IELTS vs PTE Score: Comparison, Conversion & Test to Choose?

The IELTS vs PTE score conflict will become significant in 2025 among students, professionals, and migrants who are designing their lives in the future. The new scoring patterns, an increasing acceptance rate worldwide, and new human marking with PTE have been adopted. It would be advisable to compare IELTS and PTE to settle them according to your objectives.

Latest Facts & News (2025)

• PTE introduces human review for key Speaking sections: As of late 2024, PTE’s “Describe Image” and “Retell Lecture” tasks are now partly human-scored, aligning it closer to IELTS for fairness but increasing test unpredictability.

• IELTS remains the most widely accepted English test: Over 12,500 organisations globally now recognise IELTS, maintaining its position as the gold standard for English proficiency.

• Score alignment updates: Recent studies show PTE test-takers need higher scores for equivalency at IELTS Bands 7-9, impacting visa and university eligibility.

• Fastest results: PTE results are typically available within 1-2 days, while IELTS computer-based results take 3-5 days and paper-based up to 13 days.

• AI scoring in PTE: PTE’s AI-driven scoring system is praised for objectivity, but the new human review adds a layer of subjectivity.

• IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based formats: PTE is fully computer-based, catering to tech-savvy candidates.

• Acceptance trends: PTE is gaining rapid acceptance in Australia and Canada, while IELTS still leads in the UK and globally.

• Granularity in scores: PTE scores are reported in single-point increments (10-90), while IELTS uses broader bands (0-9).

• Cost parity: Both tests cost approximately INR 17,000 in India.

• PR and student visa requirements: Universities and immigration bodies often require IELTS 6.0-7.5 or PTE 50-65, but check specific institution requirements.

With new changes in scoring and global acceptance, choosing between IELTS and PTE in 2025 is more crucial than ever. Discover which test aligns with your goals and how to convert your scores accurately!

Understanding IELTS vs PTE Score: What Are They and Why Do They Matter in 2025?

Comparing the IELTS vs PTE scores is crucial to all these people who will migrate, study abroad, or want professional registration in 2025. The correlation between the two standard English proficiency tests may play a significant role in conforming to the language requirements of any university or even the pantheon of immigration agencies or employers worldwide.

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) adheres to a simple band scale of 0 to 9, which tests you on four core language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It also administers the test in various forms: paper-based, computer-based, and a face-to-face speaking test with an examiner. Diversity will enable the candidates to select the mode that is more comfortable for them and appropriate to their preferences.

2. Conversely, PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) utilises a finer scoring system as the range of scores is based on one-point increments between 10 and 90. To be objective and as consistent as possible, it employs an AI-based scoring system, but beginning in late 2024, the AI will not be used to score the Speaking sections entirely, as human graders will be used to contribute partial grading on the Tests to help maintain fairness, and to offer scoring on areas of nuance the AI model will not recognize.

3. IELTS vs PTE scores are both recognised and acceptable by the whole world. Thousands of global universities, professional licensing agencies, and migration agencies trust them across countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. The popularization has ensured that the two tests are viable for students, employers, and migrants.

4. It is important to compare your IELTS vs PTE score so that you are not in a fix at the last minute, just in time to realise that you have not attained the English language requirements of your intended institution or the visa program in question. Being aware of precise conversions of scores between these tests enables you to make proper arrangements to prepare and decide which of the tests best suits your abilities, schedules, and objectives.

5. Being aware of your position on the two scales, you can easily go through the process of applying to study or migrate. This will save you much time, energy, and money without unnecessary delays or re-tests, thereby giving you the most opportunity for success in realising your educational or professional dream abroad.

IELTS vs PTE Score Conversion Table (2025): Official Equivalency

Below, you can find the official IELTS vs PTE score conversion table in 2025 to align the target band with the equivalent results on PTE several times.

• This will assist you in deciding the scores you have to get in PTE to reach your desired band score in IELTS to study, PR, or work.

• Based on updated research-based equivalency in the year 2025.

• A preparation strategy is vital to the outline of the plan.

