[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- For most Bangladeshi students, IELTS is the safer choice in 2026 because its score scale has not changed and every university already knows it.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test) switched to a new 1-6 score scale on 21 January 2026, and some universities are still adjusting their requirements (ETS, 2026).
- The British Council IELTS fee in Bangladesh is BDT 31,100 for registrations from 4 September 2026 (Mentors' Education, 2026), while TOEFL iBT costs US$215 in Bangladesh (ScholarshipsAds, 2026).
- Choose TOEFL if your target universities are mostly in the United States and you are comfortable speaking into a microphone instead of to a person.
- Whichever test you pick, check the exact score and test version each university asks for before you pay the fee.
IELTS vs TOEFL for Bangladeshi Students: The Short Answer
IELTS vs TOEFL for Bangladeshi students comes down to three questions: where you are applying, how you speak best, and what each test costs you in taka. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) suits most applicants from Bangladesh, especially those targeting the UK, Canada, Australia or Europe.
TOEFL iBT is a strong option for US-bound students who type quickly and prefer a fully computer-based test. Both tests measure the same four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The sections below compare cost, format, scoring and acceptance so you can decide before you book.
How Much Do IELTS and TOEFL Cost in Bangladesh in 2026?
TOEFL iBT is slightly cheaper than IELTS in Bangladesh at current exchange rates, but the gap is small. The British Council raised its IELTS fee to BDT 31,100 for standard IELTS and BDT 34,850 for IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), effective for registrations from 4 September 2026 (Mentors' Education, 2026).
IDP, the other official IELTS provider in Bangladesh, lists IELTS at BDT 28,450 on its fee page (IDP Bangladesh, 2026). Fees change often, so confirm the price on the provider's website on the day you book.
TOEFL iBT is priced in US dollars. ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organisation that runs TOEFL, listed the Bangladesh fee at US$215 when checked in October 2026 (ScholarshipsAds, 2026). At an exchange rate of about 120 taka per dollar, that is roughly BDT 25,800, plus any card or bank charges.
| Cost item | IELTS (Bangladesh) | TOEFL iBT (Bangladesh) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard test fee | BDT 31,100 (British Council) or BDT 28,450 (IDP) | US$215 |
| UK visa version | BDT 34,850 (IELTS for UKVI) | Check UK visa rules separately |
| Late or express booking | Not listed as a separate fee | US$49 extra within 7 days of the test |
| Rescheduling | BDT 3,000 for computer or paper test (IDP Bangladesh, 2026) | US$69 |
| Payment method | Card or cash at a provider office | International card in US dollars |
Sources: Mentors' Education (2026), IDP Bangladesh (2026), ScholarshipsAds (2026).
Payment is a practical difference for students in Bangladesh. IELTS accepts cash at IDP offices (IDP Bangladesh, 2026), while TOEFL needs a card that can pay in US dollars, which not every student has.
How the IELTS and TOEFL Test Formats Differ
The biggest format difference is the Speaking test: IELTS uses a live examiner, while TOEFL records your voice on a computer. IELTS has four sections, Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes), with a total test time of 2 hours and 45 minutes (British Council, 2026).
Even on computer-delivered IELTS, the Speaking test is still face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner (British Council, 2026). Think of it as a structured conversation, similar to a short viva.
The 2026 version of TOEFL iBT is shorter and partly adaptive. Adaptive means the second part of a section gets harder or easier depending on how you did in the first part. The new test takes under two hours (Cialfo, 2026), and its Speaking section now has two tasks instead of four (GMAT Club, 2026).
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT (from January 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 2 hours 45 minutes | Under 2 hours |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner | Recorded into a microphone |
| Delivery | Paper or computer in a test centre | Computer in a test centre, or at home |
| Reading and Listening | Fixed difficulty | Adaptive (difficulty changes with your answers) |
| Accent in Listening | Mix of British, Australian and other accents | Mostly North American |
What Is the New TOEFL 1-6 Score Scale?
The new TOEFL score scale reports results from 1 to 6 in half-point steps, matched to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This change started on 21 January 2026 (ETS, 2026). The CEFR is the A1-to-C2 level system that many European universities already use.
For a two-year transition period, TOEFL score reports also show a comparable score on the old 0-120 scale (ETS, 2026). So if a university still asks for "TOEFL 85", your report will show both numbers.
As a reference point, the California Board of Psychology treats an old score of 85 as equal to 4.5 on the new scale (California Board of Psychology, 2026). Always use the official ETS comparison table for your own targets.
The change has created some uncertainty. Keio University in Japan told its students that some partner universities have said they will not accept the new 1-6 TOEFL scores, and recommended IELTS for new test takers (Keio University, 2026). If you apply to many universities at once, this risk is a reason to lean towards IELTS in the 2026-2027 cycle.
IELTS scoring has not changed. You receive a band from 1 to 9 for each of the four skills, plus an overall band score (British Council, 2026).
Which Test Do Universities in Your Target Country Accept?
