PTE Academic vs IELTS: Which English Test Should You Take?

Both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic show a university that your English is good enough to study in. They test the same four skills, but in very different ways. The best choice depends on your strengths and on what your universities accept.

First: check what your universities accept

This is the only rule that cannot be broken. Before anything else, check each programme's English requirement page:

• which tests are accepted,
• the minimum overall score and any minimum for each skill,
• how recent the result must be (usually within two years).

Most universities accept IELTS. PTE Academic is accepted by many universities in countries such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and others, but some do not accept it, and some visa processes list specific tests. Always check the official pages.

Format and delivery

	IELTS Academic	PTE Academic
Delivery	Paper-based or computer-delivered	Computer-based, at a test centre (an online version exists in some countries)
Length	About 2 hours 45 minutes	About 2 hours
Speaking	Face to face with an examiner (or by video call)	Recorded into a microphone, no examiner
Marking	Human examiners for Writing and Speaking	Automated AI scoring for all parts
Question types	Fewer types, more traditional	Many integrated task types, such as repeat a sentence or summarise a text
Score scale	Bands 0 to 9	10 to 90
Results	Usually within a few days to two weeks	Usually quick, often within about two days

Scoring

IELTS gives a band for each skill and an overall average, rounded to a half band (how it works). PTE gives scores on a 10 to 90 scale for communicative skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening) and enabling skills such as grammar and pronunciation. Universities that accept both publish a score conversion, so use the official table of each university instead of a general chart.

Who might prefer IELTS

• You are comfortable speaking with a person and like a conversation.
• You want a longer, more familiar format with paper-based or computer-delivered options.
• Your target universities or visa route specify IELTS.
• You write well with paragraphs and ideas, and want a human to read your essay.

Who might prefer PTE

• You prefer to speak to a computer and find a real examiner stressful.
• You are comfortable typing and working fast on a computer.
• You want results quickly.
• Your universities accept it.

What helps both

• Practise the format. The task types in PTE are unusual, and the timing in IELTS is tight.
• Build general English daily: reading articles, listening to podcasts and speaking aloud.
• Learn the scoring criteria. Know what the marker is looking for.
• Take a full timed practice test before booking the real one.

Practice for each

GradMate IELTS has full mocks and marks Writing and Speaking on the official criteria. GradMate PTE has practice by task type and full mocks with AI scoring. Practice scores are estimates, and only the test centre gives an official score.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Neither is easier in general. Some people score higher in PTE because they prefer a computer-based format and integrated tasks, others in IELTS because they speak better with a person. Try a practice test of each.

Do all universities accept PTE?

No. Many accept it, but not all, so check each university's English requirements.

Which one gives results faster?

PTE usually gives results faster, often within a couple of days. IELTS results usually take a few days to two weeks depending on the format.

Can I take both?

Yes, but it is usually better to prepare for one and focus. Take a second only if a university requires it.