Have you decided which English entrance test to take to study abroad? It is typical for aspirants to get confused between IELTS and PTE, both of which are excellent assessments of your English skills.
While both tests assess your skills in multiple levels of communication, choosing one is dependent on your university of study. Many universities abroad accept IELTS only, whereas many universities accept IELTS and PTE. This blog gives you a broader perspective on how to compare both tests and choose your test.
PTE vs IELTS: An Overview
PTE and IELTS mainly differ in the mode of test conduction. While PTE offers computer-based tests, IELTS offers both computer-based and paper and pen tests. The table below gives you a general idea of both the tests.
| Parameters | PTE | IELTS |
| Full form | Pearson Test of English | International English Language Testing System |
| Conducted by | Pearson PLC. | Jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. |
| Established year | 2009 | 1980 |
| Sections | Speaking & WritingReadingListening | ListeningReadingWritingSpeaking |
| Time duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Fees | 445 USD (37,350 INR) | 445 USD (37,350 INR) |
| Test Format | Computer-based test | Paper-based and Computer-based options |
| Speaking Evaluation | Integrated to computer | Face-to-face with the examiner |
| Score Allocation | 10 – 90 | 0 – 9.0 bands |
| Global Acceptance | 3,000+ institutions | 10,000+ institutions |
| Official website | PTE | IELTS |
PTE vs IELTS Syllabus
The syllabus of PTE and IELTS differs in how the sections are divided. IELTS has four sections for assessing each skill, whereas PTE integrates speaking and writing into a single section.
PTE Syllabus
Speaking & Writing (77-93 minutes) | Reading (32-41 minutes) | Listening (45-57 minutes) |
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IELTS Syllabus
Listening (30 minutes) | Reading (60 minutes) | Writing (60 minutes) | Speaking (11-14 minutes) |
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Key differences between the PTE vs IELTS syllabus:
- PTE focuses more on integrated skills, while IELTS separates skills into individual sections.
- PTE has a stronger emphasis on speaking and writing, while IELTS gives equal weight to all four skills.
- PTE uses more technology-enhanced items, such as audio and video recordings, while IELTS uses more traditional test formats.
PTE vs IELTS Format
PTE and IELTS formats are different in duration, sections, and scoring systems. The table below shows how the PTE format is different from the IELTS format.
PTE Format | IELTS Format |
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PTE vs IELTS Scores
PTE is evaluated on a scale of 10 – 90, with 10 increments. IELTS follows a band of 0 – 9.0. The minimum score requirement depends on your course and university.
- In PTE, 50-60 points are considered average, 65-75 points good, and 80-90 points an excellent score.
- In IELTS, 5.5-6.5 bands are considered average, 7.0-7.5 bands are good, and 8.0-9.0 bands are excellent scores.
| PTE Scores | Equivalent IELTS Band Scores |
| 50 – 60 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| 65 – 75 | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| 80 – 90 | 8.0 – 9.0 |
Global Acceptance: PTE vs IELTS
IELTS enjoys greater global acceptance than PTE. Over 10,000 institutions around the globe accept IELTS scores. IELTS is accepted by UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand governments for immigration purposes and professional associations like the British Medical Council and General Medical Council. Top countries accepting the IELTS scores include the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and France, to name a few.
PTE is accepted by over 3,000 institutions worldwide, including the Australian and New Zealand governments for immigration purposes and professional associations like CPA Australia and ICAS. The top countries with PTE acceptance are Australia, New Zealand, the USA (by some institutions), the UK (by some institutions), and Canada (by limited institutions).
Which is Better – PTE or IELTS?
Both tests assess your English skills at various levels, certifying your ability to survive in an English-speaking environment.
- More institutions recognize IELTS, offer a traditional exam format involving paper-based tests and face-to-face interviews, and provide scores for each language skill.
- PTE is computer-based, integrates speaking and writing sections, and focuses on fluency and pronunciation.
Check which test is more appropriate for your course abroad, as instructed by your university. Go through the past years’ questions and mock tests to decide your test.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is PTE easier compared to IELTS?
Deciding the easier test from PTE and IELTS depends on your English skills and preferences. Both tests assess the English skills required to live in an English-speaking environment.
Which PTE score equals 6.5 in IELTS?
If you score 60 – 65 in PTE, it can be equivalent to 6.5 in IELTS. Compare the PTE and IELTS scores given in the blog for more information.
Which English test is better for a PR abroad, PTE or IELTS?
For countries like Australia and New Zealand, both IELTS and PTE are accepted for PR applications. For other English-speaking countries, IELTS is mainly preferred for PR applications.
Which test is the best for the US, IELTS or PTE?
IELTS is suggested over PTE for the US. In the US, many institutions have yet to accept PTE scores, whereas IELTS has been accepted by most universities.
Can you study in Canada with PTE?
Canadian universities mostly accept IELTS or TOEFL for admissions. Some universities, like the University of British Columbia, the University of Ottawa, the University of Waterloo, etc., have started to accept PTE scores.
