PTE VS IELTS – Academic
Should I take PTE or IELTS?
This is the question most aspiring migrants and international students find asking themselves when it comes to meeting the English test requirement for course enrolment and visa procedures. While both tests are widely accepted for education and migration purposes except for some specific sectors such as education and teaching, most people claim that PTE Academic is easier to score higher. However, to understand what works the best for you, first you must understand the test format and its major differences.
IELTS on the other hand, offers two types of tests, Academic & General. IELTS Academic is accepted for both education and migration purposes.
However, if the purpose is solely migration, one can take the IELTS General test which is considered easier than academic tests.
To understand which test works the best for you, first you must understand the test format, its major differences & most importantly, your reason for taking an English test.
Following is the comparison of the key features of the two Academic English tests that may help you make the decision.
| IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
| Generally Paper-based test Cost AUD 355 *New Computer-based test available in limited centres. | Computer-based test Cost AUD 375 |
Divided into 4 components:
(Speaking test – Usually on the next day) Speaking test is done face to face in an actual interview scenario with the assessor. | Divided into 3 components:
Total 3 hours on the same day with an optional 10 min break. Speaking test via computer. No need to actually converse with a person. |
| Writing section tends to be the most difficult to get a high score. | Reading section tends to be the most difficult. |
| Assessment of each test is done manually | Assessment is done via automated scoring system by a computer. |
| Preparation resources – Ample on the internet. No official mock test available. | Preparation resources – Ample on the internet. Official paid mock test available. |
| Time to get results: usually within 13 days Computer-based results generally within 2-5 days | Time to get results: usually within 5 days |
| Easy for individuals with a good understanding of the English language and grammar. | Easier to score even for people with an average understanding of the English language. |
| Availability of test dates depends upon location. As of now, availability is higher compared to PTE. | Availability of test dates depends upon location. As of now, due to high demand, availability is lower compared to IELTS. |
PTE and IELTS score equivalence compared.
