- Choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE depends on where you plan to study and how you prefer to take exams – online, on paper, or face-to-face.
- Each test follows a different format, scoring method, and time frame, so it helps to know what’s tested and how long it takes.
- Your university destination matters – while some accept all three, others may only take one, so always check language requirements.
- Explore each test's features, formats, and recognition, and find the right fit for your academic goals on Mastersportal.
If you’re not a native English speaker and want to study a degree in English, you’ll need to show universities that your language skills are good enough for academic study. You can do this by taking an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. But which one should you choose?
Learn more about each test below and get a better idea of which one is right for you.
What are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE used for?
All three tests are used as proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers, whether they’re looking to study abroad in English or migrate for work.
IELTS explained:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge English. It has two versions: Academic (for university applications) and General Training (for work/immigration). If you’re applying for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, you’ll need the Academic version. IELTS tests four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
TOEFL explained:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). You’ll often see it as TOEFL iBT, which stands for internet-based test, the most common version used today. It tests Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is a flexible option for students worldwide. It's the same test as the regular TOEFL, taken from home under live supervision.
PTE explained:
- As its name suggests, PTE (Pearson Test of English) is administered by Pearson Education. It’s a computer-based test with three sections: Speaking & Writing (combined), Reading, and Listening. You’ll find three versions of the test: PTE Academic (for university applications), PTE Core (for Canadian immigration), and PTE for UK visas.
IELTS, TOEFL, vs PTE: Key differences
There are different versions of each test, but if you’re applying to university, you’ll need the academic one. That’s why we’ll compare IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic below:
IELTS, TOEFL, vs PTE format
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE all assess Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills, but they do it differently. Check out the table below to learn more:
IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | |
Reading | 40 questions for 3 reading sections (60 minutes) | 20 questions for 2 reading passages (35 minutes) | Five question types assessing Reading and Comprehension skills (29–30 minutes) |
Listening | 40 questions for 4 recordings of native speakers (30 minutes) | 28 questions on lectures and conversations (36 minutes) | Audio or video clips (30–43 minutes) |
Speaking | A three-part, face-to-face interview with an examiner (11-14 minutes) | Four questions covering real-life situations (16 minutes) | Several tasks combining Writing and Speaking skills, such as introducing yourself, reading aloud, describing an image, summarising a text, and writing an essay (54–67 minutes) |
Writing | 2 tasks requiring formal, academic English (60 minutes) | Two writing tasks on summarising a text and expressing opinions (29 minutes) |
So in total, IELTS takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, TOEFL around 1 hour and 50 minutes, and PTE between 2-2 hours and 20 minutes. You should always plan for a bit more time, since you’ll need to prepare for questions and take breaks between sections.
IELTS, TOEFL, vs PTE scoring system
IELTS is scored out of 9, TOEFL out of 120, and PTE out of 90. Here is a detailed comparison:
IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | |
Score range | 1–9 | 0–120 | 10–90 |
Sections scored | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
Total score calculation | Average of the 4 section scores | Sum of scores from all 4 sections (each out of 30) | Scaled score based on performance in all sections |
Time to receive scores | 1-13 days; the computer-based test is faster | 4-8 days after test date | 2 business days after test date |
Score validity | 2 years after test date | 2 years after test date | 2 years after test date |
Best possible score | 9 | 120 | 90 |
Lowest possible score | 1 | 0 | 10 |
What’s a good IELTS score?
- IELTS considers 6 out of 9 a competent score, 7 a good score, and 8 a very good score.
What’s a good TOEFL score?
- The average TOEFL score is 88 out of 120, and 80+ is considered a good score.
What’s a good PTE score?
- If you score between 59 and 75 in PTE, it means that you have the necessary academic English level to follow undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Anything above that shows a very high English proficiency.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE availability
All three exams are widely available at test centres or from the comfort of your home. If you’d like to take one of the tests remotely, you’ll need to make sure you have a good computer, internet connection, speaker, and a camera. For test centres, here’s how many there are for each exam around the world:
- IELTS: Over 4,000 centres in 140 countries
- TOEFL: Over 3,000 centres in 200 countries
- PTE: Over 475 centres in 40+ countries
Tip! Some universities don’t accept the at-home version of these tests, so you might need to take your test at an official centre. Always double-check the requirements of the universities you’re applying to before booking a test!
