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Which is easier, IELTS or PTE ? – Migrate to Sunny Australia
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Which is easier, IELTS or PTE ?

August 19, 2019

We often get asked this question from applicants for Australian visas and we have compiled below the main factors which can help you decide which test is best for you.

PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

This test is completely done using a computer, if you are good at typing and cannot be bothered with writing using a pen or pencil, then you might want to give it a go.

Score Requirements
PTE scores required for different visa types are listed below:

482 (Work Visa)
– Short Term Stream (30 in each component)
– Medium Term Stream (36 in each component)

Permanent or Regional Visa (189, 190 and 491)
Minimum requirement under General Skilled Migration Scheme is a competent score (50 in each component) however, if an applicant is looking to get higher points on GSM Scheme then they would either have to get a proficient score (65 in each component) or a superior score (79 in each component)

How is it graded?
Grading is carried out by artificial intelligence (computer) as such, there is no scope of bias which can sometimes happen with a human assessor.

Processing time
Results for a PTE test are made available within 2-5 working days.

Available Resources
There are wide variety of resources available online and an applicant can also purchase a mock test for as little as AU$36 directly from PTE website.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS offers a paper-based and computer-based test. The only difference between these types is that the writing component of the test can be completed by typing your responses when undertaking the computer-based test.

Score Requirements
482 (Work Visa)
– Short Term Stream (4.5 in each component)
– Medium Term Stream (5 in each component)

Permanent or Regional Visa (189, 190 and 491)
Minimum requirement under General Skilled Migration Scheme is a competent score (6 in each component) however, if an applicant is looking to get higher points on GSM Scheme then they would either have to get a proficient score (7 in each component) or a superior score (8 in each component)

How is it graded?
Grading is carried out by actual human assessors and not a computer. IELTS does have a standardised grading system however, since it is carried out by humans this could result in possible bias due to many unforeseen reasons such as lack of concentration or variation between individual examiners.

Processing time
Results for a paper-based test are made available within 13 working days while those of the computer-based test are made available in 5-7 working days.

Available resources
IELTS test is of two types General and Academic. Australian Immigration accepts results for both types of tests however, we suggest that for migration purposes most applicants undertake the General type as the Academic type is primarily utilised for admission to academic institutes.

Mock tests are available online however, unlike PTE test an applicant does not get access to a graded version.
We advise you to go through the above details closely and also carry out your own evaluation to determine which test is best suitable for you as it may also depend on your circumstances and your personal preference.

How can we help?

It is important to understand that undertaking an English test is just one part of the whole application process, completing Skills Assessment and if you are applying for a Permanent or Regional Visa, then lodgement of expression of interest and applying for State nomination are equally important as well.
Book a consultation with us today to fully evaluate the requirements and available options for your migration to Australia.

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