You completed the PTE, but your institution requires the IELTS? Or if you’ve ever been curious about how your PTE score translates to IELTS, you’re not the only one.

Thousands of workers, immigrants, and students take English proficiency tests each year. While PTE and IELTS Academic are two of the most popular english language examinations, they both measure the same thing, that is your ability to communicate effectively in English, but they have different formats and scoring systems. 

If you completed one exam and want to find out its corresponding score in the other? Your concerns end here because that’s where the PTE–IELTS score comparison proves to be very helpful. This guide offers a straightforward and precise breakdown of how PTE scores align with IELTS bands, allowing you to assess your language skills accurately. 

How to Compare PTE Score with IELTS Score?

Understanding how PTE Academic results correspond to IELTS bands and how the regulations vary depending on when the exam was taken is crucial for meeting Australia’s visa and immigration requirements. Two distinct tables that show the equivalency prior to and following the August 6, 2025, threshold are shown below. 

Test Taken on 6 August 2025, or Earlier

The English proficiency tests accepted for Australian visa purpose were modified on 7 August 2025. Your test results can still be valid for up to three years if you took it before this date. The following is the equivalency between PTE and IELTS for those who took the test prior to 7 August 2025.

IELTS Band	PTE Academic (Overall)	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
5.0	41	40	43	40	43
5.5	45	43	48	42	51
6.0	52	48	54	46	62
6.5	58	57	61	54	74
7.0	66	66	68	65	82
7.5	75	74	74	75	88
8.0	82	79	78	81	89
8.5	88	85	84	86	90

Test Taken Starting on 7 August 2025

The Department of Home Affairs changed the way PTE scores are accepted starting on 7 August 2025, requiring minimum scores in each skill rather than just an aggregate score. The equivalence  based on these revised specifications and published equivalencies is present below:

English Proficiency/IELTS Band	Required PTE Academic (Overall)	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
Competent English (IELTS Band 6.0)	47	47	48	54	51
Proficient English (IELTS Band 7.0)	58	58	59	76	69
Superior English (IELTS Band 8.0)	69	59	70	88	85

How Are PTE and IELTS Scores Different?

Even “equal” scores may not feel the same because PTE and IELTS measure English differently. IELTS examines communication and depth, whereas PTE examines performance and fluency. It is more challenging to score higher on the PTE than on IELTS. Let us explore the differences between PTE and IELTS scores:

Category	PTE	IELTS	Why Scores Feel Different
Who Scores You?	Scoring based on artificial intelligence	Scoring based on human examiners	Humans value natural communication and idea, but AI rewards fluency and structure
Skills Focus	Fluency, pronunciation, formatting	Content quality, coherence, vocabulary	PTE 58 and IELTS 7 are not equal because they prioritise different skills
Speaking Tasks	Read out loud, repeat the sentence, describe the image and retell lecture (predictable, brief)	Part 1: Personal Questions,  Part 2: Cue Card Part 3: Discussion (spontaneous)	PTE rewards technique while IELTS rewards thinking & conversation
Writing Style	AI verifies mechanics; templates function well	No templates for high scores; they require original scores	High PTE writing score may still result 6.5–7 in IELTS
Communication Expectations	Fluency, no pauses, clear pronunciation	Natural speech, complex sentences, deeper concepts	PTE prioritise performance; IELTS prioritise real communication
Task Structure	Quick, integrated tasks (speaking and listening overlap)	Longer answers and more traditional questions	Different cognitive loading impacts performance
Score Conversion	Based on statistical averages	Based on brand descriptors	Conversion are not always correct; they are only approximation.
Best for following:	Fast speakers, template users, tech-heavy applicants	Strong thinkers, natural communicators, strong writers	Your strengths decide which test gives you higher scores.

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Why Is It Important to Compare IELTS and PTE Scores?

Comparing PTE score with IELTS band score is crucial because different institutions may have varying requirements based on exam that they accept. Here’s why it is important to understand how one test score relate to another.

A) Universities may specify prerequisites in PTE or IELTS: While some universities’ websites may only list one test, some universities accept both. If you took the PTE instead, you need to know what an IELTS score of 7 is equivalent to in order to determine if you match those criteria.

B) Immigration programs establish minimum language proficiency scores: Countries like Australia and New Zealand accept both IELTS and PTE for visa applications, but they have set minimum scores for each test. You need a reliable comparison to determine your eligibility if you know your PTE score, but the immigration rule is defined in IELTS terms (or vice versa).

C) Switch from one test to another: Students frequently switch between tests. If they prefer a different test format, it is typical for students to try IELTS first, then switch to PTE (or the other way around). In order to make an informed choice, individuals must be aware of their current performance and the score they are likely to receive on the other exam.

D) Score equivalency enables you to make smarter choices: Understanding IELTS and PTE equivalencies can benefit you to;

• Select the format of the exam that you are most comfortable with.
• Calculate what your score would be if you switch examinations.
• Clearly understand the requirements for a university or visa
• Plan your further preparation according to the score you require. 

Final Thoughts

Anyone looking to study, work, or migrate abroad needs to know how PTE scores relate to IELTS bands. Knowing the proper equivalency helps you avoid uncertainty, meet criteria confidently, and select the exam that best suits your strengths because both tests measure your English proficiency differently.

Using an accurate comparison table helps you keep on the right track, whether you have already taken the PTE and want to know your IELTS equivalent or you are preparing for university admissions or visa applications. 

If you are ready to move forward, do not hesitate to contact us if you require individualised advice on exam strategies or scoring criteria. Get in touch with us for professional guidance and assistance in IELTS and PTE preparation.