IELTS, CU-TEP and TOEIC in short
There is no official table that turns a CU-TEP or TOEIC score into an IELTS band. Each test is built for a different job, and each organisation decides which scores it treats as equal. What you can do is compare them through the CEFR, the European scale that IELTS and TOEIC both map to, and look at how a university lists them side by side. For every IELTS band and what it means, see IELTS band scores explained.
- Through the CEFR: IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 is B2, which matches TOEIC Listening 400 and Reading 385 or above. IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 is C1, which matches TOEIC Listening 490 and Reading 455 or above.
- Chulalongkorn's Graduate School lists CU-TEP 45, TOEFL 450 and IELTS 4.0 as the same level, and CU-TEP 67, TOEFL 525 and IELTS 5.5 as the same level.
- TOEIC Listening and Reading and the standard CU-TEP do not test speaking, and neither has you write your own text. IELTS tests all four skills, so a good score in one does not promise the same band in IELTS.
Estimate your IELTS band directly
Take the free 13 minute level test. You get an estimated band for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, then a study plan built around your scores. No sign up needed.
IELTS and TOEIC compared through the CEFR
A quick summary using each test maker's own figures. Approximate: the scales do not line up exactly.
IELTS ranges for B2, C1 and C2 come from IELTS, and the B1 range from IDP. IELTS says band 5 sits on the border of B1 and B2, so treat B1 as approximate. TOEIC figures are the minimum Listening and Reading scores ETS gives for each level, out of 495 each. ETS says they are guidelines, not cut scores, and does not map TOEIC Listening and Reading to C2.
CU-TEP, TOEFL and IELTS as Chulalongkorn's Graduate School lists them
These are the Graduate School's own rules for extra English courses, not an official conversion. Below CU-TEP 30 (master's) or 45 (doctorate) you are not accepted.
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 400
- IELTS
- 3.0
- What it means at Chula
- Master's: the minimum to be accepted, with two extra English courses
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 425
- IELTS
- 3.5
- What it means at Chula
- Master's: one extra English course instead of two
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 450
- IELTS
- 4.0
- What it means at Chula
- Master's: no extra English course
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 450
- IELTS
- 4.0
- What it means at Chula
- Doctorate: the minimum to be accepted, with two extra English courses
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 500
- IELTS
- 5.0
- What it means at Chula
- Doctorate: one extra course (thesis writing) instead of two
- TOEFL (PBT/ITP scale)
- 525
- IELTS
- 5.5
- What it means at Chula
- Doctorate: no extra English course
From the Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, checked 2 November 2026. Rules can change for each intake. The Graduate School does not name the TOEFL version; these figures fit the paper based scale. Faculties and international programmes often ask for more, so check your programme's own requirement.
What each test measures, and who uses it
The three tests answer different questions, which is why their scores never convert neatly.
- IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, scored from band 0 to 9. You write two texts and speak with an examiner. Universities, employers and visa offices around the world use it. The IELTS band scores guide explains how each band is worked out.
- CU-TEP: Chulalongkorn University's English test. It has three multiple choice parts: Listening (30 points), Reading (60 points) and Writing (30 points), where writing means spotting grammar and sentence errors. Chula and other Thai universities use it, mostly for admission to graduate study. Chula also runs a separate CU-TEP & Speaking version.
- TOEIC Listening and Reading: an ETS test of workplace English, with Listening and Reading each scored out of 495, so 990 in total. Many companies in Thailand use it when they hire. It does not test speaking or writing.
Key insight
A strong CU-TEP or TOEIC score shows you understand English well. It says little about the two skills that hold most Thai learners back in IELTS: Writing and Speaking.
How to choose the right test
Start from where the score is going, not from the test you already have.
- 1Step 1
Check exactly which tests your goal accepts
Read the English requirement on the university, scholarship, employer or visa page. Many Thai graduate programmes accept CU-TEP, TOEFL or IELTS. Universities and visas abroad usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL, and rarely accept CU-TEP or TOEIC.
- 2Step 2
Use the score they list, not a conversion
If a programme lists both a CU-TEP and an IELTS score, those are its own equivalents. Aim for the one you will take, and ignore conversion tables from other sources.
