Confused Between PTE and IELTS? Which English Test Is Better for Studying Abroad in 2026?

One of the most important decisions to make when planning to study, work or live abroad is whether you should take the PTE or IELTS exam. Both exams test your English language ability, but the format, scoring and overall style are different.

Many students want an exam that provides fast results, flexible booking and the correct format. However, what is right for you will depend on your university entry requirements and immigration requirements.

So which exam will get you abroad quicker, PTE or IELTS test? It really depends on where you're going, the type of visa you're applying for, the score you require and how well prepared you are. This blog will explain everything you need to know about the latest 2026 updates, differences between the exams, how quickly you'll get results, the scoring system and how to prepare.

What is PTE and IELTS?

Before comparing the exams it's important to know what they are.

What is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is a computer based English language test developed by Pearson. It tests your ability in 4 areas: Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening.

PTE Academic is often taken by students wishing to enter university or those wishing to apply for an eligible immigration application. The exam is taken at a PTE official test center and completed on a computer. For a better understanding of the test format, question types and exam structure, students can refer to our detailed guide to the PTE exam pattern and syllabus.

The exam is marked using automated marking with some tasks being marked by expert humans. Most people will have their results within 2 working days, however it can take up to 5 working days.

What is IELTS?

IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is internationally recognized and is owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

IELTS tests your ability in 4 areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There are different versions depending on why you're taking the exam.

• IELTS Academic: For students wishing to enter university.
• IELTS General Training: Often taken for work, migration and non-academic reasons.
• IELTS for UKVI: For applicants who require an approved Secure English Language Test.

IELTS can be taken on a computer and if available on paper. The speaking section is done via a discussion with a trained IELTS examiner. Students can explore our detailed guide to the IELTS exam pattern and registration process to understand the test structure and available exam options.

PTE vs IELTS: key differences

Although both exams test the same 4 English language skills there are differences in the format, scoring, speaking and how quickly you'll get your results. This comparison will help you to determine which exam is best for you and your studies/immigration.

Time to complete

• The PTE Academic is quicker to complete, taking around 2 hours. IELTS Academic takes longer and usually takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Whilst PTE is quicker to complete, it does not necessarily mean it will be easier. You should think about if you are confident with your English skills, how quickly you can answer questions, and your computer confidence.

PTE vs IELTS: which is quicker to get results back in 2026?

Getting results quickly can be an important factor to students looking to get into a university or apply for a visa. Both PTE and IELTS have quick results; however, let's look at the times below.

PTE Academic results: Pearson usually provide results within 2 business days. Some candidates may receive their results after 5 business days. Candidates will be able to view their Score Report via their myPTE account. Results can also be sent electronically to institutions via Pearson's official platform.

IELTS results

IELTS have different times depending on what examination you take:

• IELTS on computer: 1–5 days
• IELTS Online: 6–8 days
• IELTS for UKVI on computer: 1–5 days
• IELTS UKVI Life Skills: Up to 9 days

Generally, PTE provides fast and reliable results for most candidates to receive their results within 2 business days. Computer based IELTS can also provide results within 1–5 days.

Does getting results faster mean I'll be admitted quicker?

Unfortunately, not. Even though you receive your English results quickly you will still need to wait for your university to process your documents. This includes your academic documents, proof of funds, application form and any other admissions criteria. Immigration will also have their own processing times.

We recommend completing your language test well before your university or visa deadlines.

PTE vs IELTS: which is best for different countries?

The most important consideration when deciding which English test to take is whether your chosen country will accept it. Some tests may not meet the requirements for a certain immigration programme. Always make sure to check the latest requirements.

United Kingdom

Both PTE and IELTS are acceptable in the UK for various admissions and immigration criteria. However, you will need to ensure you take the correct test. Many universities will accept IELTS Academic and PTE Academic for admissions. Each university has their own minimum overall and individual skill requirements.

For some UK visas, you will need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). The UK government state that IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. However, the standard IELTS Academic or PTE Academic will not be acceptable. However, IELTS confirmed in March 2026 that the UK government have renewed their agreement that IELTS is an approved SELT provider. 

Students planning their higher education can also explore our guide to study in UK for Indian students for information about studying there.

For the UK: Both can be used for eligible applications. Please make sure to check what your university requires and what visa category you are applying for.

Australia

• Both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic are accepted for eligible student admissions and immigration.
• Both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic are recognized by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for relevant visa categories. However, you will need to ensure you meet the individual skill requirements and follow the rules of the test.
• From 7 August 2025, Australian immigration requires approved English tests to be completed at secure test centers. You will not be able to use fully online home-based tests.