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE cost
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE fees depend on the country you’re in. Here are some price ranges to give you an idea:
- IELTS cost (average): $200-250
- TOEFL cost (average): $180-250
- PTE cost (average): $200-250
If you need to reschedule or cancel your exam, there might be some extra charges. Luckily, all three exams are pretty flexible with that:
IELTS gives you a full refund (minus an admin fee) if you cancel more than 5 weeks before your test date. If you didn’t get the score you want, you can retake just one section (IELTS One Skill Retake).
If you cancel at least 4 days before your test for TOEFL, you’ll get a full refund. You can also reschedule for a fee of $69.
For your PTE test, you can cancel or reschedule for free if it’s at least 14 days before your exam.
Which test is harder: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE?
It’s challenging to say which English proficiency test is harder. It depends a lot on which type of questions you find easier, and whether you’d prefer recording yourself speaking or talking with a human examiner. You can have a better idea of the exam format by checking out free materials and sample tests from the official websites of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
Which one is more widely accepted: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE?
Comparing data from the official websites of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, we can say that TOEFL is the most widely accepted test. Here’s more on that:
- IELTS: 12,500+ organisations accept it
- TOEFL: 13,000+ organisations accept it
- PTE: 3,500+ organisations accept it
Some institutions accept all three, while others may require a specific one. US universities, for example, accept TOEFL more widely than the other two exams. IELTS and PTE are common in EU countries, the UK, and Australia, among other places.
Do check the admission requirements of your target universities. You’ll often see which tests they accept under the “Language requirements” section.
Side-by-side comparison: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
Ready for a quick recap? Here are the differences between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE summarised:
IELTS | TOEFL | PTE | |
Sections | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing (combined in one) |
Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes + preparation time | 1 hour and 50 minutes + preparation time | Around 2 hours and 20 minutes + preparation time |
Speaking section | With an examiner either face-to-face or through a video call | Through recording | Through recording |
Availability | Computer-based, paper, online | Computer-based at a test centre or online at home | Computer-based at a test centre or online at home |
Score range | 1-9 | 0-120 | 10-90 |
Cost ranges | $200-250 | $180-250 | $200-250 |
Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Retakes | Unlimited | Unlimited (But you need to wait 3 days before you can retake the exam) | 12 times within 12 months |
Accepted by | 12,500+ institutions | 13,000+ institutions | 3,500+ institutions |
Popular for | UK and Europe | USA, Canada, and Europe | Australia and New Zealand |
Which test should you take?
The truth is, which test you should take depends a lot on where you want to study. While some institutions accept all three English tests, others only accept IELTS or TOEFL, or maybe only one of them. Other factors you should consider are exam dates, available test centres nearby, and whether a home-based test is an option. Once you’ve done that, you can:
Choose IELTS if…
- You’re applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or European countries
- You’re more comfortable with face-to-face speaking (instead of recording your answers)
- You want the flexibility to take the test on paper or computer.
Choose TOEFL if…
- You’re applying to universities in the US or Canada
- You’re looking for a test where the Reading and Listening sections are based directly on academic texts and lectures.
- You prefer doing the whole test on a computer, including the speaking section
Choose PTE if…
- You want to complete the Writing and Speaking tasks at the same time
- You want a super fast turnaround (results in just 2 business days)
- You’re more confident with a fully AI-scored test and typing your answers
Final words: How to prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE
The right kind of preparation can make all the difference in your exam results. Here are some good tips to get started:
- Get familiar with the question type: Each test has its own format, so make sure you know what to expect. Practise with sample questions from official materials and get used to the timing, structure, and style of each section.
- Improve all four skills: Read carefully, listen to different accents, practise clear writing styles, and speak as much as possible, even if you make mistakes.
- Use official resources: Make the most of free and paid materials from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE websites. These include practice tests, scoring guides, videos, and mobile apps that help you understand exactly how you’ll be tested.
FAQs
1. How long are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores valid?
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores are all valid for 2 years.
2. Which universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE?
It depends. The US universities often prefer TOEFL to the other tests, while universities in many other countries accept all three. Make sure to check the admission page of the universities you’re applying to.
3. Can I take the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE online?
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have online, home-based options, but keep in mind that some universities only accept your results if you take the exam at a test centre.
