Nate from Nomad Credit explains the basic differences between the IELTS and the TOEFL non-native English speaker proficiency tests for international students.

International students on an F1 visa or J1 visa coming to study in the U.S. will likely need to take one or the other before coming to school in the U.S.
Both tests look at four skills: Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening.
The IELTS is more focused on educational, immigration and occupational based purposes of English whereas the TOEFL is more focused on academic, university and classroom based purposes.
The IELTS is created and administered by a UK institution, and thus is somewhat preferred by UK universities.

The TOEFL is created and administered by a US institution, and thus is somewhat preferred by US universities.

However, both are accepted by thousands of universities and other educational institutions around the world and likely either one would be fine. Please research the universities you are considering to see which test they will accept.

If you have any additional questions about the IELTS and the TOEFL tests, please let us know in the comments below!

Nomad Credit is a great option for international students on an F1 visa or J1 visa to search for the financial products they need. We can help H1B visa holders find what they may need, too. For those international students needing an education loan or study loan to help fund their studies in the US, please visit us at nomadcredit.com. We also can help you find student medical insurance options. We are more than happy to help and if you have any questions about international student loans, please email us at help@nomadcredit.com.