Pick by destination, not by reputation:

  • USA: TOEFL or IELTS. Both fine; TOEFL is slightly more familiar to admissions offices.
  • UK: IELTS, or IELTS for UKVI where the visa requires it. PTE accepted widely too.
  • Canada: IELTS or PTE for admission. Duolingo works for the offer letter, not for PR.
  • Australia: IELTS or PTE dominate.
  • Germany: IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs.
  • Budget pick: Duolingo at around $59, where accepted. Speed pick: PTE with 48-hour results.

Any English proficiency exam works if your target universities accept it. The exam is a gate, not a ranking: admissions checks the box, then moves on. Check the admissions page first and the test second. The wrong test is a $200 donation to the testing company. Sources: IELTS, TOEFL Test yourself before test day: TestReady mock tests with daily streaks.

The best English proficiency test for university admission is the one your shortlist accepts; check before you book.