IELTS or TOEFL? Discover the essential differences for Moroccan students. We compare formats, accents, and recognition to choose the best language test for your studies in the United Kingdom in 2025.

Introduction: The Key to English for the United Kingdom

To secure a place in a top British university, mastering English is the first condition for success. Institutions require a minimum score in a recognized language test, mainly IELTS or TOEFL. But as a Moroccan student aiming for the United Kingdom, which is the most strategic? This article compares the two exams to help you make the best decision according to your profile, your linguistic comfort, and your academic project.

1. Overview: IELTS and TOEFL

Characteristic	IELTS Academic	TOEFL iBT
Main Recognition	United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia	United States
Dominant Accent	British / International	American
Format	Fully computer-based	Fully computer-based
Approximate Duration	2h55	3h
Results	Band (from 1 to 9, often required between 6.0 and 7.5)	Score (from 0 to 120)

2. The Recognition Strategy for the United Kingdom

For a Moroccan student whose main destination is the United Kingdom, the question of recognition is essential.

The IELTS Advantage (International English Language Testing System) 🇬🇧

• Clear Preference: IELTS is by far the most popular test and the most often preferred by British universities. Some institutions, especially for visas, may specifically require the IELTS for UKVI version.
• Accent: The accent is mainly British or international, which corresponds better to the academic and daily environment you will experience in the United Kingdom.

The TOEFL Status (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 🇺🇸

• Conditional Acceptance: TOEFL is accepted by most British universities, but it is not always the first choice.
• Format and Accent: Its strongly American-oriented accent and format may be a disadvantage if you are not used to it.

Strategic Conclusion: If your target is only the United Kingdom, IELTS is the safest and most direct choice. If you hesitate between the United Kingdom and the United States, TOEFL could be a compromise, but always check the precise requirements of each targeted British university.

3. The Key Differences in Test Formats

The choice between the two tests also largely depends on your personal comfort with very different exam formats.

1. The Speaking Test

• IELTS: You are face-to-face with a real examiner (human) for a structured conversation. This format is often more comfortable for those who appreciate face-to-face interaction.
• TOEFL: You speak into a microphone, and your voice is recorded and sent for evaluation. The task is often more integrated (read, listen, then speak about the topic).

2. The Listening Test

• IELTS: Uses various accents (British, Australian, New Zealand, etc.). You answer questions while listening (often filling in blanks or annotating).
• TOEFL: Uses almost exclusively the American accent. The section is longer, and you can only take notes after listening to long passages.

3. The Writing Section

• IELTS: Two clear tasks: describe a graph or table (150 words) and write an argumentative essay (250 words).
• TOEFL: Two tasks, often more integrated and analytical: summarize and compare two sources, and write an argumentative response.

4. Our Recommendation: Make Your Decision

Your Profile	Recommended Test	Why?
Target United Kingdom Only	IELTS	Better local recognition, familiar accent, and more direct format.
More comfortable speaking	IELTS	The real conversational format is often perceived as less stressful.
More comfortable with computers	TOEFL	The 100% computerized format might suit you better.
Target UK and USA (Dual Option)	IELTS	IELTS is accepted by all American universities.

Prepare Your Test with Education Club

Choosing the test is only the first step. The most important thing is reaching the score required by your university! Education Club guides you for free through this crucial stage:

1. Strategic Guidance: We help you choose the test (IELTS or TOEFL) depending on the requirements of your target programs in the United Kingdom.
2. Targeted Preparation: We advise you on the best resources to optimize your score.
3. Admission File: We ensure that your score is submitted correctly and exactly matches your university’s criteria.

📩 Contact Education Club today for a free consultation! We will help you start your journey to the British university of your dreams.