Planning to apply to an English‑medium university abroad almost always means presenting a recent IELTS or TOEFL score. Both exams measure reading, listening, writing, and speaking and most institutions set minimum band scores (6.0–7.5 IELTS or 80–100 TOEFL iBT). Below you will find practical guidance on why the tests matter, where you can sit them in 2025, and how to plan your timeline
— They are internationally standardised and allow admissions teams to compare applicants on a single scale.
— Results predict academic success: ETS research shows a direct correlation between higher TOEFL scores and first‑year GPA.
— Immigration authorities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States list these exams as proof of English for student‑visa purposes.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
What it is: the same four‑skill exam, monitored online by a live proctor.
Accepted where? Over 98 % of U.S. and Canadian universities now accept Home Edition scores. Some UK and EU institutions still prefer centre‑based tests, so always check the policy page of your target programme.
Official test centres
— Belarus: regular test dates have been restored in Minsk and other regional cities (see ETS Test Center Search).
— Neighbouring countries: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Armenia, and Georgia offer weekly sessions; results are released in six calendar days.
Cost and logistics
— Registration fee averages US $195 (varies by country).
— You will need a valid passport and an ETS account.
IELTS Online
— Launched globally in 2023; available in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and most EU states.
— Includes the same 2 h 45 min format; the Speaking test is a video call with a human examiner.
Paper‑ or computer‑based IELTS in CIS countries
— Test takers from Russia and Belarus without visas most often travel to Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Almaty, or Tashkent. Paper certificates can be couriered back home.
IELTS in the Schengen Area
— With a valid Schengen visa you can test in Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga, or other EU capitals.
— Physical certificates are not shipped to Russia or Belarus; applicants frequently use the GLOSS Warsaw office as the delivery address.
Region | Typical fee | Next available dates* |
Poland (computer) | €232 | weekly |
Armenia (paper) | US $215 | twice monthly |
IELTS Online | £195 | 7 days a week |
*Check ielts.org for real‑time availability.
Most centres split the exam across two days: Day 1 – Listening, Reading, Writing; Day 2 – Speaking. Plan for three to four days abroad to account for travel, rest, and contingency. ETS and IELTS advise booking at least six weeks before your first university deadline to ensure score delivery.
Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
Test length | 2 h 45 min | 1 h 56 min (from 2024 update) |
Accent variety | British, Australian, Canadian | Primarily North‑American |
Score scale | 0 – 9 band | 0 – 120 points |
Computer at home | IELTS Online | TOEFL Home Edition |
Typical prep time | 6‑8 weeks | 6‑8 weeks |
Book early: December and June dates fill fastest.
Double‑check acceptance: some UK medical faculties accept IELTS only.
Use free resources: Road to IELTS (British Council) and TOEFL Go! offer official practice tests.
Send scores automatically: both providers include four free score reports during registration—save up to US $80 in extra fees.
Our counsellors register dozens of students every month. We:
— recommend the right exam for your target universities;
— arrange test‑centre or online bookings, including payment abroad;
— provide IELTS/TOEFL‑focused tutoring to raise scores by 0.5–1.0 band (or 10–15 TOEFL points);
— receive and forward paper certificates via our Warsaw office, ensuring universities get them on time.
Ready to boost your English score? Book a free strategy call with GLOSS Education Agency today and move one step closer to your international degree.
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