• Catrina came in handy among the students about to apply to the university, professionals needing registration, and migrants who used to obtain a visa.

• It avoids the shortage of requirements when sending your scores to institutions or immigration organisations.

• It enables you to set targets when preparing for either test.

• Remember to confirm specific university or immigration-related cut-offs, which can be different.

The usage of this table:

• Go to your IELTS band, which is essential to be in university or PR.

• Find a similar PTE mark.

• Make your aspirations in practice accordingly.

Also Read: What is Exploration IELTS Reading Answers: New Guide

How to Use the IELTS vs PTE Score Calculator in 2025

Want to check scores in IELTS equivalent to PTE? Quick fix:

1. Use official sites with IELTS vs PTE score, which have reliable and easily useable score calculators that are made to convert scores accurately.

2. All you have to do is enter your target IELTS vs PTE score into our calculator, and it will immediately show you the result in the other test scale, and you will be able to know where you are.

3. Please also remember that these calculators will give you approximate conversions since various institutions or immigration authorities might vary slightly in the equivalency of accepted scores.

4. You should make it a habit, necessarily, to check with the university, employer, or the body that gives the immigration the precise score that is needed there to ensure there are no last-minute surprises.

5. These calculators come in handy in cases where you are interested in comparing two scores in a short time to determine which test you need to study or even in comparing visas and university admissions.

This is a recommended list of official calculators that should be used to convert with accuracy and an up-to-date rate:

• IDP IELTS to PTE Calculator is a popular and reliable tool among test candidates worldwide.

• Pearson Official Score Converter is straight out of the creators of PTE Academic and with the latest conversion standards available.

Key Differences in IELTS vs PTE Score Systems in 2025: Latest Update

Learning about the variations in the IELTS vs PTE score system is essential to select the most appropriate exam, considering your individual needs and preferences in taking a test.

1. Scoring Scale

• The IELTS applies a band scale of 0-9, in which language proficiency is given in broader classes. This facilitates an overall ability of interpretation but also gives it less detail.

• The PTE employs a more spacious point scale of 10-90 and reports scores at single-point intervals. This facilitates a more specific separation of test-takers' performance and is especially applicable to the refinement of applications that extract precise scores.

2. Section Weightage

• The IELTS and PTE tests all four vital English skills one has to acquire: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• PTE is one level ahead and tests enabling skills like pronunciation, oral fluency, grammar, and vocabulary, thus giving a more detailed picture of your language skills.

3. Result Timelines

• The turnaround time of PTE is usually 1-2 days; thus, it is very suitable for applicants with tight deadlines.

• The IELTS scores are conditional on the test format: computer-based tests involve a 3 to 5-day course to get the results, whereas paper-based tests can take up to 13 days.

4. Test Format

• IELTS is provided in paper and computer form and encompasses a broader target segment of test-takers and their attitudes.

• PTE is purely computer-based, and thus, it attracts more people who are used to working with digital interfaces and computer-based testing.

5. Human Scoring

• The IELTS face-to-face speaking test enables natural communication and immediate feedback during interactions with certified examiners.

• PTE is primarily objective and consistent with AI-based scoring, but began to use partial human reviewing in some crucial tasks in Speaking to improve the fairness of scoring and detect the finer shades.

The comparison lets you know how each of these tests operates behind the scenes and which one could be more appropriate regarding your abilities, technology familiarity, and time requirements.

Current Section-wise Score Comparison (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

Below is a section-by-section comparison of IELTS vs PTE scores in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Highest score in IELTS is 9, whilst the highest score in PTE is 90. The lower score in IELTS is 0, whilst the lower score in PTE is 0.

Listening:

• IELTS has 40 questions that require you to demonstrate your communication skills in terms of comprehending conversations, monologues, and instructions. Band levels are then converted to scores.

• Various question types, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and summarising spoken text of PTE Listening, are essential to examine detailed listening comprehension.

Reading:

• That is because IELTS Reading includes 40 questions, which are made up of the academic and general training versions, depending on whether you take the former or the latter.

• The PTE Re-Reading involves various activities to assess reading abilities and comprehension, including multiple-choice questions and their combinations with other reading assessments like reordering paragraphs and fill-in-the-blank tests.

