PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English test is right for you?

Reading time: 7 minutes

If you’re applying to study, work or migrate abroad, you may need to prove your English level with an accepted test. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are three of the most widely used English proficiency tests, and all assess speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Short answer: start with acceptance. Choose a test your university, employer or visa authority accepts for your exact application. If more than one option works, compare the test format, speaking style, result speed, score requirements and available test dates before you book.

See who accepts PTE

PTE vs TOEFL vs IELTS: quick comparison

Factor PTE Academic TOEFL iBT IELTS Academic
Format Fully computer-based Computer-based, at a test center or home where available Computer-delivered in many markets; speaking is typically with an examiner
Approximate length About 2 hours About 2 hours About 2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking section Recorded by microphone Recorded by microphone Live speaking test with an examiner
Scoring scale 10–90 0–120 0–9 bands
Result speed Usually within 2 days Available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date Often 1–5 days for computer-delivered testsaper where still available

1. Which test is accepted where you are applying?

Before comparing test features, check whether each test is accepted by the university, college, employer or visa authority you are applying to.  

This will help you narrow it down your search as the most important thing is that an English test meets your application requirements.

Headline acceptance numbers can be helpful, but they are not always directly comparable. Some providers count organizations, while others focus on academic institutions. The more useful question is: which test is accepted for your exact course, country and visa route?

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide and is recognized for study and migration routes in major destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and the US.

TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are also widely accepted globally. Always confirm the accepted test type and minimum score directly with the institution or official visa authority before you book your test.

Who accepts PTE?

2. Which test format suits you best?

Format matters because the way you are assessed can affect how confident and comfortable you feel on test day.

  • PTE Academic: a single computer-based test taken at a test center in one session across all four skills. Speaking responses are recorded through a microphone.

  • TOEFL iBT: a computer-based test, with recorded speaking responses.

  • IELTS Academic: listening, reading and writing may be computer-delivered, while the speaking test is usually a live interview with an examiner.

If you prefer a fully computer-based experience and would rather speak into a microphone than sit opposite an examiner, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT may feel more natural. If you prefer a conversational speaking test with a person, IELTS Academic may suit you better.

3. How does the speaking section differ between PTE, IELTS and TOEFL?

The speaking section is often where test-takers feel the biggest difference between PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic.

  • PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT: you speak into a microphone and your responses are recorded.  
  • IELTS Academic: you usually complete a live speaking test with an examiner. Some people find recorded speaking less stressful because there is no face-to-face interaction. Others prefer the rhythm of a live conversation.

There is no right or wrong preference. The best option is the one that lets you show your English clearly under your preferred test conditions.

4. Which test provides the fastest results?

If you are working toward an application or visa deadline, result turnaround can be one of the biggest deciding factors.

PTE Academic results are typically available in two business days, TOEFL iBT scores are available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date, and IELTS on computer results are available in 1–5 days.

Test Typical result turnaround  
PTE Academic 2 days  
TOEFL iBT Available in your ETS account 3 days after the test date  
IELTS Academic Often 1–5 days for computer-delivered tests; paper-based results may take longer where still available
  

5. How do PTE, IELTS and TOEFL scores compare? 

Each test reports scores differently, so you should not compare numbers directly without checking the relevant score guidance from your institutio or test provider.

  • PTE Academic: scored on a 10–90 scale.
  • TOEFL iBT: scored from 0–120, with each section scored out of 30.
  • IELTS Academic: scored on a 0–9 band scale, usually reported in half-band increments.

If you are close to a required threshold, pay particular attention to the score your chosen institution asks for in each section. Some applications require both an overall score and minimum scores in speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Learn more about how PTE Academic is scored compared to other tests

6. What practical considerations should you check before booking your English proficiency test?

Once you know which tests are accepted, compare the practical details in your location:

  • Available test dates
  • Distance to the nearest test center
  • Total cost in your country
  • Whether at-home testing is available and accepted for your purpose
  • Retake rules and how quickly you can book again if needed
  • How scores are sent to institutions

A test with faster results or more frequent booking may be a better fit if your deadline is close. If your timeline is more flexible, format and preparation style may matter more.

So, which English proficiency test is right for you?

PTE Academic may suit you if...

  • You want a fully computer-based test.

  • You are comfortable speaking into a microphone.

  • You need results quickly.

  • You prefer a single test session.

  • You are applying somewhere that accepts PTE Academic for your course, job or visa route.

TOEFL iBT may suit you if...

  • You are applying to institutions that specifically request or strongly recognize TOEFL iBT.

  • You are comfortable with academic-style tasks and recorded speaking.

  • You want a test that is widely used for university admissions, especially in the US and other international study destinations.

