IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo? Choosing Your English Test

Most scholarships and universities abroad require proof of English proficiency, even if you studied in English at a Pakistani university. Choosing the right test early can save you money and stress. This guide compares the main options, explains typical score requirements and covers when a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or waiver might be enough.

The main tests at a glance

Test	Format	Widely accepted for	Points to consider
IELTS Academic	Paper or computer, at a test centre; speaking with an examiner	UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, many scholarships	The safest all-round choice; required for some visas (check whether you need "IELTS for UKVI")
TOEFL iBT	Computer-based, at a centre or at home	USA (very widely), Europe, Asia	Strongly preferred by many US universities; check whether the home edition is accepted
PTE Academic	Computer-based, AI-scored	UK, Australia, New Zealand, increasingly elsewhere	Fast results; acceptance varies, especially for scholarships
Duolingo English Test (DET)	Online, at home, about an hour	Many US and some UK, Canadian and European universities	Convenient and usually cheaper; less widely accepted by government scholarships and embassies

Test fees change frequently. Check the current fee on the official sites: IELTS (British Council Pakistan), IELTS (IDP), TOEFL (ETS), PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test.

What scores do scholarships ask for?

Scores vary by programme, so treat these as general patterns, not rules:

• Competitive master's and PhD programmes in the UK and Europe often ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, and higher (7.0 or more) for law, medicine, journalism and some social sciences.
• US graduate programmes often set TOEFL iBT minimums somewhere around the high 70s to around 100, with top programmes expecting more.
• Undergraduate programmes commonly ask for IELTS around 6.0 to 6.5, or the TOEFL or Duolingo equivalent.
• Government scholarships may set their own minimums. For example, Chevening asks you to meet your university's English requirement rather than setting a separate one at application stage, while some other programmes require a score before you apply.

Always check:

• The overall score and the minimum in each section (many applicants fail only on writing).
• Whether the scholarship requires the score at application or only before the course starts.
• How recent the test must be. Most scores are valid for two years.

How to choose the right test

1. List every university and scholarship you plan to apply to, and note which tests each accepts.
2. Pick the test accepted by all or most of them. IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT are usually the safest choices for scholarship applicants.
3. Consider your strengths. Some people find IELTS speaking (face-to-face) easier; others prefer TOEFL's fully computer-based format.
4. Think about visas. For UK study at degree level, universities can often assess English themselves, but for pre-sessional or below-degree courses you may need a UKVI-approved test. Check the UK government guidance.
5. Use Duolingo strategically. It can be a good choice for US undergraduate applications and some UK universities, but confirm acceptance by every scholarship on your list before relying on it.

Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates and waivers

Many Pakistani universities teach in English and will issue an MOI certificate (sometimes called an English proficiency letter) confirming that your degree was taught and examined in English.

When an MOI might work:

• Some universities in the UK, Europe (including some German, Hungarian and Turkish programmes), China, Korea and Malaysia accept an MOI from Pakistani universities, particularly for master's and PhD applicants.
• Some scholarships allow MOI as an alternative, or accept it at application and require a test later.
• Some universities offer waivers based on previous study in English plus an interview.

When it usually won't work:

• Many competitive scholarships and top universities require a recognised test score, regardless of MOI.
• Visa applications sometimes need a specific test.
• US universities often require TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo, though some grant waivers; check each programme.

Practical tip: Request an MOI certificate from your university's examinations or registrar's office early. It costs little and may save you from a test for some applications. But plan to take a test anyway if any of your top choices requires one.

Preparing effectively

• Take a diagnostic test first, using official free practice materials.
• Focus on your weakest section. For many Pakistani candidates this is writing (task structure, coherence) or speaking (fluency, not accent).
• Study for six to eight weeks for a moderate improvement; more if your target is far above your current level.
• Use official materials: British Council, IDP, ETS and Duolingo all provide free or low-cost practice.
• Join a speaking group or practise with friends. Record yourself and listen back.
• Leave time for a retake. Book your first attempt at least two months before your first deadline.

Other tests you may need

• SAT or ACT for US undergraduate admissions (requirements vary by university).
• GRE or GMAT for some US graduate programmes and business schools; many have made them optional.
• Language tests for non-English programmes, such as TÖMER for Türkiye, TOPIK for Korea, JLPT for Japan or HSK for China, usually after arrival as part of your scholarship.

Key takeaways

• IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are the safest choices for most scholarship applicants.
• Duolingo is convenient but less widely accepted by government scholarships; check first.
• Check both overall scores and section minimums, and when the score is due.
• Request an MOI certificate early, but do not rely on it for competitive scholarships.
• Book your test at least two months before your first deadline and check current fees on official sites.