IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better in 2025?

IELTS and PTE are standarised tests that assess the English language proficiency of international students where English is not the native language. Which is better PTE or IELTS? IELTS has a great acceptance rate by top universities in the world. Over 12,000 institutes accept IELTS across 140 countries. Whereas, PTE has a lower acceptance rate by top global universities as compared to IELTS. The IELTS exam is trusted and accepted by more countries and universities than PTE Academic. However, many top universities in the world, such as Harvard, the University of Manchester, Yale, and others, accept PTE scores to evaluate the English language skills of international students. The IELTS exam pattern is quite similar to PTE Academic and includes four language skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. However, the test duration and scoring system are different for each section. PTE exam is only computer-delivered, whereas IELTS offers more flexibility for test takers through dual test modes. Also, the latest PTE score pattern is more complicated and challenging for non-English candidates.

IELTS Practice Test:  Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing

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This Story also Contains

1. IELTS vs PTE
2. PTE vs IELTS Test Pattern
3. PTE vs IELTS Acceptance
4. IELTS vs PTE Speaking Test
5. Test Fees for PTE and IELTS
6. PTE vs IELTS: Mode of Test
7. PTE vs IELTS Scores
8. Retaking the PTE vs IELTS Exam
9. PTE vs IELTS Results
10. Which is Easier PTE or IELTS?
11. Preparation Tips for IELTS vs PTE

Aspirants are advised to take any test out of the two that is more convenient by analysing the details of IELTS vs PTE, their exam pattern, acceptance, cost, and many other factors. Many foreign universities accept both IELTS and PTE. Read the complete article to learn more about IELTS vs PTE, differences, similarities, and much more.

IELTS vs PTE

There are several factors under PTE vs IELTS, such as exam pattern, acceptance, score system, etc. Here we have covered a comparative analysis between PTE vs IELTS.

IELTS and PTE, both tests are widely accepted for immigration, education, and professional licensing purposes. However, there are some key differences to consider. The main difference between IELTS and PTE is that IELTS offers a choice between paper and computer based tests. Some other significant IELTS and PTE differences are discussed below.

• Test Format: IELTS 2025 is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. PTE is entirely computer-based and is conducted at authorised test centres.

• Focus: IELTS focuses on the traditional format with tasks testing grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening, and writing. Whereas, PTE focuses on integrated skills and real-life communication scenarios. Tasks involve reading, writing, listening, and speaking in combination. Emphasises fluency and pronunciation.

• Speaking Test: The IELTS speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. No face-to-face speaking test and responses are recorded in PTE.

• Test Fees: IELTS exam fees is around Rs. 18,000 for Indian students. The test cost in some regional areas can be higher, however, IELTS charges no additional fee for late bookings. PTE exam fees is also around Rs. 18,000, however, there might be a fee for late bookings and rescheduling.

• Acceptance: Over 12,000 organisations, including universities, professional bodies, employers, IELTS globally. PTE is accepted by over 3,300 institutions and is approved for all Australian student visa and migration applications.

• Marking: All PTE test sections are marked by the automated scoring system. Whereas, the Reading and Listening tests in IELTS are automated. However, IELTS Writing and Speaking tests are marked by English experts manually following global marking standards.

• Scoring: IELTS scores in each band range from 1 to 9, with an overall band score. PTE scores on a scale of 10-90 with sub-scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

• Results: IELTS results are typically available within 3-5 working days for computer delivered and after 13 days for paper-based IELTS tests. However, the PTE results are available within 48 hours after the test.

PTE vs IELTS Test Pattern

IELTS and PTE tests assess 4 major components, namely, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, PTE test pattern is divided into three major sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Speaking and Writing are combined to assess the English speaking skills and the ability to produce written English in an academic environment.

While analysing the test pattern for PTE and IELTS, it seems to be similar. However, PTE Academic assesses the integrated skills of speaking and writing, which is a more natural way of using the English language.

PTE vs IELTS Acceptance

PTE is accepted by many top-tier universities in the world, including Harvard, Manchester, Columbia, etc. Over 3300 international institutions accept PTE scores to enrol potential international students. In recent years, PTE Academic has been accepted for applications by thousands of academic programmes globally. Also, the PTE test is accepted by various professional associations around the world for registration and assessment. The Australian government uses the PTE scorecard for student visas and migration applications. While the PTE participating institutions are also across the world, the acceptance rate is a bit lower compared to the IELTS

Whereas, IELTS is a popular ELP test that has an acceptance rate for over 12,000 organisations globally. IELTS General Test is accepted for migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most universities, professional bodies, and employers in the world use IELTS scores for admissions. Also, the Australian government uses the IELTS scorecard for student visas and migration applications.

