IELTS score requirements for Saudi scholarships – English GoIELTS featured image with Saudi passport and IELTS test report

What Is the Difference Between IELTS and STEP, and Which Is Better?

November 3, 2026 - كتب بواسطة

Article Summary

● The STEP-to-IELTS equivalency is not a single official conversion that can be used in place of an IELTS certificate. Some Saudi universities publish tables matching STEP and IELTS scores for specific admission or exemption purposes, and the values may differ from one university to another. The final reference is therefore the requirements of the institution you are applying to.
● STEP does not measure speaking or extended writing at all and relies on multiple-choice questions, whereas IELTS measures all four skills with equal weight, 25% each.
● IELTS partners recommend using its result within two years of the test date, subject to the receiving institution's policy, while the usual validity of STEP is three years, and requirements for how recent a result must be may vary.
● STEP is used by Saudi institutions for admission, employment, or language exemptions depending on each institution's policy, while IELTS is accepted by many international institutions for study and other purposes depending on the type of test and the score. Do not assume that either one will be accepted without checking the requirements of the program, job, or visa.
● The question is not which one is easier but where you will use the result; the deciding difference is international recognition, not the difficulty of the questions.

The difference between IELTS and STEP comes down to this: IELTS is an international test recognized in more than 140 countries for study and immigration, while STEP is a local Saudi test from Qiyas that is used for universities and jobs inside the Kingdom only. Choose the test based on what the institution you are applying to accepts, not only on whether your goal is local or international. If you are wondering, “What is a STEP score equivalent to in IELTS?”, the answer depends on the purpose of the comparison and the institution receiving the result. Below you will find documented examples from Saudi university tables, along with an explanation of why they cannot be relied on to predict your IELTS score or to replace an IELTS certificate. In this guide, we explain 7 differences in detail, with a comparison table of the two tests, university examples of STEP and IELTS score matching, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Where do you stand in IELTS? Find out before you register

GoIELTS gives you a real mock test and determines your level accurately — before you pay the exam fee

Find your level now

Join 10,000+ students

What Is the Difference Between IELTS and STEP?

  • Administering body: IELTS is administered by three international organizations (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English), while STEP is administered by a single local body, Qiyas.
  • Test location: IELTS is available at more than 4,000 centers around the world, in person or online, while STEP is held only in Saudi cities through accredited Qiyas centers.
  • Scoring system: The IELTS score is calculated on a Band scale from 0 to 9, while the STEP score is calculated out of 100 points with different weights for each section (Reading 40%, Structure 30%, Listening 20%, Compositional Analysis 10%).
  • Result validity: IELTS partners recommend relying on the result within two years of the test date, while the decision to accept older results remains with the receiving institution. The usual validity of STEP at the Saudi institutions that publish it is three years, and some programs may require a more recent result.
  • Scope of recognition: IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 educational and professional institutions around the world, while STEP is recognized only within Saudi universities and institutions.

Table Showing the Difference Between the IELTS and STEP Tests

Here is a quick comparison to help you understand the difference between STEP and IELTS:

Comparison IELTS STEP
Administering body British Council, IDP, Cambridge Education and Training Evaluation Commission (Qiyas)
Purpose and use Studying abroad, immigration, and international employment Local university admission, and jobs and promotions inside Saudi Arabia
Skills covered Listening – Reading – Writing – Speaking Listening – Reading – Structure – Compositional Analysis
Test location The test is taken at official international test centers around the world, including more than 4,000 centers in more than 140 countries. Held locally inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only, and administered by the National Center for Assessment (Education and Training Evaluation Commission – Qiyas).
Scoring system 0–9 (Band) 0–100 points
Recognition International, in more than 140 countries. Local, inside Saudi Arabia only
Certificate validity Two years Three years – you can view the source here

Equivalency Between IELTS Scores and STEP Scores

How much is your IELTS score equal to in STEP?

Many people search for the STEP-to-IELTS equivalency, or for “What is IELTS equal to in STEP?”, or for how to convert from IELTS to STEP, in order to know whether their scores are accepted at universities and official institutions inside Saudi Arabia.

Some Saudi universities publish tables matching STEP and IELTS scores for specific admission or exemption purposes; these are not a single official conversion between the two tests. Therefore, check the requirements of the receiving institution before relying on any table.

