IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE: which English test should you take?

July 12, 2026 · Gradsy Team · 7 min read

Almost every university abroad wants proof that you can study in English. The three tests they accept most widely are IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. They measure the same four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and universities treat them as roughly equivalent. So the question is not "which is best," it is "which is best for you."

The one thing to check first

Before you book anything, open the requirements page for each course on your shortlist. Note two things: which tests they accept, and the minimum score (often an overall band plus a minimum in each section). A great overall score can still be rejected if one section is below the floor. Pick the test that all your target universities accept, then plan around the hardest section for you.

How they differ in practice

IELTS. Widely accepted almost everywhere. The speaking section is a real conversation with a human examiner, which some people find calmer and others find nerve wracking. Good choice if you prefer talking to a person and want the safest bet on acceptance.

TOEFL iBT. Fully computer based and very common for universities in the United States. Speaking means talking into a microphone, and note taking matters a lot. Good if you are comfortable with screens and typing, and you are aiming mainly at US programs.

PTE Academic. Fully computer based and AI scored, which means results usually come back the fastest, often within a couple of days. The tasks are more "integrated" (one task tests several skills at once). Good if you are short on time and comfortable with a screen based format.

How to choose in 60 seconds

  • Applying mostly to the US? TOEFL or PTE are natural fits, though most places take IELTS too.
  • Nervous about a live speaking exam? TOEFL or PTE let you speak to a computer instead.
  • Need a score fast? PTE usually turns results around quickest.
  • Want the widest acceptance with the least research? IELTS is the safe default.

A few things that actually move your score

  • Do one full, timed practice test early. Your weakest section is more useful to know than your average.
  • For speaking, record yourself and listen back. It is uncomfortable and it works.
  • Learn the format, not just the language. A lot of lost marks are format mistakes, not English mistakes.
  • Book the date a few weeks out so you have a real deadline, and so you have room to retake if you need to.

Do not over optimise

The tests are more similar than the internet makes them sound. Picking one and starting your practice this week beats spending another month deciding. Meet the minimum your universities ask for, in every section, and move on to the parts of your application that actually set you apart.

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