IELTS Academic may suit you if...

  • Your target institution or visa authority asks for IELTS Academic.

  • You prefer a live speaking test with an examiner.

  • You are comfortable with the IELTS band score system.

  • You want broad recognition across study, work and migration contexts.

How to choose between PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic

  1. List your target institutions and visa authorities. Note the accepted tests and minimum scores for each one.

  2. Shortlist the tests accepted by every place you are applying to. If one test covers all your requirements, it may be the simplest choice.

  3. Compare format fit. Decide whether you prefer recorded speaking, a live interview, fully computer-based testing or a more traditional format.

  4. Check timelines. Look at available test dates, result speed and retake options.

  5. Try official practice materials. Complete a timed practice section before you commit, so you know how the test feels.

  6. Book the test that best matches your deadline, strengths and application requirements.

Related Content

  • Image- study group 800px
    Part 1: English Speaking & Writing Test Introduction
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Part 1 of PTE Academic will take 77-93 minutes and will test your speaking and writing skills.

    To test speaking skills, you will be assessed on your ability to produce spoken English in an academic environment.

    Your writing skills will be assessed by giving written responses in academic English using correct grammar, spelling, and structure.

    Personal Introduction

    First, you will be asked to give a personal introduction to give some information about yourself.

    You will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your response. You will only have 30 seconds to record a response and can only record this once.

    Don’t worry, your personal introduction is not scored but will be sent together with your score report to the institutions selected by you.

    For the speaking and writing test, there are seven types of questions that you will be scored on. Below, we will break down each part of this section of the test.

    Read Aloud

    The first question type to test your reading and speaking skills will be the Read Aloud assessment. In this test there are 6-7 questions.

    You will be shown a text prompt that will be up to 60 words. You will have 30-40 seconds to prepare by reading the passage. You will also have a set time to read aloud, which will vary by item, depending on the length of the text.

    To complete the question, speak clearly and straight away after you hear a tone. You must finish speaking before the progress bar on the screen reaches the end.

    You can receive a maximum of 3 points for the content spoken, a maximum of 5 points for oral fluency, and a maximum of 5 points for pronunciation.

    Repeat Sentence

    The second question type is Repeat Sentence, which will test listening and speaking skills.

    You will listen to a recording between 3-9 seconds and are given 15 seconds to answer.

    Once the microphone shows as recording, you will need to speak straight away and say all the words that the speaker uses, in the same order.

    For this question, you can receive a maximum score of 3 for content, a maximum 5 for oral fluency, and a maximum of 5 points for pronunciation.

    Describe Image

    The third question type will test speaking skills by describing an image. There are 6-7 questions.

    You will be shown an image and have 25 seconds to study the image and prepare your response. For this task, use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take short notes.

    After a short tone is heard, start speaking straight away. You will have 40 seconds to answer and must finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end.

    In this question type, you can receive a maximum of 5 points for content, a maximum of 5 points for oral fluency, and a maximum of 5 points for pronunciation.

    Re-tell Lecture

    The fourth question type, Re-tell Lecture, will test your listening and speaking skills. There are 3-4 questions in this test.

    You will be given a prompt of up to 90 seconds and will have 40 seconds to answer.

    Audio will be played straight away and you may also see an image related to the audio. While you are listening use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take short notes.

    Once the audio finishes you have 10 seconds to prepare. To complete the task, in detail, you will need to cover the situation, characters, aspects, actions, and developments given in the recording.

    You can receive a maximum score of 5 points on content, a maximum of 5 points on your oral fluency, and a maximum of 5 points for pronunciation.

    Answer Short Question

    The fifth question type, Answer Short Question, will assess listening and speaking skills. There are 10-12 questions in this test.

    Here, you will be given a prompt of 3-9 seconds and will have 10 seconds to answer the question.

    You will be required to answer a short question with a clear, simple, single word or a few words. This will not test general knowledge, it will simply test your vocabulary.

    You will receive 1 point per correct word. No points are given for no response or incorrect response.

    Summarize Written Text

    In the first question type in the writing section, you will be required to Summarize Written Text, which will test reading and writing skills.

    You will read a text of up to 300 words and have 10 minutes to write your summary. You will do 2-3 of these questions depending on the combination of tasks in the given test.

    In this assessment, you must write just one sentence. Try using the Erasable Noteboard Booklet to take notes of the main points.

    Make sure to include the main points of the text in a full, single sentence of no more than 75 words.

    You can receive a maximum score of 2 points for content, maximum 1 point for the formal requirements, a maximum of 2 points for grammar and a maximum of 2 points for vocabulary.