STEP-to-IELTS Equivalency Table: An Example from a Saudi University (Not a General Conversion)

The tables published by some Saudi universities show the IELTS and STEP scores they accept for specific purposes. The following table is an example from the University of Jeddah’s postgraduate programs admission guide for 2026/1447 AH, and it is not a single official equivalency between the two tests.

IELTS STEP in the University of Jeddah guide
3.0 52
3.5 56
4.0 60
4.5 64
5.0 67
5.5 75
6.0 83
6.5 97

Note: These values are taken from the language levels table in the University of Jeddah guide for the stated cycle, and they do not mean that someone who obtained a STEP score of 75 will necessarily achieve IELTS 5.5 when taking the test. Your university may adopt a different table or require a specific test.

Why Does the STEP and IELTS Equivalency Differ Between Universities?

Because a university may use a score table to determine eligibility for admission, exemption from a language course, or placement of a student in a study level, and these purposes are different from predicting the actual IELTS score. For example, the University of Jeddah guide places IELTS 5.5 against STEP 75, while the Saudi Electronic University announced, in the context of course equivalency for some majors, that it accepts IELTS Academic 5.5 or STEP 83. Therefore, do not carry an equivalency figure from one university to another before checking the program, the purpose, and the year.

The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Detail

We will look at the difference between IELTS and STEP in terms of the administering bodies and the purpose, the skills of each test, the test location and scoring system, which one is recognized internationally and locally, and finally the difference in the validity period of each test.

1. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of the Administering Body

  • The IELTS test: It is administered internationally by three main bodies: the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English.
  • The STEP test: It is a local test offered through the Saudi Education and Training Authority, known as the Qiyas Center (National Center for Assessment in Higher Education). It was designed specifically to suit local and cultural needs, and it seeks to avoid linguistic or cultural bias by being designed by language experts from inside the Kingdom.

2. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of Purpose and Use

  • The IELTS test: It is used worldwide for multiple purposes such as university admission abroad, immigration to English-speaking countries, and international employment.
  • The STEP test: It is intended for local use inside Saudi Arabia, and universities require it as part of their admission requirements. It is also used for government and academic employment and promotions inside the Kingdom.

3. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of the Skills Each Test Covers

The STEP-to-IELTS equivalency depends on the level of general language skills, not only on the similarity of the questions or the test format.

The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Skills

  • The IELTS test: It measures the level of the student or applicant in four core skills:
    • The Listening skill, which makes up 25% of the total score.
    • The Reading skill, which makes up 25% of the total score.
    • The Writing skill, which makes up 25% of the total score.
    • The Speaking skill, which makes up 25% of the total score.
  • The STEP test: It consists of four components:
    • Reading Comprehension, which makes up 40% of the total score.
    • Grammar and Sentence Structure (Structure), which makes up 30% of the total score.
    • Listening Comprehension, which makes up 20% of the total score.
    • Compositional Analysis, which makes up 10% of the total score.

Note: STEP relies on objective questions and does not include a Speaking interview or the production of an extended essay like the one measured by IELTS Writing. Therefore, a student may achieve a high score in STEP and still need separate training in speaking and writing when preparing for IELTS; and their score in these two skills cannot be inferred from the STEP number alone.

4. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of Test Location

The IELTS test:

  • The test is taken at official international test centers spread around the world, including more than 4,000 centers in more than 140 countries.
  • IELTS can be taken at an accredited test center, and there is also a remote IELTS Online version of IELTS Academic in eligible locations. However, IELTS Online is currently not accepted for immigration purposes, and the educational institution itself may not accept it; so check with the receiving institution before booking. Since mid-2026, a gradual phase-out of the standard paper-based test has begun, depending on the market, while the computer-delivered test continues, along with special options in some markets.
  • The booking system is flexible, allowing you to choose the center and the date that suit you through the official website, such as the British Council or IDP.

The STEP test:

  • It is held locally inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only, and is administered by the National Center for Assessment (Education and Training Evaluation Commission – Qiyas).
  • You can book through the Qiyas website, where you choose the city and the center nearest to you, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and others, depending on availability.
  • Specific dates are usually announced, and the platform shows an interactive map that makes choosing and booking easier.

5. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of the Scoring System

  • The IELTS test: The score is given on a scale from 0 to 9, with rounding to a whole or half band (for example: 6.5 or 7).
  • The STEP test: The score is rated from 0 to 100, and the overall result is calculated based on the weight of each section in the total assessment.

