IELTS or PTE: Which Test Should You Take After +2?

You just finished +2. Now everyone has an opinion about your next test. Your cousin in Australia says PTE. Your senior in London says IELTS. Your friends are split. You just want a clear answer.

Here it is: the right test depends on where you’re going, not on which test is “better.” Once you know your destination, this decision gets a lot easier.

IELTS vs PTE: What’s the Difference?

Both tests check the same four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The way they test you is different.

IELTS Speaking is conducted face-to-face with a real examiner. In Nepal, IELTS is now delivered primarily on computers. Test takers may also have the option to take the Writing section by hand on paper, while Listening and Reading are completed on computer. IELTS One Skill Retake allows eligible test takers to retake one of the four sections Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking instead of taking the full test again. Availability and acceptance can vary, so check with your test centre and the organisation you’re applying to.

PTE Academic is computer-based and uses automated scoring technology as part of its scoring system. According to Pearson’s own test format page, the full PTE Academic test takes about two hours and covers speaking, writing, reading, and listening in one sitting, with results usually back within a couple of days. PTE Academic results are typically available within 48 hours, although some results can take longer.

Neither test is “easier.” They just suit different people.

IELTS or PTE for UK, Canada, Australia and USA: Which Test Should You Choose?

Before you ask whether IELTS or PTE is easier, faster, or better, start with one simple question: which test does your destination and university accept?

IELTS and PTE are both widely used for international study, but the requirements can vary by country, university, course, and visa route. A test that works for your friend may not be the best choice for you.

So, before booking your test, check your target country, shortlist your universities, and compare their current English-language requirements.

UK: IELTS is a strong and familiar choice

If you’re planning to study in the UK after +2, IELTS is a popular choice among international students and is widely recognised by UK universities.

However, don’t assume that every university or course has the same English requirement. Your university may set its own minimum score, while UK visa requirements can depend on your course and circumstances.

For degree-level study, UK Student visa applicants generally need to demonstrate English at the required level, but your education provider may also assess your English as part of the admission process.

That means the important question isn’t simply, “Is IELTS required for the UK?”

Instead, ask:

“What English test and score does my university and course require?”

If your university accepts both IELTS and PTE, your personal preference can help you decide. IELTS may suit you if you prefer speaking with a real examiner, while PTE can be a good fit if you are comfortable completing your test entirely on a computer.

Best choice for UK applicants: Check your university and course requirements first, then choose the test that matches your strengths.

Canada: Don’t rely on old SDS information

If you’re researching IELTS or PTE for Canada, be careful with older articles.

Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. New study permit applications are processed through the regular study permit system, so the old SDS rules should not be used when deciding which English test to take.

For Canadian students, the most important step is to check the current English-language requirements of your chosen college or university and your specific program.

Before booking IELTS or PTE, check:

• Whether your institution accepts IELTS, PTE, or both
• The minimum overall score required
• Whether minimum scores are required in individual sections
• Whether your specific course has additional English requirements

So, if you’re asking, “IELTS or PTE for Canada?”, there isn’t one answer for every student.

If your university accepts both tests, choose the format that suits you better and prepare for the score your institution requires.

Best choice for Canada: Check your college or university’s current requirements first. Don’t choose your test based on old SDS information.

Australia: IELTS and PTE are both popular options

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Nepali students after +2, and both IELTS and PTE can be useful options.

For Australian visa purposes, the approved English-language test rules were updated on August 7, 2025. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are among the tests recognised for Australian visa purposes, but the required score depends on the visa and your circumstances.

Your university or college may also require a different or higher score for admission.

This is why you should check two things separately:

1. Your university or college’s English requirement
2. The Australian visa English requirement that applies to you

If both IELTS and PTE are accepted by your institution, think about how you perform in each test format.

PTE may suit you if you prefer a fully computer-based exam and speaking into a microphone. IELTS may be more comfortable if you prefer a face-to-face speaking test with a human examiner.

Best choice for Australia: Compare your institution’s IELTS and PTE requirements before deciding which test to prepare for.

USA: Check your university before choosing

If you’re planning to study in the USA, don’t choose IELTS or PTE based on a general claim that one test is “better” for America.

Many U.S. universities accept IELTS, and PTE Academic is also accepted by many institutions. However, acceptance can vary by university, program, and level of study.

For example, a university may accept PTE for undergraduate admission but have different requirements for a particular graduate program.

Before booking your test, check:

• Does your university accept IELTS?
• Does it accept PTE Academic?
• What overall score is required?
• Are there minimum section scores?
• Does your specific course have additional English requirements?

If both tests are accepted, your decision can come down to your preferred test format and your strengths as a test taker.

Best choice for USA applicants: Shortlist your universities first, compare their English requirements, and then choose the test accepted by the universities you are most likely to apply to.

IELTS or PTE If You Haven’t Chosen a Country Yet

This is completely normal after +2.

