IELTS TOEFL PTE Duolingo comparison
Whether you’re applying to a university abroad or preparing for visa requirements, choosing the right English test is essential. This guide compares IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo to help you make an informed decision — based on availability in Nigeria, test format, fees, result times, and international acceptance.
Whether you’re applying to a university abroad or preparing for visa requirements, choosing the right English test is essential. This guide compares IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo to help you make an informed decision — based on availability in Nigeria, test format, fees, result times, and international acceptance.
Where Can You Take These Tests in Nigeria?
IELTS: Available in 20+ cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Uyo, Benin City.
TOEFL: Available in 8 cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Asaba, Enugu.
PTE: Offered in key cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan.
Duolingo: No test center needed — take it online from the comfort of your home.
Test Format & Duration
| Exam | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Paper or Computer | 2h 45 min |
| TOEFL | Computer / At-home | ~2 hours |
| PTE | Computer only | ~2h 15 min |
| Duolingo | Online (home-based) | ~1 hour |
Result Time
IELTS: 3 to 13 days
TOEFL: ~6 days
PTE: 1 to 2 days
Duolingo: 2 days (or 12 hrs with paid priority)
Speaking Section Format
IELTS: Face-to-face with a certified examiner
TOEFL: Recorded responses on computer
PTE: AI-evaluated spoken responses (via computer)
Duolingo: Spoken tasks + a video interview (no live examiner)
Use for Visa and Universities
IELTS: Accepted for study and immigration (UK, Canada, Australia)
TOEFL: Mostly accepted for university admissions (especially in the USA)
PTE: Accepted for both study and immigration (UK, Australia, Canada, NZ)
Duolingo: Accepted by many universities, not valid for visas
Each Test’s Standout Strength
✅ IELTS
Real Speaking, Real Interaction — Even Online
It’s the only test where you speak directly with a human examiner, even when taking the test online. This allows for natural interaction, follow-up questions, and a more personal communication experience — ideal for those who want to showcase real conversation skills.
✅ TOEFL iBT
Strongest Fit for U.S. Universities
TOEFL is widely preferred by American universities and is known for its academic content and integrated skill tasks, especially suitable for campus life and lecture-style English.
✅ PTE Academic
Fastest Results with 100% AI Scoring
PTE stands out for delivering results in 1–2 days and for using fully automated scoring — giving students a quick and bias-free testing experience.
✅ Duolingo English Test
Most Convenient and Affordable Option
Take it from home, anytime, for a fraction of the cost — it’s ideal for students who need speed, comfort, and flexibility without going to a test center.
Summary – Why Choose Each?
IELTS: Most widely accepted globally, includes in-person speaking, paper or computer options.
TOEFL: Ideal for U.S. schools, 100% computer-based, strong academic design.
PTE: Fastest result time, AI scoring, fully digital and widely accepted for immigration.
Duolingo: Most affordable, quick, and convenient – but limited to university use.
Not Sure Which English Exam to Take? Let Galaxy Guide You.
At Galaxy UniPrep, we don’t just register students — we prepare them for success.
We are official partners for IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL (ETS) in Nigeria.
Whether you’re planning to study abroad or apply for a visa, we offer:
✅ Personalized guidance to choose the right exam
✅ Official exam registration
✅ Expert-led preparation courses (online & in-person)
✅ Support with study abroad applications
📞 Get in touch today to find out which test fits your goals best and how we can support your journey.