Today, universities and colleges globally offer an extensive range of degree programs taught entirely in English, creating endless opportunities for international students to pursue their academic goals.
When submitting your university application, you will almost certainly be required to provide an official English language certificate. This serves as proof that you possess the necessary proficiency to succeed in lectures, engage with academic texts, and excel in your coursework.
Achieving a high score on an English proficiency exam requires dedication and strategic preparation tailored to your current language level. We recommend starting your practice early and scheduling your exam well in advance to ensure your results arrive before critical university application deadlines.
In this guide, we break down the most globally recognized English language certificates. Understanding the structure, format, and scoring systems of these exams will help you choose the right test to meet your university’s specific admission requirements.
Below are several top-tier universities that accept the primary English language certificates discussed in this article:
- , the US
- , Canada
- , the UK
- , the Netherlands
- , Germany
Language levels summary
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) categorizes English language learners into six distinct proficiency 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
Each CEFR level provides a standardized description of a learner's capabilities across four core competencies: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. These standards are universally applied across various language assessments.
Most international study programs require at least a B2 level of proficiency. However, competitive academic institutions or specialized fields like English Literature may mandate a higher level of mastery.
Always verify the minimum required test scores directly on your university's official admissions page. Confirming these details early helps prevent complications during your application process.
1. TOEFL®: Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a globally recognized certification. It is primarily administered as the computer-based TOEFL® iBT, though a paper-based alternative remains available in regions with limited internet access.
There is also a convenient online version — TOEFL® iBT Home Edition — which allows you to take the test securely from your own home.
The TOEFL® iBT is a 3-hour exam consisting of four sections. Each section is scored out of 30 points, resulting in a maximum total score of 120 points:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
The entire examination is conducted via computer. The initial two sections involve reading passages and listening to recordings on academic topics, followed by multiple-choice comprehension questions.
In the Speaking section, your responses are recorded, uploaded to a secure scoring network, and evaluated by a team of human examiners. The Writing section is similarly graded through this centralized scoring platform.
Most universities typically require a TOEFL® iBT score between 70 and 90. Some programs also mandate minimum scores for individual sections. Exam fees vary by location; for example, the test currently costs 205 USD in the US and 255 USD in Germany.
The TOEFL® certification is valid for a period of two years.
2. IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS offers an Academic version of their test, specifically tailored for higher education and professional environments.
Alongside TOEFL®, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world's most trusted proficiency exams. It is also widely accepted for international work visas and immigration purposes. The IELTS Academic test covers four primary sections:
- Listening
- Academic Reading
- Academic Writing
- Speaking
The total duration of the IELTS Academic test is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Academic is available in both computer-delivered and paper-based formats. It is important to note that the computer-delivered option must still be completed at an official test center, not from home.
Regardless of the format chosen, you must register and complete the exam at an official facility. Notably, the Speaking component remains a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner.
Students also have the option to register for IELTS Online, a variant of the Academic test that follows the exact same format and can be taken remotely, provided you meet the required technical specifications.
IELTS results are graded on a 0–9 scale. Most English-taught university programs require a score between 5.5 and 6.5. Costs for IELTS Academic fluctuate by region; for instance, the exam typically ranges from 215–240 USD in the US and 331–337 USD in Norway.
The IELTS certification is officially valid for two years.
3. PTE Academic: Pearson English Language Test
The PTE (Pearson Test of English) has surged in popularity, with an increasing number of universities accepting it as verified proof of English proficiency for international applicants.
Unlike the four-part structure of TOEFL®, IELTS, and Cambridge exams, the PTE Academic test is organized into three main sections:
- Speaking and Writing
- Reading
- Listening
The PTE Academic is a 2-hour exam and is also available in an online format, which may offer the convenience of taking the test from home under specific conditions.
PTE scores range from 10 to 90, aligned with the Global Scale of English. Most universities set minimum requirements between 50 and 60.
Examination fees vary globally; for example, the PTE Academic test costs roughly 235 USD in the US and 275 USD in Australia.
The PTE certification remains valid for two years.
Learn more about comparing these exams in our guide: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.
4. Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English Assessment (formerly University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations) provides non-profit, internationally recognized English certifications. They offer various exams, with the most common being:
B2 First
B2 First (formerly FCE): This exam corresponds to the B1–B2 proficiency range, roughly equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.5–6.5. It is a 3-hour and 30-minute test.
C1 Advanced
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE): Geared toward high-level C1–C2 proficiency (comparable to IELTS 6.5–8.0), this 4-hour exam is accepted by over 9,000 global institutions, particularly in the UK.
C2 Proficiency
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): The most advanced exam, mapped to the C2 level, signifies near-native fluency and exceeds the maximum scale of the TOEFL® test. It is a 4-hour exam.
Each of the three Cambridge English exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency) is composed of four distinct sections.
- Reading and Use of English
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
While Cambridge certificates are highly regarded, especially in the United Kingdom, they are generally less common for university admissions compared to TOEFL® and IELTS.
A unique advantage of Cambridge qualifications is that they do not have a formal expiry date. However, individual universities may choose not to accept results that are more than 2–3 years old.
If you can provide evidence of ongoing English usage since passing your Cambridge exam, you may still be considered. However, if your certificate is over 5 years old and you have rarely used the language since, institutions will likely request a newer assessment.
5. Other English language certificates
Beyond these primary tests, several other English proficiency exams exist. While they may have narrower recognition, some government agencies and select academic institutions accept them as valid proof.
- EFSET
- Duolingo English Test
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
- Business English Certificate (BEC)
- Integrated Skills in English exams (ISE)
The golden rule remains: always confirm with the admissions office of your target university or organization which specific English tests they accept before you pay for your exam registration.