For Australia: If you like taking computer-based tests, you may want to consider PTE Academic. However, IELTS is still a good option if you like the speaking interview. Students considering Australian universities can explore our detailed guide to study in Australia for Indian students for more information about their study options.

Canada

Canada can be a tricky country to consider as they have different requirements for admissions and immigration. Many colleges and universities in Canada will accept PTE Academic and IELTS Academic for higher education.

However, if you are looking to apply via the Express Entry system you will need to take an approved immigration test. The English tests accepted for Express Entry are:

1. IELTS General Training
2. PTE Core
3. CELPIP General

PTE Academic will not be accepted instead of PTE Core and IELTS Academic will not be accepted instead of IELTS General Training. 

Students planning to pursue higher education in the country can also read our guide to study in Canada for Indian students.

For Canada:

• Check if your university will accept PTE Academic or IELTS Academic.
• For Express Entry you will need to take PTE Core or IELTS General Training.
• Check IRCC requirements for other immigration programs.

New Zealand

Both PTE Academic and IELTS are recognized for various study and immigration. If you are applying to a university, please check what English requirements your chosen programme requires. If you are applying for immigration, please check what requirements your visa category requires. Pearson confirm PTE Academic is accepted for relevant study and immigration programs.

For New Zealand: Both of these exams can be suitable depending on what score you need; how available the exam is and your personal strengths. If you are considering higher education there, explore our guide to study in New Zealand to understand your study options.

PTE or IELTS: understanding the scoring system

Before choosing which test you want to take it is important to understand how the tests are scored. Both tests assess the four language skills however the results are presented differently.

PTE Academic scoring

PTE Academic scores range from 10 to 90. You will receive an overall score and individual scores for Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. The higher the score the better your English language ability.

These are general guidelines only. Each institution and immigration authority sets its own cut-off score. If you are unsure what score you should aim for, read our guide on what is a good score in PTE.

IELTS band scores

IELTS has a 0–9 band scoring system. You will receive a unique band score for each section of the test and an IELTS overall score.

IELTS calculates the overall band using the four section scores and applies its official rounding rules. For a clearer explanation of how individual section scores contribute to the final result, read our guide to IELTS band score calculation.

What is the equivalent of IELTS 7 band in PTE?

Many students are looking up the difference between PTE and IELTS scores since some universities list their requirements based on different exam scales.

In July 2025 Pearson updated its IELTS Academic Concordance Study to reflect changes to the PTE Academic. These equivalence scores should not be considered a guarantee of entry or immigration for everyone.

This is an indicative comparison based on the updated Pearson Concords. You should never select your test purely based on the approximate conversion.

Which test is easier? PTE or IELTS?

Neither test is easier as both are assessing the same core English skills. Some students will feel more at ease with one than the other.

Why do some students find PTE easier?

Students who are more confident with computers may prefer PTE Academic. This test has a speaking section which allows you to speak into a microphone rather than having an interview with an examiner.

Advantages include:

• All elements are completed on a computer.
• The questions are well structured.
• Pearson provide automatic scoring and human marking for certain elements.
• You will get feedback quickly.
• There are official resources that allow you to practice the different question types.

Candidates must however be clear in their speech, manage their time well and understand how they will be scored. They cannot rely on learning answers off by heart. Students should also understand the common mistakes to avoid during PTE preparation to improve their exam performance.

Why do some students prefer IELTS?

IELTS can be better for candidates who are more confident talking to people. The speaking section allows you to talk about topics you know with a trained examiner.

Advantages include:

• You can talk naturally during the speaking interview.
• IELTS has well known academic and general English question types.
• Candidates can choose to sit the test on a computer or on paper if available.
• It uses a band scoring system which most universities and candidates understand.
• IELTS One Skill Retake is also available for eligible candidates.

PTE vs IELTS: which should you choose?

The best decision depends on your target country, application category, language skills, and examination preferences.

Latest PTE exam pattern updates 2026

On 7th August 2025 Pearson made some changes to PTE exam which are still applicable for students who will be taking PTE in 2026.

Two new question types were added to the Speaking and Writing section. Alongside this there were some improvements to scoring and new questions.

Two new PTE questions

1. Summarize Group Discussion: Listen to a group discussion between three people and then write down what you think the main points were. This is a Listening and Speaking question. You will have a group discussion played to you (up to 3 minutes) and 2 minutes to answer.
2. Respond to a Situation: Read and listen to a scenario and then give an appropriate answer spoken. This question tests your ability to communicate effectively. You will have a prompt which is up to 60 words and 40 seconds to answer.