You may be considering Canada, Australia, the UK, or the USA at the same time. In that situation, don’t immediately choose IELTS or PTE just because your friends are preparing for one of them.

Start with your destination.

Shortlist the countries and universities you are genuinely considering, then check which English tests they accept. If most of your options accept both IELTS and PTE, you can make the final decision based on your strengths and preferred exam format.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

IELTS vs PTE: Which Test Is Better for You?

Choose IELTS if:

• You prefer speaking to a real examiner
• You are comfortable with the IELTS test structure
• Your shortlisted universities accept IELTS
• You want the option of IELTS One Skill Retake where available and applicable
• You may apply to destinations or institutions where IELTS gives you broader flexibility

Choose PTE if:

• You are comfortable taking a fully computer-based test
• You prefer speaking into a microphone rather than to an examiner
• Your target universities accept PTE Academic
• You are comfortable with computer-based reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks
• You prefer a test with a typically fast results process

How to Choose Between IELTS and PTE After +2

If you’re still confused, follow these five steps:

Step 1: Choose your target country.

Decide whether you’re primarily considering the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, or another destination.

Step 2: Shortlist your universities.

Your university’s requirements matter more than what your friends or relatives tell you.

Step 3: Check the current English test requirements.

Look at both the accepted tests and the minimum scores. Also check whether your course requires minimum scores in individual sections.

Step 4: Compare the test formats.

If your university accepts both IELTS and PTE, choose the format that matches the way you perform best.

Step 5: Take a mock test before committing.

A starting-level assessment can show you which test format feels more natural and how much preparation you may need to reach your target score.

The bottom line is simple: there is no single best English test for every student.

The best test is the one that is accepted by your destination and university, meets your required score, and matches the way you perform best in an exam.

If you know your destination but still can’t decide between IELTS and PTE, getting your English level assessed before you start preparation can save you time, money, and the frustration of preparing for the wrong test.

Still Confused About IELTS or PTE? Get Your English Level Checked

That’s normal, and it’s exactly why a proper starting-level check matters more than any online quiz you’ll find. At Hardford, before we recommend a test, we look at your actual spoken and written English, your target country, and how much time you have before your application deadline.

Here’s something worth knowing too: you’re allowed to change your mind. Some students start IELTS preparation and realize halfway through that the PTE format suits them better or the other way around. If your test classes and your visa counseling are at two different places, switching means starting over somewhere new. At Hardford, both tests are taught under the same roof as your university and visa counseling, so changing your mind doesn’t mean changing institutes.

FAQs About IELTS and PTE After +2

Can I take both IELTS and PTE?

Yes. You can take both IELTS and PTE if you want to compare your performance or if your study plans involve institutions or destinations with different test requirements. However, taking both means paying for and preparing for two separate tests, so it’s usually better to check your target university requirements first and choose the test that gives you the best fit.

Is PTE actually easier than IELTS?

No. PTE is not officially an easier version of IELTS. The two tests use different formats and scoring systems, so one may feel easier depending on how you perform. PTE may suit students who are comfortable speaking into a microphone and completing tasks on a computer. IELTS may suit students who prefer speaking directly with a human examiner.

Is IELTS or PTE better after +2?

Neither test is automatically better for every +2 student. Your choice should depend on your target country, university requirements, required score, and preferred test format. If your shortlisted universities accept both IELTS and PTE, compare the two formats and consider taking a mock test before deciding.

Which test should I take for Canada after +2?

There is no single IELTS or PTE answer for every Canadian student. Canada ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in November 2024, so old SDS-based advice should not be used when choosing your test. Instead, check the current English-language requirements of your chosen college or university and your specific program. 

How early should I start preparing for IELTS or PTE after +2?

Start as soon as you have chosen your target country and course, especially if you have a fixed university intake or application deadline. Starting early gives you time to take a mock test, identify your weak areas, prepare for your target score, and take another test if necessary. It also gives you more flexibility if your study-abroad plans change.

Can I switch from IELTS to PTE after starting preparation?

Yes. You can change your preparation plan if you discover that another test format suits you better. However, don’t switch simply because someone tells you that PTE is easier or IELTS is better. Before switching, compare the test format, check whether your target institutions accept the new test, and assess how much of your existing preparation can be carried over.

Does Hardford help students choose between IELTS and PTE?

Yes, Hardford assess your starting level, discuss your target country and study plans, and help you decide whether IELTS or PTE is a better fit before you begin preparation. If you have already started IELTS or PTE preparation elsewhere, you can also discuss your current level and preparation progress with the Hardford team before deciding whether to switch.

Can I change my mind after choosing IELTS or PTE?

Yes. Your choice is not necessarily permanent. Some students begin preparing for one test and later realise that the other format suits them better. If you decide to switch, first make sure the new test is accepted by your target university and that the required score matches your study plans. Switching early is usually easier than changing your test choice close to your application deadline.

Want to start your journey?

Book a free consultation with Hardford and we’ll help you pick the right test for your destination before you spend time preparing for the wrong one.