English Test – Travel abroad today with this powerful guide
Confused about which English test will unlock your Japa dreams? Discover which exam—TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE—best matches your strengths.
Picture this: you dream of studying abroad, chasing a scholarship to a top university in the UK, the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia.
Your bags are mentally packed, your vision board is bursting with inspiration, and then—bam!—you hit a critical step: proving your English proficiency.
Your number one Japa doctor, Waka Waka Doctor, answered the most critical questions in this ultimate guide, using one of his friends as a case study.
“Which English test should I take?” she asked me, eyes wide with ambition. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE? If you’re standing at the same crossroads, let us take you on a journey to find the perfect fit for your global plans.
Each English test is a unique path to your destination, with its own quirks and perks. Let’s explore them like a traveller mapping out a new city.
TOEFL ibt: The Fast-Track English test
Imagine a test that feels like a sprint—focused, efficient, and fully online. That’s the TOEFL ibt. Clocking in at under two hours, it’s designed for academic settings, testing your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills with university-level content.
What makes it stand out? Real-time results, a blend of human and AI scoring to eliminate bias, and a price tag of around 220,000 Naira (a steal compared to others).
It’s accepted by over 13,000 institutions worldwide, making it a golden ticket to places like Harvard, Oxford, or the University of Melbourne.
This fully online format is surely a game-changer—no travel to a test centre, no waiting weeks for results. If your journey is all about efficiency and wide acceptance, the TOEFL might be your compass.
IELTS: The Classic Road Trip
IELTS is like a scenic drive—structured, reliable, and a bit more traditional. It takes about 2.75 hours and offers two flavours: Academic (for university hopefuls) and General Training (for work or migration).
The standout feature? A face-to-face speaking test with a human examiner can feel personal but nerve-wracking for some. It’s widely accepted, especially in the UK, Canada, and Australia, and results take about 13 days for paper-based tests or 3-5 days for computer-delivered ones.
For travelers who thrive on human connection, IELTS offers a grounded experience. But Ada hesitated here. If you’re confident in face-to-face settings and don’t mind a slightly longer process, IELTS could be your vibe.
PTE: The Tech-Savvy Shortcut
Then there’s PTE, the sleek, modern bullet train of English tests. Fully AI-scored, it delivers results in just two days—perfect for those racing against deadlines.
It’s the shortest of the trio, with bite-sized sections testing your speaking, writing, reading, and listening. But here’s the catch: while it’s gaining traction, PTE isn’t as universally accepted as TOEFL or IELTS, especially in some US institutions.
For digital nomads or tech lovers, PTE’s AI-driven approach feels futuristic and fast. If your destination accepts PTE and you’re craving quick results, this could be your express route.
So, which path did Ada choose? Can you take a guess?
Choosing between TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE is like picking the perfect travel itinerary—it depends on your style, timeline, and destination.
Are you craving speed and global reach? TOEFL’s your match. Love a personal touch and don’t mind a longer ride? IELTS has your name on it. Or maybe you’re a tech enthusiast with a tight schedule—PTE could be calling.
Wherever you’re headed, these tests are more than hurdles; they’re gateways to new horizons. So, which one will you choose to unlock your adventure? Let me know—I’m curious to hear your story!
