IELTS vs PTE in Australia: Key differences

Are you applying for university, a new visa, or a professional registration in Australia?

Or maybe, you’re planning your pathway to permanent residency.

In all situations, the right English test can set you up for success.

So, you probably have two options in mind: IELTS or PTE?

In this article, we’ll help you weigh your choices.

IELTS vs PTE in Australia: Which English language test is better for immigration, PR or study?

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted for study and migration in Australia, but IELTS is recognised by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide compared to over 3,900 for PTE Academic. IELTS also offers One Skill Retake and a face-to-face Speaking test with a human examiner, which can make it an ideal choice for many test takers.

IELTS vs PTE: Quick comparison overview

If you’re trying to decide between IELTS and PTE, let’s break it down simply.

Both tests can help you study or apply for visas, but the experience of taking them is quite different.

We’ll walk you through the main differences so you can choose what feels right for you.

Test structure and content

IELTS’ test format is divided into four clear sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You focus on one skill at a time.

PTE Academic uses integrated tasks. This means some questions combine skills. Specifically, the speaking and writing sections.

Some students enjoy this fast-paced style, but others find switching between skills in one task more challenging.

IELTS has kept its question types the same for years.

In 2025, PTE introduced two new speaking question types.

Speaking test

In IELTS, your Speaking test is done face-to-face with a trained examiner in a private room.

It feels like a real conversation. If you don’t understand a question, the examiner can repeat or rephrase it. They can even help you expand your answers by providing probing questions.

In PTE, you speak into a microphone in a room where other test takers are also speaking.

Your responses are recorded by the system. If you stay silent for more than three seconds, the microphone switches off automatically.

Because everyone is speaking at the same time, the room can feel noisy. Some students find that environment distracting.

Retaking the test

This is one of the biggest advantages of IELTS.

IELTS offers a One Skill Retake.

If you miss your required score in one section, you can retake just that skill instead of repeating the whole test.

With PTE, if you don’t achieve the score you need, you must pay and sit the entire test again.

For many students, having a second chance at just one section reduces pressure.

Acceptance and global recognition

IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations in over 150 countries.

This includes universities, employers, professional bodies and Australian student visa and migration applications.

PTE Academic is accepted by more than 3,900 institutions worldwide. It is also approved for Australian student visa applications.

If wide global recognition matters to you, IELTS is accepted by a larger number of organisations.

Marking and scoring

In IELTS, Reading and Listening are auto-marked.

Writing and Speaking are assessed by trained English experts following global marking standards.

PTE Academic uses an AI-first scoring approach. Every response is scored by AI.

For seven of the 22 question types in PTE Academic, a human reviewer validates the AI score.

Price in Australia

Availability of results

For IELTS on Computer, results are typically available in 1 day. For PTE Academic, results are usually available within 2 days.

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted for Australian immigration.

IELTS General Training for all visa subclasses

But IELTS gives you the option of General Training, which assesses your English used in real-life and workplace situations.

So if you don’t need an academic test, you can instead take a version that tests your practical communication skills while still meeting visa rules in Australia.

IELTS One Skill Retake for all visa subclasses

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for all visa subclasses.

If you are working with visa deadlines or points requirements, that flexibility can help you save time, reduce stress and stay on track with your migration plans.

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted for permanent residency pathways in Australia.

However, when you look closely at migration points and recent score changes, IELTS can offer more stability and flexibility for PR planning.

English level affects your PR points

For Skilled Migration visas, your English score can increase your migration points:

• Proficient English → 10 points

• Superior English → 20 points

From 7 August 2025, the DHA released new English requirements for Australian visas.

You’ll have to reach higher PTE scores in Writing and Speaking if you want to get Proficient and Superior English levels.

IELTS score requirements for these same levels remain unchanged.

If you are aiming to maximise your migration points, stable score requirements can make long-term planning easier.

Recognition and global acceptance

• IELTS is accepted by 12,500+ organisations worldwide.

• PTE Academic is accepted by 3,900 institutions globally.

For applicants thinking beyond one visa—for example, future migration, professional registration, or overseas opportunities—broader recognition can matter.

One Skill Retake flexibility

IELTS offers a One Skill Retake, which is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes.

If you fall short in one section, you may only need to retake that skill instead of repeating the entire test. This helps you stay on track with your PR timeline.

Both IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are accepted by universities across Australia.

Where things start to differ is in recognition and test experience.

If you later decide to change universities, apply for professional registration, or use your results somewhere else, having a test that’s widely recognised can make things simpler.

The way the tests feel is also different.

IELTS Academic separates Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking into clear sections, and your Speaking test is done face-to-face with an examiner.

PTE Academic is fully computer-based and mixes skills within tasks, so you might speak and write in the same question.

Before booking, always check your university’s exact English requirements. Some courses ask for specific minimum scores in Writing or Speaking, so it’s important to make sure your chosen test matches what your provider expects.

Meet Sandra: From IELTS to Australian PR

With IELTS special arrangements, Sandra achieved the scores she needed for permanent residency in Australia. Today, she runs her own business and supports neurodivergent communities across two countries.

Read her PR journey

Meet Adi: From IELTS to the University of Melbourne

Adi used IELTS Academic to begin his journey from Indonesia to Australia. After achieving Band 8.0, he went on to study at the University of Melbourne and win the prestigious Caroline Clapham IELTS Masters Award.

Read Adi’s study journey in Melbourne

For a high stakes English test, it’s important to choose an option that’s consistent, reliable, and is trusted.

It’s also important to consider your test-taking preferences.

Are you someone who likes to accomplish one task at a time? Do you like speaking privately and with a human examiner?

Do you like having access to a range of FREE materials and a mock test before your test?

All of these are worth taking into consideration.

IELTS offers a wide range of FREE preparation materials

Access our official guide to all IELTS preparation materials.

Know your current band score before you book your test

Take our IELTS full mock test to:

• Receive your estimated band score instantly.

• Get personalised study guide.

• Access 25 live classes from IELTS experts.

Try the E2 mock test

Which is easier, PTE or IELTS in Australia?

Neither IELTS nor PTE Academic is objectively easier in Australia. The right choice depends on how you prefer to be tested, whether you are comfortable with AI scoring and integrated tasks, or prefer separate skill sections and a face-to-face Speaking test.

What is IELTS 6.5 equal to in PTE?

An IELTS 6.5 is generally equivalent to a PTE Academic score of around 58–64, depending on the official score concordance table in use. Always check the latest equivalency guidance from your university or visa authority, as required scores may vary.

Are Australian universities more likely to accept PTE or IELTS?

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted by universities across Australia. However, IELTS is recognised by more institutions globally, and in Australia more universities accept IELTS compared to PTE, making IELTS more widely accepted overall.

Are New Zealand universities more likely to accept PTE or IELTS?

All universities in New Zealand accept both IELTS Academic and PTE Academic for study applications. The required scores may differ by course, so it is important to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen university.

Are New Zealand universities more likely to accept PTE or IELTS?

All universities in New Zealand accept both IELTS Academic and PTE Academic for study applications. The required scores may differ by course, so it is important to check the specific entry requirements of your chosen university.