If you’re planning to study abroad, one of the first hurdles you need to clear is proving your English proficiency. Two of the most popular exams for this purpose are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the PTE (Pearson Test of English). But which one should you take? More importantly, which countries and universities accept these tests?
In this guide, we’ll compare the acceptance of IELTS and PTE in major study destinations, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
1. IELTS vs. PTE – Global Acceptance Overview
Both IELTS and PTE are widely recognized by universities and immigration authorities. However, some countries and institutions have preferences or restrictions.
✅ IELTS: Accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 140+ countries, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
✅ PTE: Accepted by 3,000+ institutions in 70+ countries, with increasing recognition in major study destinations.
2. IELTS vs. PTE – Country-Wise Comparison
🇺🇸 USA
- IELTS: Accepted by 3,400+ universities, including Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, etc.).
- PTE: Gaining popularity, with over 1,100 universities accepting it, including Harvard, Yale, and NYU.
- Visa Requirement: The F-1 Student Visa requires proof of English proficiency, and both IELTS & PTE are accepted by the U.S. Department of State.
💡 Best for the USA? IELTS has broader acceptance, but PTE is a strong alternative for many top universities.
🇬🇧 UK
- IELTS: Accepted by all UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh. Also approved for UK visas (UKVI).
- PTE: Accepted by 99% of UK universities, including King’s College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Birmingham.
- Visa Requirement: For a Student Visa (Tier 4), both IELTS and PTE Academic UKVI are accepted.
💡 Best for the UK? IELTS is the traditional choice, but PTE is equally accepted now. If applying for a visa, ensure you take PTE Academic UKVI.
🇨🇦 Canada
- IELTS: Recognized by all Canadian universities, including University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University. Also accepted for student visa applications.
- PTE: Accepted by 90% of Canadian institutions, including McMaster University, University of Alberta, and Dalhousie University.
- Visa Requirement: For a Study Permit, IELTS is preferred by the Canadian immigration system, but PTE is also accepted.
💡 Best for Canada? IELTS has an edge for visas, but PTE is catching up in university acceptance.
🇦🇺 Australia
- IELTS: Accepted by all Australian universities, including University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and the University of Sydney.
- PTE: Fully accepted by all Australian universities and approved for visa applications.
- Visa Requirement: Both IELTS and PTE are accepted for an Australian Student Visa.
💡 Best for Australia? PTE is a great option because it offers faster results and is accepted for immigration. IELTS is still widely trusted.
🇪🇺 Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, etc.)
- IELTS: Accepted by most universities in Europe, including Technical University of Munich, Sorbonne University, and the University of Amsterdam.
- PTE: Growing acceptance, with institutions like IE Business School (Spain), University of Warsaw (Poland), and University of Bologna (Italy) recognizing it.
- Visa Requirement: Varies by country; IELTS is more commonly requested, while PTE is still expanding in acceptance.
💡 Best for Europe? IELTS is a safer choice as it is widely recognized, but PTE is becoming more accepted in certain universities.
3. Which Test Should You Take?
| Country | IELTS | PTE | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ✅ 3,400+ universities | ✅ 1,100+ universities | IELTS for wider acceptance |
| UK | ✅ 100% universities | ✅ 99% universities | Both are equally accepted |
| Canada | ✅ All universities & visas | ✅ 90% universities | IELTS is preferred for visas |
| Australia | ✅ All universities & visas | ✅ All universities & visas | PTE for faster results |
| Europe | ✅ Widely accepted | ⚠️ Limited acceptance | IELTS for better recognition |
4. Key Takeaways
✔ IELTS has wider global acceptance, especially for visas and universities in Europe, Canada, and the USA.
✔ PTE is rapidly gaining popularity and is a great alternative, especially for Australia and the UK.
✔ For visa applications, IELTS is the safer choice in most cases, but PTE is catching up.
✔ Check specific university requirements before choosing an exam.
👉 Still confused? If your target university or visa process accepts both, choose PTE if you prefer a computer-based, AI-scored test with quicker results, or IELTS if you are more comfortable with a paper-based or human-evaluated test.
💬 Which test are you planning to take? Let us know in the comments! 🎓✨