IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Better for Immigration?

Kritika Pandey

4 min read

Updated On Jan 9, 2026

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Confused about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE for your immigration plans? While IELTS and PTE are widely accepted for immigration, TOEFL is the ideal choice if your primary focus is on higher studies. Scroll through to find which is better for you and your goals.

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Quick Overview of IELTS, TOEFL & PTE听
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Key Differences听
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Test Structure
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Best for Immigration?
Ready to Ace Your Test and Secure PR? Start Your Journey with 成人每日大赛

Want to begin your immigration journey, but can't comprehend which English test is better for you? This dilemma is quite understandable. Picking the correct English language test is the crucial first step toward building your life abroad.

While all three 鈥� IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE 鈥� are accepted by international universities, each has a different format, scoring method, and test experience. So, it's best to understand which suits your goals.听Follow along as we compare IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE, including test structure, scoring, which is easier, and more, to help you resolve the confusion about which is better for you.

Quick Overview of IELTS, TOEFL & PTE听

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are international language tests that assess how well you can understand, speak, and write in English. They are an essential requirement if you want to migrate to an English-speaking country. Each test is a bit different from the other, follow the table below and find out what these tests are:听

Test	Full Form	Purpose	Popular Countries
IELTS	International English Language Testing System	Study, work, migrate	UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
TOEFL	Test of English as a Foreign Language	Primarily academic study	USA, Canada, some parts of Europe
PTE	Pearson Test of English	Study, work, migrate	Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and some US universities

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Key Differences听

Finding out which English test is best suited for you now requires a strategic approach. Here are the key differences between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE to help you make an informed decision.听

Factors	IELTS	TOEFL	PTE
Test Type	Paper-based or Computer-based	Mostly Computer-based	Fully Computer-based
Cost	Approx. INR 18,000	Around INR 16,900	INR 18,000
Speaking Test	Face-to-face with an examiner	Recorded responses	Recorded responses
Scoring Scale	0-9 bands	0-120 points	10-90 points
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	Around 3 hours	Around 2 hours
Results	3-5 days (computer) or 13 days (paper)	6-10 days	Within 2 days
Accent Variety	British, Australian, Canadian	Mostly American	Multiple accents
Test Availability	48+ times a year	50+ times a year	Frequent, flexible dates

Also Read:听PTE vs OET

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Test Structure

The format and skill assessment for these tests are similar; however, there are still certain minute differences in the tests that you should be aware of:听

IELTS Structure

Listening:听30 minutes
Reading:听60 minutes
Writing:听60 minutes
Speaking:听11鈥�14 minutes

Preferably for: Candidates comfortable with real human interaction during speaking.

TOEFL Structure听

Reading:听35 minutes
Listening:听36 minutes
Speaking:听16 minutes
Writing:听29 minutes

Preferably for: Candidates听comfortable with typing and computer-based academic tasks.

PTE Structure

Speaking and Writing:听54-67 minutes
Reading:听29-30 minutes
Listening:听30-43 minutes

Preferably for: Those who want a quicker test with faster results.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Best for Immigration?

Here are some factors to consider when deciding which test is best for immigration:听

Choose TOEFL if:听

You prefer integrated and academic tasks.
You are focusing on institutions that mandate the TOEFL.
You are comfortable with speaking responses.
Your primary goal is to study abroad and immigration is not your immediate goal.

Choose IELTS if:听

You are comfortable with or want a speaking test with an examiner.听
You focus on a mix of paper and computer options.听
You focus on universities that accept IELTS, and you feel confident with face-to-face speaking.听
You are applying for PR or work visas, and your desired destination is Canada, Australia, the UK, or New Zealand.
You want to take the most widely-accepted English test for immigration.

If you are targeting America, ensure you know the required IELTS band for USA to meet your goals.

Choose PTE if:听

You want your result on short notice.听
You prefer a fully computerised test.
You are applying for Australia, New Zealand, or Canada PR.
Consider PTE if you want to pursue your education in the USA. This test is increasingly recognised by US universities.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Checklist to Make the Right Choice听

To decide which English test is right for your immigration goal, make sure you tick the following pointers:听

Check programme pages for accepted tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) and minimum scores; varies by department.
IELTS for live speaking confidence, TOEFL for integrated academic tasks and typing, and PTE for speed and full computer format.听
PTE gives results in 48 hours (up to 5 days max in India); it is ideal for late apps. IELTS/TOEFL take days to 2 weeks; book early for a buffer.

Ready to Ace Your Test and Secure PR? Start Your Journey with 成人每日大赛

The choice between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE depends largely on your professional goals.听成人每日大赛听offers expert IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE training, plus immigration support. Our comprehensive solutions ensure thorough preparation for either exam. Moreover, beyond language testing, we offer a range of services, including PR and job search assistance, providing a one-stop destination for all your immigration and language proficiency needs.听

Book Your Free Consultation听

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier, IELTS or TOEFL or PTE?

There is a mixed opinion on which test is easier or more difficult to score; however, since PTE is a computer-based test where a computer program rates the test, it is unbiased and is hence considered easier.

Is 65 of PTE equal to 7 IELTS?

Yes, PTE 65 is equal to IELTS 7.0. However, PTE 65 requires a shorter study time compared to IELTS 7.0.

Is TOEFL hard for Indian students?

There is a specificity for Indian students to consider the TOEFL hard. However, for those less confident in their English skills, some sections, especially under strict time constraints, can be tough.

What is the hardest English proficiency exam?

The Cambridge exam is said to be the most difficult English proficiency test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

Can I pass PTE on the first attempt?

Yes, it's quite possible to pass PTE even on the first attempt if you are not a native English speaker. But it will require a lot of effort and planning on your part. If you take the exam without familiarising yourself with the format or doing practice tests, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

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