of day as your exam. Stop studying new material two days before.
- Register early — Dhaka and Chattogram test dates fill up, especially before peak application season.
- Book the test only when your mocks are consistently at or above your target; a retake costs both money and weeks.
- Send scores directly to universities using the free report slots on test day where available.