IELTS compared with PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT

When you’re applying to study at a university in an English-speaking country, you’re going to need to show the institution that you have a good level of English. 

You’re going to be listening to lectures in English, discussing things with tutors, taking part in group work, reading academic journals, researching, writing, eating, socialising, and all in English. Your level of English needs to be good enough to be able to do all these things and more.  

Universities you’re applying to will need to see that your level of English isn’t going to hold you back in your studies. You show this by taking an English language test that the university accepts (make sure you read their entry requirements before applying).  

There are many English language tests to choose from, but this article focuses on the main ones which are more widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world.  

What English language tests are there? 

The tests we’ll be looking at are: IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.  

Here’s an overview: 

*automated – marked by a machine 

**human-rater – marked by a person 

Read on to find out a little more about each test. 

IELTS 

The International English Testing System is accepted by over 11,000 institutions and organisations worldwide. The IELTS test is also accepted by the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand immigration authorities. The international recognition and credibility of IELTS stem from its reputation for being secure and reliable.

Formats

The test can be taken in a range of formats, including IELTS Online, the computer-based test (CBT) and paper-based test (PBT). There are over 3,000 test centres in more than 60 countries globally, making it easier to find a test centre near you.  

IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS has recently introduced One Skill Retake to help students boost their confidence in their IELTS test.

If you feel that you didn't demonstrate your complete capabilities in one of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) during your test, IELTS One Skill Retake can assist you in regaining your momentum. You have the flexibility to opt for IELTS One Skill Retake at any test centre where it's available.

At the time of writing, IELTS One Skill Retake is available in Australia, Cambodia, India and the Philippines. There will be a gradual introduction of this feature in other countries and territories worldwide throughout 2023.

In terms of scores, generally, you will need a 6.0 band score for undergraduate study and 7.0 for postgraduate study. However, each university is different, and the top universities may have higher requirements. 

PTE Academic 

The Pearson Test of English Academic is accepted by over 3,300 universities and colleges worldwide, and by the UK, Australian and New Zealand immigration authorities. 

This test is accepted by more than 12,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. 

The TOEFL iBT test can be taken on paper or on a computer at a test centre. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the test from anywhere as long as you have satisfied TOEFL's equipment and environment requirements.

Just like the other tests above, each university or institution has its own entry requirements, so you will need to check with the university what TOEFL iBT score they need.  

Scores  

The table below shows how the IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT scores relate to each other.  

Now that you have all the information you need, you can decide which test is the right one for you.  

Best of luck! 

Disclaimer: IDP Hotcourses Abroad is part of IDP Education, co-owner of IELTS.