- 3Step 3
If you need IELTS, find your real starting band
Your CU-TEP or TOEIC score is only a rough guide to your IELTS band, because IELTS also tests Writing and Speaking. The free 13 minute level test gives you an estimated band for all four skills.
- 4Step 4
Plan the gap
Compare your estimated band with the score you need, then plan the study time between now and your test date. If you are not sure whether you need Academic or General Training, read IELTS Academic vs General Training first.
Turn your target into a study plan
Enter your scores (or your level test results), your target band and your test date. You get a day-by-day plan with the exact lessons, drills and mock tests to do.
About 1 minute · No sign up needed.
Don't know your level? Take the free 13-minute testStep 1 of 6
What band do you need?
Your overall IELTS target.
IELTS, CU-TEP and TOEIC: frequently asked questions
Is there an official CU-TEP to IELTS conversion?
Not one that applies everywhere. Some universities list CU-TEP and IELTS scores they treat as equal. For example, Chulalongkorn's Graduate School lists CU-TEP 67 alongside IELTS 5.5. Use the figures your own programme gives.
What IELTS score is TOEIC 785?
There is no official conversion. ETS gives Listening 400 and Reading 385 as the minimum for B2, and IELTS gives B2 as 5.5 to 6.5. A total of 785 only reaches B2 if Listening is at least 400 and Reading at least 385. ETS says these figures are guidelines, not fixed cut scores, and TOEIC does not test Writing or Speaking.
Is IELTS harder than TOEIC?
They test different things. TOEIC Listening and Reading is multiple choice about workplace English. IELTS also asks you to write two texts and speak with an examiner, which most Thai learners find harder than the receptive skills.
What is the full score of CU-TEP?
CU-TEP has three parts: Listening (30 points), Reading (60 points) and Writing (30 points), which adds up to 120.
Does CU-TEP test speaking?
The standard CU-TEP doesn't: it tests listening, reading and writing (grammar and error spotting). Chula also runs a separate CU-TEP & Speaking version, so check which one your programme asks for.
Can I use CU-TEP or TOEIC to study abroad?
Usually not. Universities and visas abroad mostly ask for IELTS or TOEFL. CU-TEP is mainly accepted by Thai universities, and TOEIC mainly by employers. Always check the requirement page before you book.
What CEFR level is my IELTS score?
IELTS gives B2 as 5.5 to 6.5, C1 as 7.0 to 8.0 and C2 as 8.5 and above. Band 5 is on the border of B1 and B2. IELTS says this is a guide, not an exact match.
Should I take CU-TEP or IELTS?
Take the one your goal accepts. If you only need a Thai graduate programme that accepts CU-TEP, it may be enough. If you might study or work abroad later, IELTS is accepted far more widely.
How can I find my IELTS band without taking the real test?
Take a free level test for a quick estimate, then a full mock test for a full length band score, much closer than a short test. The ClayLingua level test takes 13 minutes and covers all four skills.
Know your IELTS band in 13 minutes
Take the free level test, then get a day-by-day plan to reach the score your goal asks for.
Sources
- IELTS: IELTS and the CEFR. C1 and C2 thresholds, band 5 on the B1 and B2 border, and how to use the comparison
- IELTS: Everything you need to know about IELTS and the CEFR. IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 as B2 and 7 to 8 as C1
- ETS: Mapping the TOEIC tests on the CEFR. Minimum TOEIC Listening and Reading scores for each CEFR level
- Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University: English score requirements. CU-TEP, TOEFL and IELTS scores listed side by side for master's and doctoral students
- Chulalongkorn Language Institute: English courses for graduate students. The same CU-TEP, TOEFL and IELTS bands, and the courses each one requires
- Chulalongkorn University Academic Testing Center. CU-TEP tests listening, reading and writing
- Chulalongkorn University Academic Testing Center: tests offered. CU-TEP and the separate CU-TEP & Speaking test
- IDP IELTS: IELTS and CEFR levels. IELTS 4.0 to 5.0 as B1
- Prapphal, K.: English Proficiency of Thai Learners and Directions of English Teaching and Learning in Thailand. CU-TEP parts and points: Listening 30, Reading 60, Writing 30
