These days, universities and colleges worldwide offer numerous courses taught exclusively in English, making it easier for international students to enrol in their study programmes.
When you apply to an English-taught programme, you may need an English-language certificate, which proves you have enough knowledge to participate in classes, understand the textbooks, and complete your assignments. Some universities offer exemptions, for example based on previous study in English.
To pass an English test and obtain the language certificate, you might need to invest a lot of time and effort, depending on your current English level. That’s why you should start preparing and practising as soon as possible. It’s also wise to take the English exam early on, so you won’t miss the university application deadlines.
Below, we’ll go through some of the general information about the most popular English language certificates that are widely accepted around the world. This will help you understand their structure and scoring better, and you’ll be able to decide which exam to take before studying abroad (if your university accepts more than one exam).
Understand English language levels
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) divides learners into 6 different levels:
- A Basic Speaker
- A1: Breakthrough or beginner
- A2: Waystage or elementary
- B Independent Speaker
- B1: Threshold or intermediate
- B2: Vantage or upper intermediate
- C Proficient Speaker
- C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
- C2: Mastery or proficiency
For each level, there is a description of what the learner must be able to do in terms of reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Those descriptions apply to any language.
Universities set their own language requirements. Many English-taught degrees ask for B2 or C1, but the level and accepted test depend on the programme. A CEFR level alone does not tell you which certificate to book.
Most universities and colleges usually list the minimum English test score on their website or study pages. Always check what English test you need to pass and with what score to avoid having problems with your application later on.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL® is a very popular English certificate around the world. The TOEFL iBT is offered on a computer at authorised test centres. Its Paper Edition is no longer offered.
There is also an online version — TOEFL® iBT Home Edition — which can be taken from the comfort of your home.
Under ETS’s updated TOEFL format, introduced on 21 January 2026, allow approximately 2 hours for the test. It has 4 parts:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
During the entire test, you are interacting with a computer. In the first two parts, you read texts and listen to recordings about various topics and answer questions about the content. Reading and Listening now adapt to your level, so the number of questions and time can vary.
For the Speaking part, your answers are recorded. ETS uses AI scoring and trained raters to assess Speaking and Writing.
TOEFL’s score guidance explains the new 1–6 scale, in half-point steps. You receive four section scores and an overall score. During the two-year transition after January 2026, reports also include a comparable overall score on the old 0–120 scale.
The score you need depends on your programme, including any minimum for individual skills. Prices for TOEFL® iBT vary depending on where you take the exam. Check ETS’s local test fees before booking, rather than relying on an older country-price example.
The TOEFL certificate is valid for two years.
IELTS Academic
IELTS offers an Academic version of their test, designed for academic and professional environments.
Like TOEFL®, IELTS is one of the most popular English language tests in the world. IELTS is also accepted as language proof for certain work permits, as well as for immigration. IELTS Academic has 4 parts:
- Listening
- Academic Reading
- Academic Writing
- Speaking
They add up to a test duration of around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS is moving to computer delivery from mid-2026, with exact dates varying by market, according to the IELTS delivery update. Selected markets offer a Writing on Paper option. Computer-based means you take the exam using a computer at a test centre, not that you take it from home.
For a test-centre booking, follow the centre’s Speaking arrangements, which may use an examiner in person or by video call.
IELTS Online is the at-home version of IELTS Academic. It is available in selected countries to eligible adults. IELTS’scurrentOnlineguidance says to confirm acceptance with your institution; this version is not accepted for immigration or professional registration.
IELTS test results use a 0–9 grading scale. Check your programme’s overall and individual-skill requirements. Like TOEFL®, IELTS prices vary from one country to another; use the fee shown for your chosen location and test version.
IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years. Your institution decides whether it will accept an older result.
PTE Academic
The PTE Academic test has grown a lot in terms of popularity; an increasing number of universities accept it as relevant proof of English knowledge from aspiring international students.
The PTE Academic test assesses four skills across 3 sections:
- Speaking and Writing
- Reading
- Listening
PTE Academic takes about 2 hours to complete and is taken at a test centre. The earlier PTE Academic Online at-home option is no longer available: Pearson’scurrentPTEguidance states that PTE Academic cannot be taken at home.
Grades range between 10–90 on the Global Scale of English. Your programme sets its own minimum overall and skill scores.
Prices vary depending on the country where you take the exam. Check the amount in your Pearson booking account, including any local taxes, before paying.
The PTE certificate is valid for two years.
Read more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.
Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. It offers English language certificates for different language levels. Among the options are:
- B2 First - formerly known as FCE: First Certificate in English — is aimed at CEFR B2. It takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, as shown in Cambridge’s B2 First format.
- C1 Advanced - formerly known as CAE: Certificate in Advanced English — is aimed at CEFR C1 and is accepted by universities and other organisations worldwide. Cambridge’s C1 Advanced format takes around 4 hours to complete.
- C2 Proficiency - formerly known as CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English — is the most advanced of these exams, aimed at CEFR C2. Cambridge’s C2 Proficiencyformat takes around 4 hours to complete. TOEFL’s highest band, 6, also aligns with CEFR C2.
All 3 English exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) are divided into 4 parts:
- Reading and Use of English
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Cambridge certificates are accepted by universities and colleges worldwide. Check the exact qualification and score your chosen programme accepts.
Unlike many test results, Cambridge qualifications do not have an expiry date. However, universities and other organisations can set their own limit on the age of results.
If you passed a Cambridge exam several years ago, ask your university whether it accepts that result and whether it needs evidence that you have continued using English.
Other English tests and what to check
In addition to the certificates mentioned above, there are other English language tests you can look at. They serve different purposes, so check the exact test and version accepted for your application:
- EFSET: a free online test for checking your English level. Do not assume it can replace an admissions test unless your institution confirms this.
- Duolingo English Test: one of the easiest, most flexible ways to prove your English skills. It’s fast, affordable, and you can take it from your own room.
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
- Business English Certificate (BEC): Cambridge’s business exams remain available in China, but have been discontinued elsewhere.
- Integrated Skills in English exams (ISE)
Choose your test before you book
The golden rule before booking any English language test: always check if the university or organisation where you want to apply accepts that test.
Find Master’s degrees abroad or find Bachelor’s degrees abroad, then check the language requirements of the programmes on your shortlist.
