IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE – Which English Test Should You Take for Studying Abroad?

November 6, 2025

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Ready to study abroad but stuck choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE?
You’re not alone. For many international students, figuring out which English proficiency test to take feels like being dropped into a maze with no map. Each test has its own format, scoring method, and quirks – and the wrong choice could hold you back from your university dreams.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to guess your way through this. This guide will break down the IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE comparison in simple terms, helping you choose the best test for your goals, timeline, and strengths.

Let’s get into it.

What Are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE?

Before we compare them side-by-side, here’s a quick intro to each:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
One of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests worldwide. Used for academic, work, and migration purposes.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Preferred by many American universities and institutions. Focuses on academic English in North American contexts.
PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)
A newer, computer-based exam known for automated scoring and fast results.

All three are accepted by thousands of universities globally, including in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and more.

So, which one should you choose?

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE
Test Format	Paper or Computer-based	Computer-based only	Computer-based only
Speaking Test	Face-to-face with a real examiner	Spoken into a microphone	Spoken into a microphone
Scoring System	Band 0-9 (increments of 0.5)	0–120 (30 per section)	10–90 Scale
Result Time	3–5 days (Computer), 13 days (Paper)	4–8 days	Usually within 48 hours
Most Accepted In	UK, Europe, Australia, Canada	USA, Canada	Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA
Skills Tested	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Same as IELTS	Same, but focused on integrated skills
Test Duration	~2 hours 45 minutes	~3 hours	~2 hours

A Closer Look at Each Test

IELTS: The Flexible, Globally Recognised Option

Why students like IELTS:

Offered with the option of paper-based or computer-based testing
Face-to-face speaking section with a trained human examiner
Scoring is done in band levels from 0 to 9
Accepted by over 12,000 institutions worldwide, including in the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the US

Best suited for you if:

You’re more comfortable speaking to real people
You prefer writing by hand
You’re applying to universities in the UK, Australia, or Canada
You want more test centre availability and date flexibility

Pro tip: IELTS scores are rounded up. A 6.75 becomes a 7.0.

TOEFL: The Academic, North American Favourite

Why students choose TOEFL:

Preferred by many US and Canadian universities
Entirely computer-based, with no pen-and-paper option
Multiple-choice heavy, especially in reading and listening sections
Scored out of 120 points, with scaled section scores

Best suited for you if:

You’re familiar with American English
You’re good at standardized testing and multiple-choice formats
You’re applying primarily to universities in North America

What to expect: You’ll speak your answers into a microphone, not to a person. Scores typically take 4–8 days.

PTE: The Fast, Tech-Driven Contender

Why students are switching to PTE:

Entirely scored by AI, reducing human bias
Fastest results-usually delivered within 48 hours
Also accepted by many institutions in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand
Emphasis on integrated skills (e.g., speaking + writing combined)

Best for students who:

Need results very quickly
Are confident using computers
Don’t mind speaking to a screen instead of a person
Are applying to Australian, UK, or New Zealand universities

Heads up: The AI scoring system can feel less personal, and some test takers find it hard to know how speaking is evaluated.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE – Which One Should You Take?

The best English test depends on three things:

Which countries/universities you’re applying to
Your personal strengths or test-taking style
How quickly you need your results

Here’s a quick way to choose:

Choose IELTS If You:

Prefer to speak with a real human during your exam
Want the most globally accepted test
Feel better writing essays by hand
Are applying to multiple international destinations

TOEFL If You:

Are primarily applying to the United States or Canada
Are comfortable with academic English
Do well with multiple-choice questions
Prefer a fully computer-based format

PTE If You:

Need fast results (within 48 hours)
Are comfortable with automated assessments
Want to apply to Australia, New Zealand, or the UK
Like integrated test formats instead of separate skills

5 Key Tips Before You Decide

Check University Requirements First
Before picking a test, double-check which ones are accepted by your preferred schools. Some may only accept one or two of these exams.
Try Sample Tests
Free practice tests are available on each testing website. Try them to see which format feels most natural to you.
Choose Based on Strengths
Are you better at verbal communication or multiple-choice logic? Choose the test that plays to your advantage.
Plan Ahead for Test Dates
Depending on your country and local testing centres, availability may differ. Don’t leave this to the last minute.
Don’t Stress About Picking “The Best”
All three tests are valid and respected. Focus on preparing well for the one you choose, rather than constantly second-guessing.

Final Thoughts: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE – There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Let’s be honest – there’s no perfect test. And no magic rule says IELTS is better than TOEFL, or that PTE is the easiest. Your decision should reflect what works best for you, not what’s most popular.

To wrap it up:

IELTS wins on flexibility and global recognition
TOEFL is strong for academic English and US applications
PTE is best for speed and tech-savvy test takers

Think of it like choosing between three tools for the same job-each gets you there, but some fit better depending on how you work.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE is just the first step in your study abroad journey. Once you’ve picked your test and aced it, you’ll need to find the right degree program, university, and location that fit your needs.

At StudyAbroadAdvice.com, we help international students find the right course in the right country, with real guidance based on experience-not brochures.

Need help choosing a university or preparing your application documents?
Contact us today and take the next concrete step toward your study abroad goals.

Share Your Experience

Already taken one (or more) of these tests?
Leave a comment below and tell future students what to expect, what surprised you, and what you wish you’d done differently.

Your advice could make someone else’s journey a lot smoother!