Writing:

• IELTS Writing focuses on two tasks. Namely, Task 1 is a graph, chart, or letter description, and Task 2 is an essay on a topic provided.

• PTE Writing involves summarising a written text, explaining it in your own words, and writing an essay, which focuses on your skills of synthesizing information and making good sense of putting it all together.

Speaking:

• The speaking assessment constantly occurs face-to-face with a trained examiner, who evaluates interaction fluency and pronunciation skills.

• The PTE Speaking is recorded and marked with the help of AI, with partial human review introduced recently to ensure fairness, particularly in areas such as the Describe Image and Retell Lecture.

Also Read: Explore Canada Without IELTS for Work: Updated Guide

IELTS vs PTE Score: Which Test Is Easier or Better for You in 2025?

When trying to choose the better-suited test for you:

Take the IELTS in case:

• You would find it easier to do a face-to-face speaking test in which you would communicate face-to-face with an examiner.

• You would prefer using paper-based tests or testing in paper or computer flavors.

• You need to gain international acceptance, particularly when applying to schools or immigration in the UK, whereby IELTS remains the popular option.

PTE When:

• You want a fully computer-administered test without face-to-face contact.

• You demand to receive your results quickly, within 1-2 days, and it is perfect for urgent use.

• You seek visas or study programs in Australia or Canada, where PTE is widely accepted.

Tip: Take a trial test in IELTS vs PTE score and see which style fits your skills and exam-taking personality better. This can assist you in taking the test to do your best.

Latest IELTS vs PTE Score for Student Visas

IELTS vs PTE score are compatible valid visas to study in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, the most preferred destinations.

• Some universities in the UK also prefer IELTS based on the reputation it has been building for years now and the testing format.

• Its popularity among students is because many Australian institutions have adopted PTE, which is fast and entirely computer-based.

• Both tests are equally acceptable in Canadian universities and immigration authorities, which provide flexibility to international students.

• Though IELTS is widely recognised in the US, recent trends show that more universities now accept the PTE results as valid in admission and visa applications.

Be sure to read the details regarding the English language requirements in schools/universities to which you are applying, or in the visa program you are utilising, as requirements can differ.

Also Read: Is 7.5 a Good IELTS Score? Here is the Truth

Current IELTS vs PTE Score for PR & Work Visas

Where permanent residency (PR) and visa application on work lines are concerned:

• Australia PR: The immigration authorities accept both IELTS and PTE. The score requirement at the usual level is the IELTS band 6- 7 or 50- 65 in PTE, depending on the subclass of visas.

• Canada PR: IELTS is better known and accepted; however, the PTE Academic test is gradually accepted as an alternate test, especially in some immigration programs.

• Work Visas: It is widely known that IELTS is a safer and established way of fulfilling the English requirement for UK work visas.

One has to ensure that the latest IELTS vs PTE score requirements and accepted tests are always confirmed with the immigration advisor or the embassy itself or through the official immigration site before application.

IELTS vs PTE: Test Format, Duration, and Result Timelines in 2025

Here is the summary of both tests: 

IELTS is characterized by the flexibility of paper-based and computer-based testing, and PTE is computer-based, which is attractive to techno-savvy candidates.

• The IELTS test takes a little time, 2 hours 45 minutes, unlike the PTE 3-hour test.

• Compared to its peers, PTE offers much rapid result turnaround time, typically 12- 24 hours, making it the right choice when a person is short of time.

• IELTS result times usually takes approximately 3 to 5 days to be ready; however, the paper-based results may take up to 13 days.

The preference between the two tests can be aligned to your level of comfort with technology, the urgency at which you require the results, and the format you desire to receive the results.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS Speaking: Latest Guide & Expert Tips

Latest IELTS vs PTE Score: Global Acceptance and Recognition in 2025

IELTS and PTE are widely accepted and increasingly recognized globally; therefore, they can be relied upon as a test of English excellence in numerous areas.

