IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: how to compare your options

All three tests measure English for academic and professional purposes. The right one for you depends first on what your university, regulator or visa accepts, and then on which format suits you.

Rule one: check acceptance

Before comparing anything else, look up the official list of accepted tests and minimum scores for every organisation you need to satisfy: the university, the visa authority and, for nurses, the nursing regulator. A test that is accepted by your university may not be accepted for your visa.

IELTS

Widely accepted for study and migration, and by many professional regulators. The speaking test is a conversation with an examiner. Available on paper or on computer at test centres, depending on location.

PTE Academic

Fully computer-based, including speaking, which you record into a microphone. Results usually come quickly. Many tasks are integrated, testing two skills at once, which suits some people and not others.

TOEFL iBT

Widely used by universities, especially in North America. Academic in style, with integrated speaking and writing tasks based on reading and listening material.

Which suits you?

• Comfortable typing and speaking to a computer? PTE may suit you.
• Prefer speaking to a person? IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test.
• Applying mainly to North American universities? TOEFL is a common choice.

Whichever you choose, take a full practice test under timed conditions early. It shows you where the gap is and how long preparation will take.

This article is general information, not legal, immigration or financial advice. Requirements change; always check the official source.