IELTS or TOEFL for US Universities in 2026? Check Each School
A current, decision-focused comparison of IELTS and TOEFL for US applications, including the new TOEFL 1–6 score scale.
What this guide covers
Search answer
What this page helps you decide
A current, decision-focused comparison of IELTS and TOEFL for US applications, including the new TOEFL 1–6 score scale.
Focus
Quick answer
Includes
2026 update
Best for
Practical checklist
Next step
Related practice
- Scan the direct answer first.
- Check examples or score rules.
- Open the related practice page.
Step-by-step guide
## Does Harvard Accept IELTS? **Yes.** Harvard accepts IELTS with a minimum of 7
## Does Harvard Accept IELTS? **Yes.** Harvard accepts IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 overall
Harvard Kennedy School requires 7.5+
Harvard Kennedy School requires 7.5+
Harvard Medical School requires 7.5 overall
Harvard Medical School requires 7.5 overall
## Does Stanford Accept IELTS? **Yes.** Stanford accepts IELTS with 7.0 minimum
## Does Stanford Accept IELTS? **Yes.** Stanford accepts IELTS with 7.0 minimum
Stanford GSB (MBA) often requires higher (7.5+)
Stanford GSB (MBA) often requires higher (7.5+)
Quick answer: Choose the test accepted by every programme on your shortlist and better suited to your strengths. There is no single IELTS or TOEFL minimum for “US universities.”
Check acceptance before comparing formats
Open each programme's current admissions page and record the accepted test versions, overall minimum, section minimums, validity window, online-test policy, superscore policy, and score-reporting deadline. Graduate schools and departments can differ within the same university.
Current score scales
- TOEFL iBT: tests from 21 January 2026 report four section scores and an overall score from 1 to 6 in half-point increments. ETS also provides a comparable 0–120 overall estimate for a two-year transition period.
- IELTS: reports Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and overall bands from 0 to 9, including half bands.
Do not use a third-party conversion as a substitute for the score printed on your official report or the university's published rule.
Format considerations
Compare the current official task types, test length, speaking delivery, note-taking demands, test-centre availability, fee, and result timing in your location. TOEFL changed substantially in January 2026, so older “four Speaking tasks/two Writing tasks” comparisons are obsolete.
Decision checklist
- Make a programme-by-programme acceptance table.
- Try an official sample from each test.
- Choose based on fit, availability, and preparation evidence—not a claim that one test is universally easier.
- Re-check requirements before booking and again before sending scores.
For current TOEFL scoring, see ETS Understanding Your Scores. For IELTS format and scoring, use IELTS Academic test format and the receiving university's admissions page.