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.
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This guide continues with step-by-step advice written for students applying abroad from Bangladesh.
- Score targets
- An 8-week IELTS plan
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