PTE Academic vs. IELTS: Which Test Take Australia - Is IELTS a better choice than PTE for Australian immigration? This is a question you should consider if you are a working professional searching for new possibilities or an overseas student seeking more education. To relocate to Australia, you must first demonstrate your proficiency in English.m This is done by taking a language competency exam, such as the Pearson exam of English (PTE) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

In a nutshell, the fundamental distinction between IELTS and PTE is that IELTS provides an option between paper and computer. The PTE exam is entirely computer-based and scored by a machine that may be biassed. The speaking portion of the IELTS exam is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, but the PTE exam is conducted in front of a computer.

PTE Academic vs. IELTS: Which Test Take Australia

IELTS and PTE are both English proficiency examinations, although IELTS is more widely trusted and approved by governments and universities than PTE Academic. This makes IELTS the logical choice for exam takers globally.

In 2023, IELTS introduced IELTS One Skill Retake over the world. People can retake one section of the IELTS test without having to repeat the other three. With PTE, test takers must book, pay, and complete the entire exam, risking losing out on scores again.

We understand that you want to take the best possible exam to demonstrate your language abilities. You also want to achieve the scores required for your visa or education. Let us have a look at the distinctions between IELTS and PTE-A.

There are some variations between IELTS and PTE Academic. In summary, IELTS is more equitable since it permits you to retake one component of the test. IELTS also prevents machine-biassed marking by combining automarking with genuine human examiners. One of the most significant changes is that the IELTS test is administered both on a computer and on paper. PTE-A is only available on computers.

IELTS is the only major test that allows you to retake one skill. IELTS allows you to choose one of four test components: listening, reading, writing, or speaking. If you fail PTE Academic, you must book, pay, and take the entire exam again. Compared to PTE, IELTS provides you with a fair second opportunity to get the required score.
More than 12,000 companies accept IELTS scores. Your PTE results are only approved by a few thousand companies and academic programmes worldwide. In short, IELTS is more widely accepted by immigration offices, universities, professional organisations, and companies than PTE Academic.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, the gold standard for English proficiency examinations, was introduced in 1980 and assesses English fluency in both written and spoken modes.

IELTS is the most widely accepted and popular test of its type, with over 11,500 institutions in more than 140 countries. It offers both paper and computer versions of its test, which is divided into four sections: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.

If you choose dependability and opt to take this exam, the best IELTS for Australian immigration is General Training.

What is PTE?

Pearson Inc. established the PTE, an English language test, in 2009. It consists of two tests: PTE Academic and PTE General, both computer-based and automated. In recent years, nations such as Australia and New Zealand have begun to accept these exams for visa applications.

PTE exam takers must take the Academic version of the test while applying for a visa in Australia.

Which test is easier: PTE or IELTS?

So, neither exam is easier than the other. However, IELTS is more accessible, with a simpler exam structure.

When you take the PTE exam, there are several integrated questions. It incorporates listening and speaking into the same section of the exam. Or reading and writing in the reading section of the exam. In contrast, the IELTS contains four different portions where you may concentrate on each task (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) individually.

What makes the PTE more difficult? The PTE test consists of multiple brief activities divided into three portions. PTE combines many question types, which some students may find perplexing. For example, PTE A involves speaking and writing, and you only have 54 to 67 minutes.

PTE Academic vs. IELTS: Test Format

The IELTS General Training test assesses daily English in a social or workplace setting and is designed for test takers applying to secondary education, work experience, or training programmes in an English-speaking nation. The IELTS Academic test includes academic English and tasks for students seeking higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking nation.

PTE Academic assesses academic skills using integrated challenges. It is an English language test for international study and immigration.

PTE Academic vs. IELTS: Marking System

The IELTS Writing and Speaking examinations are graded by English specialists using worldwide marking standards. The Reading and Listening tests are marked automatically.

All PTE Academic examinations are scored using the automated scoring method.

PTE Academic vs. IELTS: Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking examination is administered face-to-face by a human examiner in a secluded, quiet room with no other test takers. IELTS Speaking examiners may repeat or rephrase a question if requested.

The PTE Academic test assesses students' ability to speak English in an academic setting, such as reading aloud in a partitioned booth alongside peers. If a test taker is silent for more than three seconds, the Speaking exam microphone will automatically turn off.

PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR: Which to take?

Now that you have a better idea of your test options, you may be wondering which one to take.

If you're still undecided, continue reading to learn about the significant distinctions between the two examinations.

IELTS General Training is marked by live English professionals.

The PTE is conducted, reviewed, and scored by a computer-automated scoring system, therefore there is no human participation in the process.

Although having humans involved in the grading process may not seem like a big deal, it is more important than you realise!

After all, an automated system may not be able to catch the intricacies required to comprehend you as effectively as a real person. There would be some freedom in marking, but AI would be more strict in evaluation, with just one correct answer. This may have a greater influence on the reading and speaking portions of the test.

This is the situation with IELTS, which uses English specialists to evaluate test participants.

Aside from that, IELTS lets you skip questions and return to them later to save time. However, PTE requires you to answer the question before moving on to the next one.

IELTS has worldwide reach and established credibility.

In comparison to IELTS, PTE is a newer test that is not as widely known worldwide. If you want to maximise the reach of your application, IELTS is the way to go. Over 11,000 organisations globally trust IELTS to evaluate English language abilities, whereas approximately 3,000 organisations accept the PTE.

If you want a test that has the broadest range of acceptability, IELTS is the best option. The last thing you want is for your certification to be denied recognition, forcing you to take the IELTS test.

IELTS provides the option of a paper and pen test.

If you prefer to write your answers on paper, the IELTS is a better alternative.

This is because PTE is only available on computers, but IELTS allows you to take your test on either a computer or paper in many locations across the world.

IELTS used in Australia

IELTS is the most common English language competency test worldwide, as well as for immigration to Australia. It is required by Australian professional associations and generally acknowledged throughout the country.

FAQs

Q.1. Which exam is more suited to Australia: IELTS or PTE?

Ans: In comparison to IELTS, PTE is a newer test that is not as widely known worldwide. If you want to maximise the reach of your application, IELTS is the way to go. Over 11,000 organisations worldwide trust IELTS to evaluate English language skills, while approximately 3,000 organisations accept the PTE.

Q.2. Is the PTE Academic exam acceptable in Australia?

Ans: PTE is accepted by all Australian institutions, several professional groups, and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as proof of English language skills for visa applications.

Q.3. Can I go to Australia without IELTS or PTE?

Ans: Most Australian colleges accept TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and OET as alternatives to IELTS. An Australian student visa without IELTS is valid provided the student has enrolled in a valid English course in Australia.

Q.4. Is 7.5 an appropriate IELTS score for Australia?

Ans: The IELTS exam is popular among overseas students. Every university in Australia requires a minimum IELTS score. Band scores ranging from 0 to 9 are used to indicate IELTS outcomes. An IELTS score of 7 or above is regarded as great for furthering your studies overseas, particularly in Australia.

Q.5. Is PTE valid for three years in Australia?

Ans: Typically, PTE findings are applied in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. The PTE Academic Score record is valid for immigration purposes in Australia for three years, despite the fact that your actual PTE score record only displays two.