IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: which English test should you take?

The three tests compared

Acceptance rules change and vary by institution and visa category, so always check the official page of the university or immigration authority before you book.

IELTS: the widest acceptance

IELTS is accepted by more universities, employers and immigration bodies than any other English test. Its Speaking test is a real conversation with an examiner, which many students prefer. The Writing tasks reward clear structure, and the scoring is well understood by admissions teams. In Pakistan it costs around PKR 75,600; see our IELTS fee guide.

Suits you if: you want the safest choice, you speak more naturally with a person than into a microphone, or your route specifically requires IELTS or IELTS for UKVI.

PTE Academic: fast and fully computer-based

PTE combines skills in many tasks (for example, you speak about an image, then write what you heard), and a computer scores everything. Results usually arrive within about two days.

Suits you if: you are comfortable with a computer, type quickly, and are confident speaking to a microphone with a timer running.

TOEFL iBT: built for US universities

TOEFL is designed around academic English in a university setting. From January 2026, TOEFL score reports include a new 1 to 6 scale aligned with the CEFR alongside the familiar 0 to 120 score, and Reading and Listening became adaptive.

Suits you if: you are applying mainly to US universities and they list TOEFL as preferred or equal.

Which one is easiest?

None is objectively easier. Students who find one test hard often find another easier because the format suits them better:

• Nervous speaking to a microphone? IELTS may feel more natural.
• Strong with computers but nervous face to face? PTE may suit you.
• Used to academic lectures and long reading? TOEFL can feel familiar.

The fastest way to decide: take a timed practice test in each format you are considering and compare your results against your target.

Our advice for Pakistani students

1. List every university or visa route you are applying to.
2. Note which tests each one accepts, and the minimum score per skill.
3. If IELTS is accepted everywhere, it is usually the simplest single choice.
4. Prepare for one test properly instead of half-preparing for two.

See our IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training programmes, or book a free IELTS demo class.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS or PTE better for Pakistani students?
Neither is better for everyone. IELTS has the widest acceptance; PTE is fully computer-based with fast results. Check which tests your universities or visa route accept, then choose the format that suits you.

Is PTE easier than IELTS?
Some students score higher on PTE because they are comfortable with computer-based tasks; others do better on IELTS because the Speaking test is face to face. Try a practice test in each.

Do UK universities accept PTE and TOEFL?
Many UK universities accept IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, but some visa routes need a specific UKVI-approved test. Check both the university and the visa requirements.

What changed in TOEFL in 2026?
From January 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports include a 1 to 6 scale aligned with the CEFR alongside the 0 to 120 score, and the Reading and Listening sections became adaptive.

Which English test is accepted for Canada?
Canada's immigration routes accept a specific list of approved tests, which includes IELTS General Training and, for some programmes, other tests. Check the current Government of Canada list for your route.

Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.