1. Overview
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the top three English language tests accepted globally by universities and immigration systems. Choosing the right exam depends on your target country, comfort level, and university requirements.
2. Exam Format Comparison
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 mins | 35 mins | 30–43 mins |
| Reading | 60 mins | 35 mins | 30–40 mins |
| Writing | 60 mins | 29 mins | 40–50 mins |
| Speaking | Face-to-face | Recorded | Recorded |
3. Difficulty Level
- IELTS: Best for students comfortable with face-to-face speaking.
- TOEFL: More academic; good for USA universities.
- PTE: Fastest results; fully computerized.
4. Country-wise Acceptance
USA
TOEFL is preferred, but IELTS & PTE are widely accepted.
UK
IELTS is most common; PTE also accepted for UKVI.
Canada
IELTS is most accepted; PTE accepted by most institutions.
Australia
All three tests are accepted for admissions & immigration.
Germany
IELTS is widely accepted; TOEFL for many universities.
5. Which Exam Should You Choose?
- If applying to USA: TOEFL or IELTS
- If applying to UK: IELTS or PTE (UKVI approved)
- If applying to Canada: IELTS (main), PTE (widely accepted)
- If applying to Australia: Any of the three
- If you want fast results: PTE