1. IELTS Recognition: Over 12,500 organisations worldwide now accept IELTS, including world-leading universities and multinational corporations, government offices, and immigration departments. This wide coverage also makes IELTS a choice for many applicants who want to get a chance to study, work, or migrate globally.

2. PTE Increasing Popularity: PTE is a relatively new test but has gained momentum, especially in Australia and Canada. It has a complete computer-based format, fast result turnaround, and an evolving scoring system, which has continued to gain popularity among test-takers and institutions. Many universities and immigration agencies have recognised PTE as synonymous with IELTS to gain admission and a visa.

3. Wide Acceptability: Acceptance of IELTS and PTE is terrific, and many universities, professional licensing, and immigration authorities in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand accept the same. The widespread recognition offers flexibility so candidates can pick the best test that matches their skills and time schedules.

4. Institutional Preferences: Although popularization has been widespread, there are possible cases in which some institutions or immigration programs may prefer more of one test than the other because of historical usage or comfort with one particular testing format. To illustrate, IELTS is more recognized in the UK and most European countries, whereas PTE is the most preferred in Australia and Canada.

5. Check and Double-check: Since acceptance policies may vary, it is always good to check with the target university, employer, or immigration authority by directly confirming the English language requirements. By checking with the official websites or dealing with the authorized agents, you will find that you have chosen the test that is close to your aims and targets and that fits the eligibility requirements.

Pros and Cons of IELTS vs PTE Score in 2025

IELTS vs PTE score?It is better to compare the pros and cons of these exams to make a clear decision.

The Advantages of IELTS:

• Being recognized by thousands of organizations around the world (universities, employers, and immigration authorities), IELTS has great international credibility.

• A face-to-face speaking test enables candidates to speak clearly and build rapport with the person marking work, and it is a more reassuring experience for some of the test takers.

• IELTS is a paper-based test whereby some candidates write the answer papers using a pen rather than a computer.

Negative Features of IELTS:

• The results of IELTS may be delayed for up to 13 days (paper-based) and 3 to 5 days (computer-based), slowing down the application process.

• Some candidates may get stressed or nervous in the face-to-face speaking test since they become uncomfortable talking directly with an examiner.

Positives of PTE:

• PTE results are also offered in a very short period, often in 1-2 days, which is desirable for candidates with a short deadline.

• It is a computer-based test that offers a contemporary and uniform test environment that attracts tech-savvy applicants.

• The applicability of PTE is quickly expanding as it is being accepted increasingly in countries that are major migration destinations, such as Australia and Canada.

PTE Weaknesses:

• Although it is objective, an AI-based scoring system may seem unpredictable or even impersonal to test takers.

• A new scoring criterion with the introduction of partial human inspection of speaking areas introduces some randomness, and it is impossible to know how the scoring will turn out as in the past.

Also Read: Australia's Bold Step towards IELTS-Free Enrollment

How to Choose Between IELTS and PTE: Expert Tips 2025

You are required to make decisions in case you choose between IELTS vs PTE score, and there is some expert advice to follow to select the right option:

• Make sure that the visa/university requirements of the destination of your choice are looked into because certain universities/immigration offices might have preferences in the tests or have specific minimum score requirements.

• Do mock tests of IELTS and PTE to know which format best applies to you regarding suitability and comfort. This exercise can tell you which test you have a better chance of doing well.

• Look at result periods as having strict deadlines may favour using PTE, where its result-taking periods are shorter (1-2 days) than IELTS.

• Choose IELTS if you are applying to the UK or professional areas that involve face-to-face evaluation of speaking, as IELTS is usually preferred in such scenarios.

• Consider that you are comfortable when using technology, such as fast typing and reading off of a monitor, as PTE is a computer-based test. In contrast, IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based courses.

Conclusion: IELTS vs PTE Score – Making the Right Choice in 2025

IELTS vs PTE score comparison will also be vital in your study, PR, or work process in 2025. Both tests are considered good choices; however, choosing the best one should depend on the level of comfort a person has, their aspirations, and the demands of a particular destination. Prepare according to the conversion table to make your preparations coherent, take some mock tests to see your strong points, and take the test that suits you regarding schedules and preferences.

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