IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo in Algeria: Which English Test to Take
IELTS is the most widely accepted, TOEFL is popular in the US, and Duolingo is cheaper and online. Differences, costs, test centres in Algeria and target scores.
If you are in Algeria and need to prove your English for study abroad, the choice is usually between three tests: IELTS, the most widely accepted (UK, Australia, Canada, Europe) and run at approved centres in Algeria; TOEFL iBT, favoured by many US universities and available from home; and the Duolingo English Test, the cheapest and fastest, fully online but less widely recognised. Most universities ask for around IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate study and 6.5 to 7.0 for a master's, or the equivalent on the other tests. The golden rule: check the requirements of your target universities first, then pick the test.
What are the differences between IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo?
- IELTS Academic: four sections: Listening (about 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and a face-to-face Speaking test with an examiner (11 to 14 minutes). Scored from 0 to 9 in half bands, available on paper or on computer at a centre.
- TOEFL iBT: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing on computer in just under two hours; your speaking is recorded into a microphone rather than with an examiner. The classic score runs from 0 to 120, and ETS has announced a new 1 to 6 scale aligned with the CEFR, so check which format your university accepts.
- Duolingo English Test: an adaptive online test of about one hour whose difficulty adjusts to your answers. Scored from 10 to 160, with results usually within 48 hours.
If you feel more at ease talking to a person than to a microphone, IELTS will probably suit you better. If you type quickly and like digital formats, TOEFL may feel more comfortable.
Which countries and universities accept which test?
- UK and Ireland: IELTS is the standard. Some visa routes may require IELTS for UKVI specifically, so ask your university before booking.
- Australia, New Zealand and Canada: IELTS is widely accepted for universities and immigration; TOEFL is accepted by many universities.
- United States: TOEFL and IELTS are accepted almost everywhere, and a growing number of universities accept Duolingo.
- Europe (Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Turkey...): IELTS and TOEFL are generally accepted for English-taught programmes, Duolingo only by some.
- Visas and immigration: Duolingo is rarely accepted, so do not rely on it if your visa file requires a specific test.
Before paying anything, open the "English language requirements" page of every university on your list and write down the accepted tests, the overall score and the minimum per skill. Many applications fail because of one low Writing sub-score even when the overall score was high enough.
Where and how to take each test in Algeria
IELTS: run by the British Council in Algiers and other cities depending on sessions, and by IDP on certain dates. You book on the organiser's website, choose a date and a format (paper or computer), and bring a valid passport. Computer-delivered results arrive within a few days, paper-based results in about two weeks.
TOEFL iBT: at an authorised test centre when sessions are available, or via the Home Edition from your own room, with a computer, webcam, microphone, stable internet connection and a quiet space. You register through an account on the ETS website.
Duolingo English Test: entirely online from home, at any time, using a computer with a front-facing camera. The session is proctored and reviewed afterwards.
A practical hurdle for many Algerians is paying in foreign currency: TOEFL and Duolingo are usually paid with an international bank card, while local IELTS centres sometimes accept payment in dinars. Check payment options before you decide.
How much does each test cost?
- IELTS: typically the equivalent of roughly 200 to 270 US dollars, depending on the centre and format.
- TOEFL iBT: around 200 to 250 US dollars.
- Duolingo English Test: about 65 to 70 US dollars.
These figures are approximate and change with time and exchange rates, so confirm the current fee on the British Council, IDP, ETS and Duolingo websites before booking.
How to choose the right test
- 1List your target universities or programmes and cross out any test that is not accepted by all of them.
- 2Check the visa requirements of your destination country.
- 3Compare available test dates with your application deadlines, leaving room for a retake.
- 4Pick the format that suits you: speaking with an examiner (IELTS) or recording on a computer (TOEFL, Duolingo).
- 5If everything else is equal, Duolingo is the cheapest and IELTS the safest in terms of recognition.
An 8 to 12 week preparation plan
Start with a free level test to see where you stand on the CEFR scale; aiming for IELTS 6.5 usually requires a solid B2. Then:
- Weeks 1 to 3: learn the format, take a first mock test to identify weak points, and review core grammar and academic vocabulary.
- Weeks 4 to 8: practise one or two skills every day, write two essays a week for a teacher to correct, and practise speaking out loud with a timer.
- Weeks 9 to 12: one full mock test a week under real conditions, followed by careful error analysis.
Writing and Speaking are the two skills where outside feedback really matters. On Tadreasy you can find an English teacher who specialises in IELTS or TOEFL in your wilaya or online. Our guide to learning English online complements this plan.
Frequently asked questions
How long are IELTS and TOEFL scores valid? Usually two years from the test date, and most universities apply the same period to Duolingo.
What score equals IELTS 6.5 on the other tests? Roughly 79 to 93 on TOEFL iBT and 110 to 120 on Duolingo, but each university publishes its own conversion table.
Is my BAC-level English enough? Rarely. Most BAC holders are between A2 and B1, while B2 is often required, so plan a few months of preparation.
Can I retake just one section of IELTS? IELTS One Skill Retake is offered at some centres and for some formats only, so ask the British Council or IDP.