Read more about understanding IELTS scores for each skill

6. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of International and Local Recognition

  • The IELTS test: It is recognized worldwide and accepted by more than 12,000 educational and professional institutions around the world, in more than 140 countries.
  • The STEP test: It is recognized inside Saudi Arabia and is used at Saudi universities and some local institutions, but it has limited acceptance internationally.

7. The Difference Between IELTS and STEP in Terms of the Validity Period of Each Test

  • The IELTS test: IELTS partners recommend relying on the result within two years of the test date, while the decision to accept older results remains with the receiving institution. Read more about the validity period of the IELTS test.
  • The STEP test: The usual validity of the result is three years from the test date at the institutions that publish it, and some programs may require a more recent result.

IELTS Speaking shouldn’t scare you

GoIELTS listens to you, evaluates you, and tells you exactly what you need to improve — with advanced technology

Try Speaking now

No bank card needed

What Are the IELTS Test and the STEP Test? And Which Should You Choose?

Which should you choose, STEP or IELTS?

What Is the IELTS Test?

The IELTS test is an international test administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English at the University of Cambridge, and it is accepted by thousands of universities and companies around the world. It measures four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and it is scored on a scale from 0 to 9.

What Is the STEP Test?

A local Saudi test administered by Qiyas, which aims to assess the language proficiency of students and employees inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It consists of multiple-choice questions in reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. It is scored out of 100.

Also read: What Is the EmSAT Equivalent to in IELTS, and Which Is Best for You

When Do I Need the STEP Test, and When Do I Need the IELTS Test?

If you are unsure which to choose, IELTS or STEP, it does not depend on which is the easier STEP or IELTS test, but on your goal (local or international):

When Is the STEP Test Preferable?

The STEP test is an excellent option if your goal is:

  • Admission to a university program inside Saudi Arabia: Some programs accept a STEP result as proof of language sufficiency, but the required score differs by university, major, and study level.
  • Exemption from a language course: A university may accept STEP or IELTS to exempt a student from a specific course. For example, in 2026 the Saudi Electronic University announced that it accepts STEP 83 or IELTS Academic 5.5 for English course equivalency in some majors. This is an example of an exemption policy, not a general equivalency between the two tests.

In general, STEP is the national test accepted inside Saudi Arabia, and it is often the easiest and most suitable option for resident students and local study.

When Is the IELTS Test Preferable?

It is preferable to use the IELTS test in the following cases:

Before booking, make sure of the type of test required; university study often requires IELTS Academic, while immigration requirements vary by country and pathway. You can review the difference between General and Academic IELTS to determine the suitable version, then refer to the requirements of the receiving institution.

  • Studying abroad: The IELTS test is a basic requirement for admission to universities around the world, as most English-language academic institutions such as those in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require an IELTS score as a standard for assessing language proficiency.
  • As part of immigration or visa procedures: IELTS is used in international immigration systems as proof of English proficiency, and it is a key factor in applications for immigration or for obtaining work and study visas in a number of English-speaking countries.
  • For admission to scholarship programs or international scholarships: Many Saudi scholarship programs or international scholarships require a specific IELTS score, and a higher IELTS score may be a better opportunity for many scholarships abroad.
  • For employment at multinational companies or international entities: International organizations use the IELTS certificate as a measure of employees’ language communication skills, which enhances employment and promotion opportunities in international work environments.
  • To achieve an international lifestyle or multiple future opportunities: The IELTS certificate lets you easily apply for study, work, and immigration at the same time, thanks to its wide acceptance by more than 12,000 educational and professional institutions around the world.

Read more about the IELTS scores required for immigration

Are you going to take IELTS and make mistakes — without knowing why?

GoIELTS doesn’t just mark your answers — it explains every mistake and identifies your weak rule

Discover where you go wrong

Result in less than 10 minutes

How Does the GoIELTS Platform Help You Prepare for the IELTS Test After STEP?

The GoIELTS platform is not limited to providing training materials; it gives you an integrated system that increases your chances of achieving a 5.5 or 6.0 in IELTS. After training, you can assess your readiness for the IELTS test without assuming any fixed equivalency between its score and STEP. Here are the main features that help you do so:

1- Mock Tests That Match the Real Exam

The GoIELTS platform provides you with an environment exactly like the official exam through IELTS mock tests that are 100% identical to the real IELTS test, which helps you manage your time and handle the pressure of the actual exam.

2- Detailed Analysis of Your Current Level

The GoIELTS platform gives you a detailed report after your first mock test that shows your current level and your strengths and weaknesses, and shows you the gap between your current score and the required score.