    Essay

    The last question type of the Speaking and Writing Test will test writing skills.

    In this question type, you will be provided with 2-3 sentences of text prompt and have 20 minutes to answer, by writing a 200-300 word argumentative essay on a given topic.

    Time management is important for this task as you will need to plan, write and proofread your essay.

    In this question, there are many parts where you can receive points. You can receive a maximum of 3 points for the content, maximum of 2 points for the formal requirements and maximum 2 points for development, structure and coherence.

    You can also receive a maximum score of 2 points for grammar, maximum 2 points for general linguistic range, maximum 2 points for vocabulary range and a maximum of 2 points for no spelling errors.

    There is a total of 15 points that you can pick up in this question type.

    What's next?

    Read more about Part 2: Reading Test Introduction.

    Want more prep ideas?

    Plus, explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

    • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

    • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

    • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

    Ready to get started?

  • Image, student, 800px x 451px
    Australian loans for international students
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    It’s not hard to understand why so many international students want to move to Australia. The country has a world-class education system, excellent climate, and high quality of life. But studying in Australia can be expensive – and you need to be financially prepared before you take the leap.  

    In this blog, we’ll help you get started. We’ll explore the student loan options available for international students in Australia, as well as other ways to fund your studies.  

    How much money will I need? 

    Before you begin to research student loans, it’s important to understand how much it costs to live and study in Australia. You can use the Course Search Tool to find out detailed tuition fee for your dream course and the Cost of Living Calculator to estimate the living cost based on the city you want to move to.  

    What student loans in Australia could I be eligible for? 

    Australia’s student loan system is known as the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).  Unfortunately, HELP can only be accessed by Australian citizens or individuals who hold a humanitarian visa. However, there are still lots of other student loans available for international students in Australia.  

    University loans 

    Universities across Australia provide loans for local and international students. Most institutions offer both short-term and long-term loans; these can help students cover emergencies, as well as pay for bigger expenses.  

    Here are a few examples of what some universities offer:  

    • The University of Melbourne will loan eligible students up to$5,000 AUD ($3,883 USD) if they have an Australian co-signer. They’ll loan students up to $3,000 AUD ($2,330 USD) if their co-signer lives overseas or isn’t an Australian citizen/ permanent resident. 

    • The University of Sydney offers loans up to $2,000 ($1,550 USD), which can be paid back up to two years after graduation.  

    • Students in need of financial assistance at Monash University can take out loans between $750-$3,000 AUD ($544 – $2,330 USD), to be paid back within 6-12 months. 

    Universities across Australia offer similar loans. It’s best to check directly with your institution to see exactly what loans are available to students – and to make sure you’re eligible.  

    International student loan schemes  

    You might be eligible to take out federal student loans in your home country to study in Australia. For example, students from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Norway, or Denmark who attend the University of Sydney can access government funding from home.  

    Private loans  

    A private loan is one of the simplest forms of international student loans in Australia: you borrow money from a bank or similar lender and repay the loan (with interest) over an agreed-upon period of time. These loans can be secured – which means they’re tied to collateral – or unsecured. But with unsecured loans, interest rates are usually higher. 

    How else can I pay for my studies? 

    Student loans aren’t the only way to pay for your education in Australia. Here are a few other options to consider:  

    Work in Australia  

    Many international students are attracted to Australia because they know they’ll be able to work. Unlike other studies abroad destinations, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. Even more, the minimum wage in Australia is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week – meaning many international students are able to pay for some of the costs associated with living in Australia while they study.   

    Apply for scholarships 

    There are a number of scholarship opportunities for international students in Australia – both funded by the government, and universities. Some, like Australia Awards scholarships, support students with full tuition, living costs, and airfare. Check out the Australian Government’s search tool to find a scholarship that’s right for you.  

    Read more: scholarships for international students in Australia 

    Take out a private loan in your home country

    To apply for a student visa in Australia, you need to prove you have sufficient funds. For this reason, many students decide to take out a private bank loan in their home country before coming to study in Australia.

    As you can see, there are lots of ways to fund your studies in Australia as an international student. But everyone’s financial situation is different, so we recommend doing lots of research to find a loan you feel confident about – and one that will work for you both during, and after university.

    Still, deciding where in the world you want to study? Check out our article types of loans for international students, which explores more loan options in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.

    We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Australia Department of Home Affairs website.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • Image- scholarships, 800px x 451px
    Scholarships for international students in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. And, being awarded a scholarship to study in the UK can give you access to a top-level education at a more affordable price.  

    So, how do you apply? UK university scholarships are offered by both the UK government and individual universities – and are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students alike. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the top scholarships for international students in the UK:  

    Undergraduate scholarships in the UK