IELTS vs PTE : Which One is The Best for International Study?
Both tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs and by Australian institutions for student visa applications. The right choice depends on test format, scoring method, and turnaround, not on which test is easier.
SUBCLASS 500
2 YEAR VALIDITY
TEST CENTRE ONLY
HOW IT WORKS
Two Tests, One Requirement
The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of English proficiency for most Subclass 500 applicants. IELTS and PTE Academic are the two most widely used options, alongside TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and LanguageCert. Each institution sets its own entry score on top of the visa minimum, so the test result needed for admission is often higher than the result needed for the visa itself.
📝 Important Note
Online and at-home versions of these tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes. The test must be sat in person at a secure test centre, regardless of which one is chosen.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System
Administered by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English
Four separate sections assessing Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Speaking is conducted face to face or by video with a trained examiner, often in a separate session. Available as paper-based or computer-delivered.
BAND 0 TO 9
HUMAN SCORED
3 TO 13 DAYS RESULTS
VALID FOR 2 YEARS
PTE
Pearson Test of English Academic
Administered by Pearson
A single computer-based session combining Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening through integrated tasks. Speaking is recorded into a microphone and scored by an automated algorithm rather than a live examiner.
10 TO 90 SCALE
ALGORITHM SCORED
48 HOURS RESULTS
VALID FOR 2 YEARS
KEY DIFFERENCES
Major Differences Between Two Tests
1
Who Marks It
IELTS Speaking and Writing are marked by trained human examiners. PTE is marked entirely by an automated scoring engine, including Speaking.
2
Session Structure
IELTS separates the four skills into distinct sections, with Speaking often on a different day. PTE blends all four skills into one continuous session.
3
Answer Review
IELTS allows reviewing and changing answers within a section. PTE moves forward only, with no return to a completed question.
4
Results Turnaround
PTE results are typically issued within 48 hours. IELTS results typically take 3 to 13 days, depending on the test format chosen.
SCORE BENCHMARKS
Score Equivalency Bridge
General benchmarks based on current Department of Home Affairs settings and typical institution thresholds. Each CRICOS provider and course sets its own exact requirement.
Frequently Asked Question
Which test is accepted for the Australian student visa?
Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for Subclass 500 applications. TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and LanguageCert are also accepted.
What is the minimum score required for a student visa?
The current visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or the PTE equivalent of 50 overall. Universities and colleges often set higher entry scores for direct admission.
Can I switch between IELTS and PTE before applying?
Yes. Applicants may sit either test, or both, before lodging their application, as long as the final result used meets the visa and institution requirements.
Is a lower score accepted with an English pathway course?
Yes. Applicants enrolling in an ELICOS or pathway program alongside their main course may be accepted with a lower initial score.