IELTS or PTE scores are required as proof of English language competency for admission to an international university. However, picking a proficiency exam might be difficult for many students. IELTS vs. PTE; Which is better? Which is easy? These are some common questions that most students have. We hope to provide you with the information you need to decide which test, given your needs and abilities, is the most appropriate for you.
The four language skills that are examined on both the IELTS and PTE Academic exams are speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Their formats are largely similar. However, the tasks are timed and organized differently, and the order in which the skills are examined differs. This is just one of the many differences between IELTS and PTE.
IELTS: Format
The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English jointly own the IELTS English language competence exam. In the majority of nations, governments choose IELTS Academic for study purposes and IELTS General for immigration above all other English language tests. IELTS is mandatorily required by more than 10,000 foreign organizations, according to their websites.
IELTS offers a traditional paper-and-pencil exam and a computerized assessment. The majority of centers provide both choices, allowing you to select one that best suits your needs. The Listening, Reading, and Writing examinations are the three main elements of the IELTS exam, all of which must be completed in one sitting. The Speaking exam will follow, and it may be taken the same day as the previous tests or up to seven days before or after.
After the test has been conducted for 13 days, the results are accessible. The Report Form will be delivered to you within 13 days, thanks to the efforts of test centers. The speaking portion of the test is administered by specialized examiners for assessment. Additionally, a skilled examiner will read and analyze your written assignments in order to grade your writing portion.
PTE: Format
Pearson PLC, a multinational publishing company, The top learning firm in the world, to be exact based in the United Kingdom with its headquarters in London, administers the PTE Academic exam. Some of the world’s top colleges, including Harvard Business School, Yale, etc., have given PTE Academic high praise in their reviews. Additionally, Australia and New Zealand recognize PTE Academic for visa purposes.
An electronic test is used for PTE. The speaking test requires you to speak your responses into the headset while selecting the appropriate selections. The three main components of the PTE Academic, Speaking, Listening, and Writing, can all be finished in a single sitting in under three hours.
Results for PTE are typically released in five business days or less. Within three days, the majority of pupils also get their results. It may require more than five days in a tiny number of circumstances. A computer program conducts the PTE evaluation entirely automatically. Nobody is actually reading and listening to what is written and said.
IELTS vs PTE: score
Universities accept minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5 on the IELTS, which is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9 with a gap of 0.5 for each section. Candidates receive a band score for every section they complete as well as an average score based on those band scores.
Universities require a minimum score of 55 to 60 on the PTE utilizing a worldwide scale of English, which rates applicants on a range of 10 to 90. Candidates who take the PTE receive a thorough section-by-section analysis, similar to IELTS.
The table below compares IELTS vs. PTE score:
| PTE Score | IELTS Score |
| 30 | 4.5 |
| 36 | 5.0 |
| 42 | 5.5 |
| 50 | 6.0 |
| 58 | 6.5 |
| 65 | 7.0 |
| 73 | 7.5 |
| 79 | 8.0 |
| 83 | 8.5 |
| 86 | 9.0 |
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IELTS vs PTE: price
For both IELTS and PTE, the registration price varies by region. Both the PTE and IELTS tests cost AUD$410 (INR 33592) in Australia. IELTS costs INR 16,250 in India, whilst the PTE exam costs INR 15,900. There is an additional cost that has to be paid if you wish to postpone or cancel the exam.
IELTS vs PTE: Acceptance
IELTS is still far more widely accepted, being accepted at 10,000 colleges in 140 different countries. Since its debut in 2009, the PTE has grown in acceptance. According to the trends, PTE is becoming more popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Who Accepts PTE Scores?
The majority of countries recognize PTE scores, including Australia, the United States, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. PTE scores are acceptable in these countries for university entry and immigration. PTE Academic is recognized by around 3,000 universities worldwide, including Yale University, Harvard Business School, and Oxford University. Applications for permanent residency in Australia and New Zealand may also be made using PTE results.
Who Accepts IELTS Scores?
More than 11,500 organizations, including educational institutions (universities, colleges, schools, etc.), governmental agencies, immigration authorities, professional and industry associations, large MNCs (multinational corporations), and employers, accept the IELTS exam in more than 140 countries.
IELTS vs PTE which is easier?
Neither test can be described as easy or difficult. One may be easier for certain people to understand than the other. While many students thought the PTE exam’s writing segment was easier than the IELTS option, they thought the IELTS test’s reading section was more straightforward. Therefore, each student’s perception of the difficulty of each exam ultimately determines its degree.
The four fundamental language skills that are examined on the PTE and IELTS tests are speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Neither test can be regarded as being easier than the other, with the exception of variations in the structure and examination method. In either case, you must keep in mind that each test requires students to prepare substantially in order to ace it, even when the score on the mock examinations is rather high.
IELTS vs. PTE: Final Thoughts
Most test-takers who have taken both exams agree that the PTE Academic is comparatively simpler than the IELTS. IELTS is more difficult and necessitates a deeper comprehension of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc., whereas PTE Academic is more concerned with the practical aspects of communicative English.
Although IELTS and PTE have various degrees of difficulty, both English Proficiency Tests’ ultimate goal is to gauge a candidate’s adaptation to living in an English-speaking nation.
Ultimately, both IELTS and PTE are recognized and respected English language proficiency tests. Your decision should be based on your preferences, the specific requirements of your target institutions, and your comfort level with the test formats. Remember that thorough research and preparation will contribute to your success, regardless of the test you choose.
FAQs
Can we postpone or cancel the PTE or IELTS?
Exams must be postponed or rescheduled within five weeks of the original test date. Except in cases where there is a genuine medical need or a personal emergency, you will be charged the entire amount. Additionally, if the applicant successfully submits a certified copy of a current medical certificate five days before to the test date, they are qualified to obtain a refund after deducting the predetermined administration fee. Students may also postpone the exam as permitted by the guidelines if the reason is legitimate.
What is a respectable IELTS and PTE score?
IELTS scores must generally be at least 6.0 out of a possible 9.0 in all four test areas in order to be eligible to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. Most institutions demand a score of at least 6.0 in each section but 6.5 overall for a Master’s degree. 7.0 is needed for subjects like nursing or engineering.
The PTE test has a scale from 10 to 90. You must receive a combined score of at least 46 out of 90 on all four test sections in order to be admitted to a bachelor’s program. You may need a total of 56 for the Masters. For technical courses, a minimum grade of 66 is required in each section.
Is it easy to get a high PTE score?
One must receive a PTE score of at least 79 overall, with all four skills over 79, in order to receive an IELTS score of 8 in each band.
Which test should you take if you need your scores for a visa?
IELTS is a better choice because it can be used for immigration.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
