IELTS, TOEFL & Duolingo Score Comparison Table
Every university admissions page lists a score requirement. What most of them don't tell you is which score on one test actually equals which score on another. This table does that. It maps IELTS Academic band scores, TOEFL iBT scores (0–120 scale), and Duolingo English Test (DET) scores against CEFR levels - the international benchmark that ties them all together.
One important note before you use it: ETS introduced a new TOEFL 1–6 scoring scale in January 2026, replacing the old 0–120 scale. If you're taking TOEFL now, you'll receive scores on the new scale. Scores from tests taken before January 2026 remain valid for two years and will include an equivalent 0–120 score during the transition. Both scales are shown in the table below.
| CEFR Level | What It Means | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (0–120) | TOEFL iBT (1–6, from Jan 2026) | Duolingo DET (10–160) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | Elementary | 3.0–3.5 | Below 42 | Below 2.5 | 55–85 |
| B1 | Intermediate | 4.0–5.0 | 42–71 | 3.0–3.5 | 90–100 |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate | 5.5–6.5 | 72–94 | 4.0–4.5 | 100–115 |
| C1 | Advanced | 7.0–8.0 | 95–113 | 5.0–5.5 | 115–135 |
| C2 | Mastery | 8.5–9.0 | 114–120 | 6.0 | 140–160 |
Score ranges are approximate and based on official concordance data from ETS (TOEFL–CEFR mapping, updated 2024–2025), IELTS Partners (IELTS–CEFR mapping), and Duolingo's external validation study (Cardwell et al., 2024). Ranges overlap at boundaries by design - the tests measure slightly different constructs. Always verify requirements directly with your target institution.
What Each CEFR Level Actually Means for Test-Takers
A2 - Below most university thresholds
An A2 score on any of these tests means you're not yet at a level where academic study in English is realistic. Most universities require a minimum of B2 for undergraduate entry and won't consider applications below that threshold. If you're scoring here, the priority is general English work - grammar, reading, and vocabulary - before test-specific preparation makes any sense.
B1 - Foundation and pathway programs
B1 is the entry point for foundation and pre-sessional programs at many universities, particularly in the UK and Australia. It's not enough for direct undergraduate entry at most institutions, but it's a realistic target for pathway programs that feed into degree courses. On IELTS, a 4.5–5.0 is a common minimum for these routes.
B2 - The standard undergraduate entry level
B2 is where most undergraduate admissions requirements sit. An IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL 72–94, or DET 100–115 will get you past the language threshold at the majority of English-medium universities. Some programs with higher academic or professional demands - nursing, law, teacher training - set their minimum at C1 even for undergraduates. Always check the program page, not just the university homepage.
C1 - Competitive programs and postgraduate entry
Most postgraduate programs, including research-led MAs and PhDs, require C1 as a minimum. An IELTS 7.0 is the most common benchmark you'll see on graduate admissions pages. Top-tier programs at places like LSE, Oxford, or MIT often set requirements at 7.5 or higher. On the DET, 120–125 is broadly accepted as a C1 equivalent, though selective programs may request IELTS or TOEFL for the institutional credibility reasons described in our IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo comparison guide.
C2 - Near-native; rarely required
Very few programs formally require C2, but some professional certifications and elite academic programs in Europe use it as a benchmark. An IELTS 8.5–9.0 or TOEFL 114+ puts you here. On the DET, 140+ signals C2 proficiency. If your target institution accepts a 7.0 IELTS, there's no meaningful admissions benefit to scoring 9.0 - your time is better spent on your application materials.
What Score Does Your Program Actually Need?
| Program Type | Typical Minimum (IELTS / TOEFL / DET) |
|---|---|
| UK undergraduate (general) | IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / DET 105 |
| UK postgraduate (arts & social sciences) | IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 90–100 / DET 110–120 |
| UK postgraduate (medicine, law, education) | IELTS 7.0–7.5 / TOEFL 100–110 / DET 120+ |
| US undergraduate (mid-range university) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80 / DET 110 |
| US graduate school (research programs) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 / DET 120 |
| Australian undergraduate | IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 72–79 / DET 105–110 |
| Canadian university (undergraduate) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 86 / DET 110 |
These are typical minimums - not universal rules. Individual departments, faculties, and scholarship programs often set their own requirements that differ from the university default. The program admissions page is always the authoritative source.
How to Use This Table (And What It Won't Tell You)
The most useful thing this table does is let you work backwards. Start with your target program's requirement - say, IELTS 6.5 - find it in the IELTS column, then read across to see the equivalent TOEFL and DET scores. That tells you what you're actually aiming for regardless of which test you choose.
What the table can't tell you is which test to take. That decision depends on your destination country, visa requirements, and your own strengths as a test-taker. If you need help with that part, the IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo comparison guide covers it in detail.
One thing worth knowing: these are concordance approximations, not exact conversions. A TOEFL 90 and an IELTS 6.5 are considered equivalent by most admissions offices, but they don't measure English identically. A student who is strong in academic writing and weak in live speaking might score 90 on TOEFL but 6.0 on IELTS, or vice versa. The concordance reflects group-level statistical alignment, not individual performance prediction.
Not Sure Where You Currently Stand?
Before you start test prep, it's worth knowing your actual CEFR level - not where you think you are, but where a standardised assessment puts you. Most students preparing for IELTS or TOEFL discover their real bottleneck isn't test strategy; it's a specific skill gap that no amount of practice tests will fix without targeted work.
The English level tests on esl-tests.com give you a free CEFR baseline across reading, grammar, listening, and vocabulary. Take one before you commit to a prep plan.