Most universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, the US and Europe accept both IELTS and TOEFL for admission, but your target country should still shape your choice. TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions worldwide (Cialfo, 2026).
Use this as a starting guide, then confirm on each university's admissions page:
| Target country | Better default for Bangladeshi students | Why |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | IELTS (or IELTS for UKVI) | Some UK visa routes need a specific approved test, so check before booking |
| Canada | IELTS | IELTS is the most familiar test for Canadian admissions and immigration |
| Australia | IELTS | IELTS is co-owned by IDP, an Australian organisation, and widely used there |
| United States | Either, TOEFL slightly ahead | TOEFL has long been the standard test for US admissions |
| Europe (Germany, Italy and others) | Either | Many programmes list both; CEFR-based TOEFL scores may be easier to read |
If you plan to apply for a visa after admission, check the visa rules separately. A university accepting a test for admission does not always mean the immigration authority accepts the same test.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Easier for Bangladeshi Students?
Neither test is easier overall, but each one suits a different kind of test taker. Most Bangladeshi students find IELTS more comfortable because the Speaking test feels like a normal conversation, and Bangla-medium students often learn British spelling and vocabulary at school.
TOEFL may suit you better if you match these points:
- You type fast and are comfortable reading long academic texts on a screen.
- You feel nervous speaking to a stranger but relaxed speaking into a recording.
- You have watched a lot of American content and understand North American accents easily.
IELTS may suit you better if you match these points:
- You prefer writing on paper or want the option of a paper-based test.
- You perform better in conversation, where an examiner can rephrase a question.
- You want a test with many dates and centres across Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Khulna and other cities (IDP Bangladesh, 2026).
The simplest test is to try one full practice paper of each. Your scores on those two practice tests are a better guide than anyone's opinion.
Common Mistakes Bangladeshi Students Make When Choosing a Test
The most expensive mistake is booking a test before checking what your university and visa route need. Here are the mistakes to avoid:
- Booking standard IELTS when you need IELTS for UKVI. The UKVI version costs more and has its own booking, so check your UK visa route first.
- Assuming an old TOEFL target still applies. If a university lists "TOEFL 90", check whether it has published a new 1-6 equivalent for 2026 applicants.
- Booking without a practice test. A retake costs the full fee again, so measure your level first.
- Ignoring how you will pay. TOEFL needs a dollar-enabled card, so sort out payment before your preferred date fills up.
- Preparing with old TOEFL materials. Books published before 2026 cover the old four-task Speaking section and old Reading format.
How to Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL From Bangladesh
Start with a timed practice test, find your weakest skill, and spend most of your study time there. For IELTS, Writing and Speaking are usually where Bangladeshi students lose the most marks, because examiners score them against detailed criteria.
On EnglishPreps, the free IELTS Writing Examiner and IELTS Speaking Coach give you a band score with feedback on all four official criteria in seconds. You can try them at englishpreps.com without creating an account.
For TOEFL, use the official ETS practice tests, since they reflect the 2026 format. Build your academic vocabulary with the IELTS, TOEFL and GRE word lists with Bangla meanings on EnglishPreps, which help with both tests.
Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS vs TOEFL
Which is better for Bangladeshi students, IELTS or TOEFL?
IELTS is the better default for most Bangladeshi students in 2026. It has more test dates in Bangladesh, and its score scale has not changed. TOEFL is a good alternative for students applying mainly to US universities.
Which is cheaper in Bangladesh, IELTS or TOEFL?
TOEFL iBT is slightly cheaper at US$215 (ScholarshipsAds, 2026), about BDT 25,800 at 120 taka per dollar. British Council IELTS costs BDT 31,100 and IDP lists BDT 28,450 (Mentors' Education, 2026; IDP Bangladesh, 2026). Exchange rates and fees change, so compare on your booking day.
What is the new TOEFL score scale in 2026?
From 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT reports scores from 1 to 6 in half-point steps, matched to CEFR levels (ETS, 2026). Score reports also show a comparable 0-120 score for a two-year transition period.
How long are IELTS and TOEFL scores valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are generally accepted for two years from the test date. Some universities set a shorter limit, so check each admissions page.
Can I take TOEFL at home in Bangladesh?
TOEFL iBT offers a home testing option, but you need a suitable computer, camera, microphone and a quiet private room. Check the ETS equipment and room requirements before you register.
Do UK universities accept TOEFL?
Many UK universities accept TOEFL for admission, but UK visa rules can require a specific approved test such as IELTS for UKVI. Check both your university's English requirement and your visa route before booking.
Which test should I take if I am not sure where I will apply?
Take IELTS if you are applying to several countries or have not chosen yet. It is widely accepted across the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe and the US, and its scoring has not changed in 2026.
What to Remember Before You Book
- IELTS is the safer choice for most Bangladeshi students in 2026, especially for the UK, Canada and Australia.
- TOEFL iBT is cheaper and shorter, but its new 1-6 scale is still settling in with some universities.
- Check your university's required score and test version, and your visa route, before you pay.
- Take one timed practice test first, then book the test that matches your strengths.