> A simple guide for Indonesian students and young professionals.

“Should I take TOEFL or IELTS?”

“What even is TOEIC?”

“Which one will help me get that scholarship… or that job?”

If you have ever asked these questions, you are not alone. Many students and young professionals in Indonesia feel confused when it comes to choosing the right English test. And with so many options available, it's easy to get lost. However, don’t worry. This article will help you understand which English test suits your goals.

Let’s break it down together!

First, What Are These English Tests, and Why Do They Matter?

TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC all measure your English skills, but each test serves different purposes.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

Focuses on academic English, such as, reading textbooks, writing essays, and listening to lectures. TOEFL is often used for university admissions, especially in the USA and Canada.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

Comes in two versions: Academic and General Training. Academic is for studying abroad, while General is for working or migrating abroad (the UK, Australia, and/or Europe). IELTS also includes a real face-to-face speaking test with an examiner, something that is not required in TOEFL or TOEIC.

• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication):

Focuses more on business and workplace English (emails, office conversations, reports). It is often used by companies in Asia for job applications. Some multinational companies in Indonesia also use this type of test for screening candidates.

How to Choose Which Test to Take? (For Indonesian Students & Professionals)

• • If you want to study abroad

○ Are you planning to study in America or Canada? → Choose TOEFL iBT.

○ Are you planning to study in the UK, Australia, or Europe? → Go with IELTS Academic.

○ Do you want to apply for scholarships like LPDP or Chevening? → They usually ask for IELTS Academic.

If you are still in college and preparing ahead, even if you are not applying for anything, it is smart to prepare early.

Take the test in your final year or before you apply for:

• Student exchange programs

• Scholarships

• Master’s degree abroad

TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years, so you will have time.

• If you are looking for a job

○ Applying to a multinational company in Indonesia? → TOEIC is usually enough.

○ Applying to work abroad? → Consider IELTS General or TOEFL iBT, depending on the country.

○ Some companies may include the TOEIC test in their recruitment process.

A good English test score helps your CV stand out and show you're ready to work in a global environment. 

• If You Want to Migrate to an English-Speaking Country

○ Planning to live or work in Australia, the UK, Canada, or New Zealand? → Take IELTS General Training.

○ Applying for PR (Permanent Residency) or a skilled visa? → IELTS General is also the standard requirement.

Pro Tips Before You Choose:

✅Check the official requirements from your university, scholarship, or company.

✅ Try a sample test from each to see which one fits your style.

✅Register early to get your preferred test date and location.

Final Recommendation:

• Study in the USA/Canada? → Take TOEFL iBT

• Study in the UK/Australia/Europe? → Take IELTS Academic

• Apply for LPDP or Chevening? → Take IELTS Academic

• Work in Indonesia (multinational companies)? → Take TOEIC

• Work or migrate abroad? → Take IELTS General Training

Choosing the right English test doesn’t have to be stressful, think about your goals, your destination, and your timeline. Once you’re clear about where you’re going, the right test will naturally follow.

Whether you need to take IELTS or TOEFL, proper preparation makes all the difference. At LIA Depok, our dedicated IELTS and TOEFL preparation classes are designed to equip you with the strategies, skills, and confidence you need to succeed.

Classes fill up quickly, so contact us today and take one step closer to your global goals.

(Side note: What About TOEFL PBT?)

The old TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) is no longer used for international admissions. Most universities now accept TOEFL iBT.

You might still hear about TOEFL ITP (another paper-based version), but it’s usually only used for local or internal assessments. It’s not accepted for studying abroad or immigration.