3- Specialized Training in Writing and Speaking

The GoIELTS platform provides you with smart training in the Speaking and Writing sections, and an AI-powered marking system based on the official IELTS assessment criteria that identifies your mistakes precisely and suggests ways to improve them.

4- A Personalized, Guided IELTS Study Experience

The GoIELTS platform provides you with a study experience designed around your level and your goal (5.5 or 6.0), so you focus on your weak points instead of wasting time on what you have already mastered.

5- Knowing How Ready You Are for the IELTS Test After STEP

If you have previously taken STEP and are now planning to take IELTS, practicing with models that simulate the four IELTS skills helps you become familiar with the nature of the questions and your strengths and weaknesses, especially in Writing and Speaking. Practice assessments are learning indicators, not an official IELTS certificate or an approved equivalency for a STEP result.

Learn about linking words in IELTS

Still practicing on paper? The IELTS test has changed.

GoIELTS simulates the real computer-delivered test environment — the same interface from day one

Try the computer-delivered test now

Updated for the 2026 system

Conclusion

In short, when comparing IELTS and STEP, your choice depends on your goal. Check which test the required institution accepts, its type, and the minimum score, before booking. And do not forget that the score-matching tables published by some universities relate to their own admission or exemption requirements, and are not a general conversion or a prediction of your score on the other test. Sources: IELTS, STEP

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fixed value valid for all institutions. In the University of Jeddah's 2026 guide, the following matches appear for the purposes of the guide: IELTS 5.0 = STEP 67, 5.5 = 75, 6.0 = 83, and 6.5 = 97. The numbers may differ at another university; and these values do not mean converting an IELTS certificate to STEP or vice versa.

  • The STEP test: A local test from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (Qiyas) used inside Saudi Arabia for universities and jobs.
  • The IELTS test: An international test required for studying abroad and immigration, and it covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • The TOEFL test: Another international test similar to IELTS, but it is usually taken on a computer and is accepted at American universities.

Also read: The Difference Between TOEFL and IELTS and Which Is More Suitable for You

Yes, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission offers practice models on its website, and there are also online platforms that provide STEP exam simulations.

There is no single official conversion certificate that makes a STEP score equal to an IELTS score at all institutions. However, some Saudi universities publish score-matching tables for admission or exemption. For example, the University of Jeddah's 2026 guide places IELTS 5.5 against STEP 75, while another institution may use a different number. Therefore, check the policy of the institution you will apply to, and do not use a university table to predict your actual IELTS result.

A definite IELTS score cannot be inferred from any of these scores, because the two tests differ in design and in the skills they measure. If you have a STEP result, review the admission table adopted by the receiving institution to find out whether you meet its requirement; as for knowing your IELTS score, that requires taking the test itself.

Some Saudi universities have tables matching STEP and IELTS results for specific admission or exemption purposes, and there is no single equivalency that allows converting a certificate from one test to the other. Use only the table published by the required institution.

There is no test that is easier for everyone among STEP, IELTS, and TOEFL; each test differs in the skills, the question format, and the institutions that accept its result. STEP does not include a Speaking interview or writing a long essay, while IELTS measures Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. As for TOEFL, it has its own structure and requirements, and it saw updates in 2026. Choose the test that the institution accepts first, then compare its format with your skills and the preparation time available.

Was this article helpful? Give it a like ❤️

About the Content Team at GoIELTS

GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.

We follow clear editorial standards for accuracy and quality — read our Editorial Policy

Nirmeen Hosny

✍️ Nirmeen Hosny

Content writer and researcher with six years of experience in scientific and academic fields. I create Arabic academic content in a clear and accessible style. I have extensive experience in IELTS preparation and currently work with GoIELTS to develop in-depth educational content that helps students improve their skills across all sections of the test. By providing advanced strategies and IELTS-focused guidance, I help students work toward higher band scores and stronger overall performance on the exam.

View all articles by Nirmeen Hosny

Try GoIELTS for free!

Related Posts

Disclaimer

GoIELTS is an independent training platform specializing in IELTS preparation and is not affiliated with any official organization that owns or administers the IELTS test. The content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our team’s experience and the latest information available at the time of publication. Information may change without notice. Any use of the information is at the reader’s own responsibility, and results vary depending on each learner’s level and effort. For the latest official requirements, we recommend checking the official IELTS website and the relevant scholarship or sponsoring authority. — Full Disclaimer

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top