PTE vs IELTS
Format, scoring, and how to choose between PTE Academic and IELTS. Pearson's 2025 concordance and visa caveats from PeakPTE.
PTE Academic and IELTS Academic are both widely accepted for study abroad. They are not the same experience. This page compares format and scoring so you can choose with clear eyes. PeakPTE practices for PTE Academic. Official acceptance lists belong to universities and governments, not to us.
Format at a glance
| PTE Academic | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer at a Pearson test center | Paper or computer, depending on location |
| Skills | Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening in one sitting | Same four skills; Speaking is often a separate interview |
| Results | Often available in about two days (Pearson) | Typically longer, depending on format and location |
| Scoring | Overall and skills on a 10 to 90 scale | Overall and skills on a 0 to 9 band scale |
PTE Speaking is recorded into a microphone. IELTS Speaking is usually with a human examiner. Some people prefer the machine. Others prefer the conversation. That preference is a real reason to choose, not a marketing slogan.
Score concordance (approximate)
Pearson published an updated concordance with IELTS Academic in July 2025. Overall examples:
| IELTS overall | PTE overall (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 47 to 54 |
| 6.5 | 55 to 62 |
| 7.0 | 63 to 70 |
| 7.5 | 71 to 78 |
| 8.0 | 79 to 85 |
Source: Pearson’s concordance study summary. Concordance is an estimate, not a one-to-one guarantee. Institutions should still set their own cut scores.
Do not confuse concordance with visa bands
Australian skilled migration uses Home Affairs English levels (Competent, Proficient, Superior). Those bands are not the same table as Pearson’s statistical concordance. For example, many people talk about PTE 65 or 79 for migration points. Confirm the current Home Affairs table for your visa, not a blog converter alone.
UK visas: Academic vs Academic UKVI
For some UK routes you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Pearson’s SELT for many study and work paths is PTE Academic UKVI: same content, format, and scoring as PTE Academic, plus a Unique Reference Number (URN) for the visa process. Check GOV.UK SELT guidance and Pearson’s UKVI page before you book.
How to choose
- Confirm which tests your university or visa accepts.
- Prefer the format you can practice calmly (computer mic vs speaking interview).
- Book the official test with the right provider.
- If you choose PTE Academic, practice on PeakPTE with honest practice estimates.
PeakPTE never claims Pearson score parity. Our numbers help you decide what to practice next.
Questions people ask
What PTE score matches IELTS 7.0?
Pearson's July 2025 concordance maps IELTS overall 7.0 to about PTE overall 63 to 70. Treat that as an approximation. Your university or visa may set different numbers.
What PTE score matches IELTS 8.0?
Pearson's July 2025 concordance maps IELTS overall 8.0 to about PTE overall 79 to 85. Australian migration bands are set separately by Home Affairs.
Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Neither test is automatically easier. PTE is fully computer-based with typically faster results. IELTS has different formats and a human speaking component in many sittings. Choose the format you can prepare for, then confirm acceptance for your goal.
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