Do some universities prefer TOEFL over IELTS or vice versa in UK/Canada?

Generally no, your university admissions team in the UK or Canada will accept either TOEFL or IELTS without favoring one brand. Your UK student visa process is the one place where IELTS pulls ahead, since Secure English Language Test rules make it the more straightforward option for visa sponsorship. Your Canadian application stays neutral throughout, so you can pick whichever test format plays to your strengths.

Where Each Test Has An Edge

How To Pick Between Them

• Check your specific university website to confirm both tests are explicitly listed as accepted
• If you are applying to the UK and need visa sponsorship, IELTS for UKVI is the safer default
• If you prefer a fully computer-based format, TOEFL iBT may suit you better than the face-to-face IELTS speaking section
• Focus on hitting the minimum score threshold rather than worrying which test brand looks better

My Advice

Pick your test based on your own strengths, not on a myth about university preference, since both UK and Canadian institutions genuinely accept either score. If your route runs through a UK student visa, take the IELTS for UKVI specifically rather than a standard IELTS or TOEFL, so you avoid a documentation headache later.