IELTS vs PTE: Which is Better?

IELTS and PTE, both are standarised tests that assess the English language proficiency of international students from non–English speaking backgrounds. Therefore, deciding which test is better to apply for top study abroad universities is challenging and completely based on the personal choices of the aspirants.

IELTS: Vocabulary Guide | Reading Practice Tests | Listening Practice Tests | Speaking Practice Tests | Writing Practice Tests

IELTS: Sample papers | Preparation tips | Guide

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This Story also Contains

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

Which is better PTE or IELTS? IELTS has an acceptance rate for top universities in the world. Over 12,000 organisations accept IELTS across 140 countries. Whereas, PTE has lower acceptance rates worldwide for top universities. 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, Manchester, Yale, and others accept PTE scores to evaluate the ELP 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 introduced linked to IELTS is more complicated and challenging for non-English candidates.

Therefore, students are advised to take any test which is more convenient by analysing the details of IELTS vs PTE, their exam pattern, design, acceptance, cost, and many other factors. Many foreign universities accept both IELTS and PTE. Therefore, candidates can attempt either of the exams as per their preference and convenience. Read the complete article to learn more about IELTS vs PTE, differences, similarities, and many more.

IELTS vs PTE Comparison

Comparison between PTE vs IELTS accounts for multiple factors such as exam pattern, acceptance, score system, and other significant factors. Here we have covered a comparative analysis between PTE vs IELTS including all the key differences.

PTE vs IELTS Overview

Difference Between IELTS and PTE

IELTS and PTE, both tests are accepted widely 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. Some other significant IELTS and PTE difference are discussed below:

• Test Format: IELTS 2024 is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. PTE is entirely computer-based and delivered at authorised test centres.

• Test 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 digitally in PTE.

• Test Fees: IELTS exam fees is around Rs. 17,000 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 around Rs.17,000. There may be a fee for late bookings and rescheduling.

• Acceptance: Over 12,000 organisations including universities, professional bodies, employers, and Australian student visa and migration applications accept IELTS globally. PTE is accepted by over 3300 institutions and is approved for all Australia 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 auto-marked. 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 0-90 with sub-scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

• Results: IELTS results are typically available within 5-7 working days and PTE results are available within 24-48 hours after the test.

PTE vs IELTS Test Pattern

IELTS and PTE tests are assessed through 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 students in an academic environment.

Analysing the IELTS versus PTE, the PTE test pattern may seem quite similar to the IELTS. However, PTE Academic tests the integrated skills of speaking and writing which is a more natural way of language usage.

PTE VS IELTS Test Format

PTE vs IELTS Acceptance

PTE is accepted in 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 study applications by thousands of academic programmes globally. Also, PTE test is accepted by various professional associations around the world for registration and assessment. The Australian government uses the PTE scorecard for student visa and migration applications.

Whereas, IELTS is a popular ELP test that has an acceptance rate for over 12,000 organisations globally. While the PTE participating institutions are also across the world, the acceptance rate is a bit low compared to the IELTS. 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 international enrolment. Also, the Australian government uses the IELTS scorecard for student visa 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. PTE speaking tasks are related to the personal introduction, describing images, repeating sentences, etc.

PTE vs IELTS Test Fees

The exam registration fees for IELTS and PTE are similar, i.e., Rs. 17000 in Indian rupees for academic tests. However, PTE charges some additional fees for late bookings and rescheduling. Whereas, IELTS has no such additional fees for late bookings.

PTE vs IELTS Test Fees

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 as follows -

• 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 Score marking system for the PTE test is automated by robots, due to the robot's PTE score compared to IELTS is obtained quickly. IELTS Writing and Speaking tests are marked by English experts manually following global marking standards.

• PTE: Scores on a scale of 0-90 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 the PTE score with IELTS?

Candidates can check how much their PTE score will be in the equal band to the IELTS score. There is also a PTE vs IELTS score calculator provided online which directly converts your required total.

IELTS vs PTE Score Comparison

PTE vs IELTS: Retaking the 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 they need without paying for the complete test. Whereas, in PTE, students have to book, pay, and sit a full test again in case of low marks.

PTE vs IELTS Results

In comparing the PTE vs IELTS scores, the results of PTE are quickly received once after completing the test. PTE results are released within 2 days on the Pearson official website. Whereas, the IELTS test results are released by the IDP IELTS within 3 to 5 days after the commencement of the test. Both the test results of PTE and IELTS are valid for 2 years from the date of taking the test.

PTE vs IELTS: Which is easier?

Which test is easier PTE vs IELTS depends entirely on the individual strengths and preferences of the candidates. However, IELTS is easier for candidates who can perform well in the live speaking section with an IELTS examiner.

• Tech comfort: IELTS offers both traditional and computerised test options. PTE is entirely digital.

• Speaking style: IELTS has a separate face-to-face interaction speaking test.

• Test pace: IELTS offers slower, structured tasks. PTE is faster in comparison to IELTS.

• Navigation through questions: PTE allows only navigation through forward questions and the individual questions are also timed. However, in IELTS on the computer, you can skip questions and come back to them later to complete. IELTS doesn’t time the individual questions.

IELTS vs PTE: Preparation Tips

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 individually. 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