IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?
Book the test your university or visa names. If any will do, choose by format: a live speaking examiner, or all on computer.
- A live speaking examinerIELTS
- Results in about 2 daysPTE Academic
- At home, when not for a visaTOEFL iBT
Side by side
| IELTSBritish Council, IDP and Cambridgeielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test, 8 Oct 2026 ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/ielts-scoring-in-detail, 8 Oct 2026 ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/getting-and-sharing-your-results, 8 Oct 2026 | PTE AcademicPearsonpearsonpte.com/pte-academic, 8 Oct 2026 | TOEFL iBTETSets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/about/content.html, 8 Oct 2026 ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/get-scores.html, 8 Oct 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | Bands 0 to 9, in half bands | 10 to 90 | Bands 1 to 6; also 0 to 120 for two years from January 2026 |
| Test time | 2 hours 45 minutes | About 2 hours | About 2 hours; it adapts, so time can vary |
| Speaking | Face to face with an examiner, 11 to 14 minutes; examiners mark Writing and Speaking | Recorded on computer; AI scoring with human expertise | Recorded on computer |
| Results | 1 to 5 days on computer | Typically within 2 days | 3 days after the test |
| Where | At a test centre, or online | At a test centre only | At a test centre, or at home with a live online proctor |
| UK visas | Yes, as IELTS for UKVI | Yes, as PTE Academic UKVI | Not on the UK's approved list |
| Canada Express Entry | Yes, General Training only | No: Canada takes PTE Core, a different test | No |
| Australian visas | Yes, Academic or General Training; not IELTS Online | Yes | Yes, at a test centre, registered as "Taking TOEFL for Australia"; not the Home Edition |
- IELTS ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test, 8 Oct 2026
ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/ielts-scoring-in-detail, 8 Oct 2026
ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/getting-and-sharing-your-results, 8 Oct 2026 - PTE Academic pearsonpte.com/pte-academic, 8 Oct 2026
- TOEFL iBT ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/about/content.html, 8 Oct 2026
ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/get-scores.html, 8 Oct 2026
Visa rules gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt, 8 Oct 2026
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html, 8 Oct 2026
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language, 27 Sept 2026
From each test's official pages, read 8 October 2026; the pages are under each name.
How to choose
- Find the exact test your university or visa asks for. That settles it.
- If any will do, pick the speaking style you prefer: a person, or a microphone.
- Take a free practice test in the format you chose before you book.
Questions
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Neither is easier for everyone. PTE is all on computer with AI scoring; IELTS Speaking is a live talk with an examiner. Choose the format that suits you.
Which test can I use for a UK visa?
IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. TOEFL is not on the UK's approved list of secure English tests.
Which test does Canada accept for PR?
For Express Entry: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core. Not IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL.
Does Australia accept TOEFL?
Yes, at a test centre, if you register as "Taking TOEFL for Australia". The Home Edition is not accepted. IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted too.
How much does IELTS cost in India?
₹19,000 for Academic or General Training at IDP India in 2026.
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