IELTS vs PTE for Students: Which One is Better?

English language proficiency tests are designed to measure and grade English skills. They demonstrate the test-taker’s ability in speaking, reading, listening, and written English. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability in English if you originate from a country not considered to be English speaking. Even if you’re already in Australia, if you’re planning to study further or transfer to a work visa, you will be required to submit another English proficiency test.

There are a range of English proficiency tests, but the two of the main options are IELTS and PTE.

What is the IELTS Test?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English language proficiency test. It has two versions, the academic one, used for university admissions, and a general one for work visas.

It’s comprised of four components; Listening, writing, reading, and speaking. You are assessed on each of the four components and given a score from zero to nine on each section. You also get an overall band score, which is the mean of the four individual results. The test generally takes a little over two hours to complete, and can be done either online or offline, depending on your needs.

What is the PTE Test?

The Pearson Test of English has an academic test (PTE-A), and a ‘core’ test for general English skills. It is comprised of a one hour section for speaking and writing, and two 30-minute sections for reading and listening. The scores are graded from 10 to 90. It’s completed fully online.

Compare IELTS vs PTE: Know the Difference

There are many differences between the two tests.

IELTS is Accepted in More Locations

IELTS is trusted and accepted in 140 countries, professional bodies, employers, immigration departments, and universities than PTE Academic, more than 12,500 organisations across the world. PTE is accepted in 74 countries, and over 3,500 institutions.

One Skill Retake for Testing

In 2023, IELTS launched the ‘one skill retake’ functionality, where you can retake only one part of the test. This means you can re-sit only one section without redoing the other three skills, risking lower scores and wasting your time. This functionality is not available for PTE.

IELTS Has User-Friendly Testing Options

IELTS allows you to choose between paper or online testing. The speaking test is a face-to-face talk with a human examiner. The PTE test is all computer based, including the speaking section, which is to the computer. The PTE test is machine scored, whereas the IELTS speaking and writing tests are assessed by human examiners.

The speaking test is an important part of the test. In the IELTS test, it’s face-to-face with a human examiner, in a quiet private room. The examiners can rephrase or repeat a question if asked. The PTE-A test is reading aloud to the computer, with other test takers in the room. The microphone switches off automatically if there is silence for longer than three seconds.

IELTS Allows More Test Flexibility

During the test, in IELTS, you can skip forward questions and return to them later or return to check a previous answer at any time. In PTE-A, your only option is to move forward from one question to the next. Also, PTE times the individual questions, whereas with IELTS, only the sections are times.

Pricing for IELTS vs PTE

The prices are comparable, with the IELTS currently costing $460 and no additional fees for late bookings. The PTE-A fee is also $460, though additional charges may apply for late bookings or rescheduling.

IELTS vs PTE: Which English Test is Best for You?

This depends on your circumstances. For example, some countries and institutions don’t accept PTE-A, so if you’re applying there, the choice is clear. Also, people who may feel they need more flexibility or accessibility within the test will be more comfortable with IELTS.

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.

IELTS vs PTE: Which One is Easier?

• IELTS is more flexible and allows you to skip through questions and revisit later, or return to previous questions and re-check

• A report from Pearson showed that the IELTS score vs PTE score are not equal. Test takers need a higher score for PTE to be equivalent to IELTS

• During the spoken section, test-takers can ask the examiner to repeat themselves or rephrase if they are uncertain. This ability is not possible with the PTE-A

• The test structure is different, with IELTS having four distinct categories, listening, reading, speaking, and writing. PTE have integrated questions, which could be confusing

• There is an option of doing the test on paper, which can be helpful for those who are not comfortable using computers

• There are many preparation materials, allowing you ample opportunities to prepare thoroughly, and be less stressed on the day of the test as a result

• IELTS allows test takers to complete the test with more freedom. Some people may find IELTS more accessible, especially if they struggle with traditional test scenarios.

IELTS is the Trusted Choice

Ready to book your IELTS test? Not only is IELTS the most trusted and widely accepted choice, only IELTS offers ‘One Skill Retake’. This is where you can retake one part of test without redoing the other three sections. Effortlessly book your IELTS test online, and schedule at a time that suits your schedule.

Are Australian Universities More Likely to Accept PTE or IELTS?

The IELTS test is more widely accepted than the PTE. More than 400 universities in Australia accept the PTE test, but more than 900 institutions accept the IELTS. Therefore, Australian universities are more likely to accept IELTS.

Are NZ Universities More Likely to Accept PTE or IELTS?

All New Zealand Universities accept academic IELTS and PTE-A.

Which is Better for PR: IELTS or PTE in Australia/New Zealand?

IELTS is better for English language proficiency proof in Australia, simply because it’s more widely accepted.

What are the Advantages of IELTS Over PTE?

There are four main advantages:

• The ability to retake one section of the test without having to pay for the who test and retake the entire test

• The IELTS spoken test is more flexible as you speak to a human, who can rephrase or restate statements as required

• The IELTS test is flexible, allowing you to skip through questions and come back to them, and revisit previously answered questions to check your answers

• IELTS is more widely accepted than PTE