This exam now has human experts who will assess your answers to certain questions. The exam is still around 2 hours long.

What should students do differently?

Make sure that you are practicing both new questions every day. Try new mock exams. Having a good PTE exam preparation strategy to get a high score will include practicing your speaking skills, listening, vocabulary, reading and writing.

How to prepare for PTE Academic to get 79+?

If you want to get a 79+ in PTE Academic you will have to put in the time, develop the right skills and understand the PTE format. Find out the minimum score needed for your university.

• Practice for PTE Speaking and PTE Writing: Practice speaking by using tips for PTE speaking and speak out loud naturally to not pause. Practice for PTE writing by using tips for PTE writing to take care of sentence, punctuations, vocabulary and grammar. Regular grammar practice can also help improve sentence accuracy, so students can refer to our guide to PTE grammar practice.
• Enhance your reading and listening: Strategies in PTE reading will help you to find main ideas. Practice PTE listening every day by listening to podcasts and educative conversations to enhance your understanding and note writing.
• Prepare for the exam: Take PTE mock tests online to practice and identify your weak areas. Practice with the same exam plan. Use the latest practice materials and official scored exams.
• Time management tips: Using tips for PTE time management will ensure you finish the exam on time. Follow the instructions, practice PTE mock questions in the given time, don't spend too much time on difficult questions, give full-length PTE mock tests, and monitor your performance to improve the pace and accuracy.

Suggested PTE Academic study plan

The PTE Academic study plan shown above is an example of a suggested study plan for you. The amount of time it takes candidates to prepare for their exam varies from candidate to candidate based on their current level of English.

How to prepare for IELTS and score 7 or 8?

Practice all four parts of IELTS. "What am I being marked on?" is a useful question to ask when planning a study schedule, as it will help you to know what areas you need to work on. Make a study plan and decide to work on your language skills on a daily basis, no matter what band score (6.5, 7 or 8) you hope to get.

• IELTS Speaking: Your IELTS Speaking classes should cover all 3 parts of the test. Practice talking for and against familiar topics and give examples to support your view. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and pronunciation. Avoid long pauses in your speech. Practice speaking out loud and record yourself so that you can identify and correct any mistakes.
• IELTS Writing: You need to know the essay structure, writing the paragraphs, grammar, vocabulary and time management. Familiarize yourself with the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training and practice how to clearly express your ideas.
• Practice Reading: Reading practice takes time so read every day. Look at synonyms (words with similar meanings). Practice the skills of skimming/scanning, matching headings and true/false/not given questions. Study your mistakes.
• IELTS Listening: Practice regularly to get to know the conversations and accents and to learn how to locate key information. Practice filling in the gaps, practice noting important words and stay attentive.
• IELTS Practice Test: Taking a practice test will help you know the test structure. See if you can do an IELTS Practice Test in the required time. Identify any mistakes.
• Quality IELTS study resources: Get quality study resources which are up-to-date. This could be in the form of practice papers, sample questions, section guides and tests of vocabulary. Practice using quality resources so you know the different sections and mistakes to avoid.

Suggested IELTS preparation plan

Students can modify this plan based on their current English level and desired band score.

Can you retake PTE or IELTS if you score low?

Yes, both PTE and IELTS allow students to retake the exams. However, it is important to know your options before booking your exam.

PTE Academic retake: Students can retake the PTE Academic exam if they aren't happy with their results. Before taking the exam again, students should look at their Score Report and see what areas they are struggling with. Know what types of questions you struggled with and try to focus your study on improving those areas. You will want to ensure you have focused your study.

IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS has something called a One Skill Retake which means you can retake just one section of the exam if you are eligible. You can retake listening, reading, writing or speaking. You will need to retake this within 60 days of your initial exam.

IELTS usually takes 3–5 days to get your results back from a One Skill Retake. However, make sure to check that your university/organization will accept this. This can be useful if you score well in 3 sections but need to improve one skill.

How to choose the right PTE or IELTS coaching institute?

Having professional guidance can help students understand the exam patterns and improve their English skills. However, it is important to consider several factors when choosing a coaching institute. Look for experienced trainers, up-to-date materials, practice facilities and personal feedback.

What should you look for in PTE coaching?

When looking for PTE Coaching in India, students should look for an institute that will teach them the latest exam format. If you would like to study from home then Online PTE Coaching in India can be a good option. 

