PTE vs IELTS: which test suits you?
Both PTE Academic and IELTS are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs when taken in a test centre. The better choice depends on how you perform, not on which test is “easier”.
Side by side
| PTE Academic | IELTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, taken in a secure Pearson test centre | Paper or computer-based; speaking test with an examiner |
| Scoring | AI scoring, with human experts part-scoring content on 7 task types (never pronunciation or fluency) | Human examiners for Speaking and Writing |
| Score scale | 10–90 overall and for each skill | Band 0–9 |
| Results | Pearson says within two days in almost all cases | Check the IELTS provider for current timelines |
| Visa acceptance | Accepted by Home Affairs (test-centre delivery) | Accepted by Home Affairs (test-centre delivery; IELTS Online not accepted) |
| Best fit for | Students comfortable with computer-based tasks and fast-paced integrated questions | Students who prefer a face-to-face speaking test |
How to choose
- Comfortable on a computer and a quick typist? PTE’s speaking and writing are done on screen, with a microphone and keyboard.
- Prefer talking to a person? IELTS Speaking is a conversation with an examiner; PTE Speaking is recorded by a microphone and scored by AI.
- Need results quickly? Pearson says PTE results arrive within two days in almost all cases.
- Strong listener? Several PTE tasks score two skills from one answer: Repeat Sentence counts for Speaking and Listening, and Write From Dictation for Listening and Writing.
- Still unsure? Take a free PTE mini mock and an IELTS practice test, and compare how you felt and scored.
PTE scores for Australian visas
Each skill must reach the level. Scores for PTE Academic tests taken from 7 August 2025, from the Department of Home Affairs (checked 7 October 2026). Home Affairs lists the matching IELTS bands on the same pages.
| Level | listening | reading | writing | speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient English | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior English | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
More detail, including older results and how long results stay valid: PTE scores for Australian visas.
Frequently asked questions
Neither test is easier for everyone. PTE is computer-based with short, fast tasks and AI scoring; IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test with an examiner. The better test is the one whose format suits how you perform. Try a free PTE mock test and an IELTS practice test before you book.