IELTS vs PTE Speaking Test

The main difference between the IELTS and PTE speaking sections is that the IELTS speaking section is conducted in a face-to-face conversation or video call with an IELTS examiner. Whereas, the PTE speaking tasks are related to the personal introduction, describing images, repeating sentences, etc., through a digital platform. In addition PTE speaking section is combined with the writing tasks, known as the PTE speaking & writing section, making it an exam that assesses integrated skills.

Test Fees for PTE and IELTS

The exam registration fees for IELTS and PTE are similar, that is, Rs. 18,000. However, PTE charges some additional fees for late bookings and rescheduling. Whereas, IELTS has no such additional fees for late bookings.

PTE vs IELTS: Mode of Test

PTE test is only available in computer-based format, while the IELTS is available in both computer and paper-based format.

The advantages of PTE versus IELTS are listed below.

• PTE tests provide the comfort of attempting the test from home. Here, the candidate need not travel to the test centre to take the test.

• The IELTS test makes it possible for candidates in remote areas to proceed with the paper-based test format where computer facilities are not available.

PTE vs IELTS Scores

The marking system for the PTE test is automated by AI, whereas some sections of the IELTS are scored by an automated system and some are corrected by IELTS experts. IELTS Writing and Speaking tests are marked by English experts manually following global marking standards. Hence, PTE scores are received within 48 hours of giving the exam, whereas IELTS results are declared within 3-5 working days for the computer-based test and 13 days for the paper-based test.

• PTE: Scores on a scale of 10-90 with individual sub-scores for Speaking &Writing, Reading, and Listening.

• IELTS: Band scores ranging from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest) for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and overall.

How to Compare PTE Score with IELTS?

Candidates can check how much their PTE score will be in the same band as the IELTS score. To find out the equivalent IELTS score for your PTE score refer to the table below.

IELTS vs PTE Score Comparison

Retaking the PTE vs IELTS Exam

The introduction of IELTS One Skill Retake, where students can retake only one component of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, has offered a fair second chance to get the score required by the students without paying for the complete test. Whereas, in PTE, students have to book, pay, and sit for a full test again in case of low PTE scores.

PTE vs IELTS Results

As the PTE exam is fully digital, PTE results are quickly received after completing the test. PTE results are released within 2 days on Pearson's official website. Whereas, the IELTS test results are released by the IDP IELTS within 3 to 5 days after the commencement of the computer-based IELTS test and after 13 days for the paper-based IELTS test. Both the test results of PTE and IELTS are valid for 2 years from the date of taking the test.

Which is Easier PTE or IELTS?

PTE vs IELTS on the difficulty level depends entirely on the individual's strengths and preferences. However, IELTS is easier for candidates who can perform well in the speaking section, which is conducted in a face-to-face session with an IELTS examiner. Which is easier between the two exams also depends on the following factors.

• Tech Comfort: Whether the candidate is comfortable with the digital exam or not. IELTS offers both traditional and computerised test options, whereas PTE is entirely digital.

• Speaking Style: IELTS has a separate face-to-face interaction speaking test, whereas PTE has a digital speaking section with the writing tasks. Based on the candidate's speaking style, the difficulty can be decided.

• Pace: IELTS offers slower, structured tasks. PTE is faster in comparison to IELTS. If you prefer a detailed, slower exam structure, then IELTS is the right option for you.

• Navigation through questions: In PTE, you can only move forward through the questions, and each question is timed. In contrast, the IELTS computer-based test enables you to skip questions and return to them later, and it does not time each question separately.

Preparation Tips for IELTS vs PTE

Candidates must start their preparation for IELTS and PTE as early as possible to achieve the desired score. Depending on the chosen test and individual learning style, candidates must prepare a study plan. However, candidates can also follow various preparation tips and sample study papers to increase their chances of success in both exam formats. Some of the preparation tips for IELTS and PTE candidates are:

IELTS Preparation Tips

• Focus on traditional academic English skills

• Master the test format

• Develop strong essay-writing skills

• Refine face-to-face speaking skills

PTE Preparation Tips

• Embrace integrated skills

• Sharpen fluency and pronunciation

• Master computer-based testing

• Enhance the digital note-taking and summarizing skills

Also Read: IELTS Preparation Tips