Students looking for structured guidance can explore our PTE preparation classes to improve their performance across all four skills.

Inquire if the institute's trainers are trained in the two new PTE question types before you take the institute. Find out if the institute offers one-on-one speaking feedback and latest mock tests.

What to look for in IELTS coaching?

Students seeking IELTS Coaching in India can compare between classroom and online training. They should also check if teachers give regular assessment and individual feedback.

For the students who want to study from their home, we also provide Online IELTS Coaching in India. Students can also explore our IELTS preparation course for structured practice, exam guidance and skill development.

What to look for when comparing IELTS exam coaching and IELTS preparation courses

• IELTS Exam Preparation with all four sections.
• IELTS Test Preparation using updated examination material.
• IELTS Academic Preparation for higher education applicants.
• IELTS General Training Preparation for eligible migration and work pathways.
• IELTS Band Score Preparation based on individual targets.
• IELTS Speaking Classes with regular speaking assessments.
• IELTS Writing Classes with detailed feedback.
• IELTS Reading Practice for speed and accuracy.
• IELTS Listening Practice using different accents.
• IELTS Mock Test and IELTS Practice Test facilities.
• Updated IELTS Study Material and practice exercises.
• Guidance from experienced IELTS Expert Trainers.

If your student is preparing for IELTS, verify whether the school offers individual feedback based on IELTS band score preparation criteria.

Likewise, the aspirants who are looking forward to taking IELTS Coaching For Study Abroad, UK Visa IELTS Coaching, or Canada Immigration IELTS Coaching are required to make sure that their trainers must be aware of the IELTS exam requirement.

Other great avenues for your learning are: IELTS Online Training; IELTS Classroom Coaching; IELTS Personalized Coaching; IELTS One-to-One Coaching.

The right programme must allow for the students to enhance their actual level of English instead of learning a set of memorized answers.

PTE vs IELTS: which test to prefer?

The appropriate test will be based on which nation you wish to make an application to, the purpose of your application and exactly how comfy you are with the test.

Think about the following suggestions before you decide.

Conclusion

Choosing between PTE Academic and IELTS will depend on your English proficiency, communication style and whether you want to take the test for studying or immigrating. PTE Academic will be a good choice for those who want to take a shorter test online and get the results quicker. Those who are confident talking to a microphone would also benefit from taking this test. However, IELTS Academic will be a good choice for those who would prefer to speak to someone face to face and have used the band score system before. Both tests will test your English ability but the format and scoring system will be different.

It is important to note that you will not get a quicker result for getting into university, visa or immigrate. You have to reach the required score and make sure all the application documents are complete. Double verifies the official requirements for your selected university/immigration agency. Study the various differences in IELTS and PTE test format, score system and test prep needed for each exam. Select the test which will be most suitable for your potential and future.

PTE vs IELTS: Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1: Which one is better PTE or IELTS?

Ans: Both PTE and IELTS can be used to apply for university abroad. Select the test which is accepted by your chosen university. Select the test that you would prefer to take.

Q.2: Which test is easier to pass?

Ans: There isn't a definitive answer to this question. PTE is ideal for people who are comfortable using computers and IELTS is ideal for people who like to speak to the examiner.

Q.3: Which test will you get results quicker?

Ans: On average PTE will be quicker to get results. You can expect results within 2 working days. IELTS computer-based tests will take between 1–5 days.

Q.4: Can you use PTE Academic for your PR in Canada?

Ans: No. PTE Core can be used in Canada for Express Entry. You can also use IELTS General Training.

Q.5: Can you use IELTS Academic for your Express Entry in Canada?

Ans: No. IRCC require you to use IELTS General Training.

Q.6: How long is PTE and IELTS valid for?

Ans: Both tests are generally valid for 2 years. Some universities and immigration bodies may have extra rules.

Q.7: Can you do IELTS One Skill Retake?

Ans: Yes. If you are eligible for One Skill Retake you will be able to retake one section of the IELTS within 60 days of your original test date.

Q.8: How can you score 79+ on PTE Academic?

Ans: Try all of the 4 skills. Practice using up-to-date practice tests. Work on improving your speaking fluency. Practice identifying where you went wrong.

Q.9: Can you use PTE Academic to apply for student visas to the UK?

Ans: Most universities in the UK will accept PTE Academic. If you are required to take a SELT then you must take the approved test.

Q.10: Can you study PTE/IELTS online?

Ans: You can complete online lessons. Look for an experienced trainer and personal feedback. Plus, practice tests.