IELTS vs PTE in Australia: Which English Test Gives You More PR Points?

If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa — whether for study, work, or permanent residency — you will likely need to prove your English proficiency. The two most popular options are IELTS and PTE Academic, but choosing the wrong one can cost you time and money.

This guide compares IELTS and PTE for Australian visa purposes, explains how each test affects your PR points score, and helps you decide which one suits your situation.

Why Your Choice of English Test Matters for Australia

For many Australian visas — including student visas and points-tested permanent residency visas like subclass 189, 190, and 491 — you must demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency. The Department of Home Affairs uses four levels: Functional, Competent, Proficient, and Superior.

The level you achieve is not just a checkbox. Reaching Proficient or Superior English can add 10 to 20 points to your PR application, which can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely in the pool.

Both IELTS and PTE are accepted for all visa categories, so the question is not which one works — it is which one works better for you.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Skills tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Format: Paper-based or computer-based at a test centre

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes

Retake option: One Skill Retake (OSR) available — you can resit a single section rather than the whole test

Accepted for: All visa categories, universities, and employers

Pros:

• Widely accepted and trusted across Australia
• The One Skill Retake option lets you target a weak area without sitting the full test again
• Available in cities across Australia and globally
• Human examiner for the Speaking section

Cons:

• The face-to-face Speaking section can feel stressful or uncomfortable for test-takers who prefer a fully digital experience
• Paper-based format may not suit those more comfortable typing than handwriting

PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English

Skills tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (all integrated)

Format: Computer-based only

Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Retake option: No Single Section Retake accepted by the Department of Home Affairs

Accepted for: Australian visas, universities, and some employers

Pros:

• Fully computer-based — ideal if you prefer typing and a digital environment
• Fast results, often available within 1 to 2 business days
• Test centres available across Australia

Cons:

• Automated scoring can feel impersonal, and some test-takers find it harder to predict
• No option to retake a single section for visa purposes
• A large number of question types can be confusing if you are not familiar with the format

How IELTS and PTE Scores Map to PR Points

This is the most important table if you are applying for permanent residency. All four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — must meet or exceed the minimum score to claim that level.

If even one skill falls short, you cannot claim that level — regardless of how well you did in the others.

What Other English Tests Are Accepted?

As of August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs also accepts the following tests for visa purposes, provided they are taken in person at a secure test centre:

• OET (Occupational English Test) — for healthcare professionals
• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• TOEFL iBT
• CELPIP General
• MET (Michigan English Test)
• LanguageCert Academic

That said, IELTS and PTE remain the most widely used and most broadly accepted options for both visa and university admission purposes.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if:

• You may benefit from the One Skill Retake option if one section lets you down
• You prefer a human examiner for your Speaking test
• The institution or employer you are applying to specifically requests IELTS

Choose PTE if:

• You are comfortable with computers and fast typing
• You want results quickly — often within 48 hours
• You prefer a fully digital, consistent experience without a face-to-face component

A Note on Preparation

Whichever test you choose, targeted preparation makes a significant difference. Both tests have specific question formats that reward familiarity — understanding what is expected in each section is often just as important as your underlying English level.

Test requirements and visa rules can change. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest English language requirements before making any visa or education decisions.