How to Compare Your IELTS vs PTE Score

If you need an English proficiency test to apply for a visa or tertiary institution, how do you know which one to choose? There are a range of options, all with slightly different test designs, format, and purpose. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are two of the major English tests in Australia.

It’s important to understand how the tests align. If a student is accepted on a test result which represents a lower standard of ability, they are set up to fail and will not perform as well as their peers who are admitted under other tests. Here’s how you can better understand what score on the IELTS is equivalent on the PTE.

Recent update: In November 2024, Pearson announced that the PTE-A speaking exam's "Describe Image" and "Retell Lecture" sections will now be reviewed by human scorers, introducing uncertainty around scoring standards and preparation strategies. Unlike IELTS, which has long relied on qualified human examiners, this shift has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of PTE scoring. Read more about it here.

Conversion Table - PTE Scores to IELTS Band Scores

This table has been created by IELTS, arising from two in-depth studies. Because the IELTS and PTE tests have different designs, formats, and purposes, it’s not a simple comparison. IELTS uses a grading score of zero to nine, while PTE scores are between 10 – 90.

Therefore, this table comparing IELTS and PTE takes into account things like:

• How English is used in real life and if the tests reflect that

• If the brain functions used are equal

• The social conditions of language

From analysing the tests and other relevant data, the researchers tried to understand things like if good grades on one test can predict positive performance on the other.

The resulting conversion table below takes all these factors into account as much as possible. It reliably shows how IELTS overall band score equates to overall and individual band scores of PTE-A.

This comparison table clearly shows that a PTE-A test taker should achieve a minimum score of 62 in Writing to be at the same standard as an IELTS 6.0. For courses that require an IELTS 6.5 in Writing, PTE test takers should have a minimum score of 74. Read more about converting PTE-A scores to IELTS band scores here.

Because both tests are regularly reviewed and updated, these comparisons may change across time. For example, in December 2020, PTE Academic released a report showing that PTE band 7 to 9 test takers will need a higher score in order to be considered equivalent to IELTS.

One Skill Retake

IELTS have created ‘one skill retake’, where a test-taker can retake only the band that they need to. This means that they save money, only paying to resit the test for the section they need. It saves time by only sitting one portion of the test. And, most importantly, they aren’t risking a good score on other bands by having to re-sit the entire test. This is a considerable benefit of IELTS over PTE.

Get your results faster with IELTS

IELTS results are typically available within just 1 day, while PTE results can take a couple days. Choose IELTS for quicker access to your scores and start your next steps sooner.

Choose IELTS for Greater Recognition

IELTS is recognised by 3.5 times more organisations than PTE, with over 12,500 institutions worldwide accepting IELTS scores compared to just 3,500 for PTE. Choose IELTS for broader global acceptance and more opportunities.

Why IELTS is the Trusted Choice

IELTS is accepted at more institutions and countries around the world than PTE. First developed in 1980, it’s undergone multiple iterations that have helped to create the accurate and highly respected test that we have today.

Ready to book your IELTS test? Only IELTS offers ‘One Skill Retake’, where you can resit only one band. This not only saves time but means you’re not risking retaking the entire exam and getting lower marks than in your original test.

It’s simple to book your IELTS test at a time that’s appropriate for you. Make your booking today, and begin your journey towards work or study in Australia.

What are the recent changes to PTE score requirements?

As of March 2024, Australia raised the minimum PTE score for an Australian student visa. It is now 50, but individual institutions may have higher expectations. For example, Monash requires a minimum of 58, and University of Sydney needs a 61 at minimum.

What are the recent changes made to English Language Requirements in Australia and New Zealand?

From March 2024, Australia has raised the minimum acceptable English test scores:

• Student visas from 5.5 to 6.0 or equivalent

• Students attending an English course from 4.5 to 5.0 or equivalent

• Students undertaking pathway/university foundation programs to 5.5 or equivalent

• Temporary graduate visas, from 6.0 to 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band or equivalent

From April 2024, New Zealand has:

• Introduced an English language requirement for low-skilled jobs

Why choose IELTS over PTE?

There are a number of advantages of IELTS vs PTE:

• IELTS is accepted at more institutions across more countries than PTE

• The IELTS tests are more flexible than PTE. It allows you to skip questions if you wish and come back to them. You can also revisit previously answered questions to check your answers

• IELTS lets you sit a paper-based exam, or on the computer

• The IELTS spoken test is with a human, who can rephrase as required. The PTE test is to a computer, which times out after three seconds of silence

• IELTS has one skill retake, where you can resit one section of the test without having to retake the entire test