Choosing between IELTS and PTE Academic is one of the first decisions Nigerian test-takers face when preparing for international opportunities. Both tests are widely accepted for immigration and university admission, but they have different formats, scoring systems, and advantages. This guide compares both tests to help you choose the right one for your situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper or Computer | Computer only |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with examiner | To a computer |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 mins (+ speaking) | 2 hours (all in one) |
| Results | 13 days (paper), 3-5 days (computer) | 1-2 days |
| Scoring | Band 0-9 | Score 10-90 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Test Format Comparison
IELTS Format
- Listening: 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time
- Reading: 60 minutes, 3 passages
- Writing: 60 minutes, 2 tasks
- Speaking: 11-14 minutes, face-to-face interview (may be on separate day)
PTE Format
- Speaking & Writing: 54-67 minutes (combined)
- Reading: 29-30 minutes
- Listening: 30-43 minutes
- All completed in one 2-hour session
Acceptance Comparison
For UK Immigration
- IELTS: IELTS for UKVI is accepted for all visa types
- PTE: Accepted for Student visas; NOT accepted for Skilled Worker visas
Verdict: If applying for UK work visa, you MUST take IELTS (or other SELT).
For Canada Immigration
- IELTS: IELTS General Training accepted for Express Entry
- PTE: PTE Core is now accepted for Canadian immigration
Note: PTE Academic is for study; PTE Core is for immigration.
For Australia Immigration
- IELTS: Accepted for all visa types
- PTE: Accepted for all visa types
Verdict: Both equally accepted in Australia.
For Universities
Most universities worldwide accept both IELTS and PTE. Check your specific institution's requirements.
Which Test Should You Choose?
Choose IELTS If:
- You're applying for UK Skilled Worker Visa (mandatory)
- You prefer speaking to a human examiner
- You're more comfortable with pen and paper (paper-based option available)
- Your target institution specifically requires IELTS
- You find handwriting essays easier than typing
Choose PTE If:
- You're applying for Australia (widely accepted)
- You're nervous speaking to examiners face-to-face
- You want faster results (1-2 days)
- You're comfortable with computers
- You're a fast typist
- You want unlimited score sends to institutions
Score Conversion
| IELTS Band | PTE Score | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 89-90 | C2 |
| 8.0 | 79-88 | C1 |
| 7.0 | 65-78 | B2+ |
| 6.5 | 58-64 | B2 |
| 6.0 | 50-57 | B1+ |
Test Availability in Nigeria
IELTS Centers
- British Council: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt
- IDP: Multiple locations
- Frequent test dates available
- Cost: ₦120,000-150,000
PTE Centers
- Pearson test centers in Lagos
- Fewer locations than IELTS
- Flexible scheduling
- Cost: Similar to IELTS
Preparation Differences
IELTS Preparation Focus
- Practice with human interaction for speaking
- Handwriting speed for paper-based
- Time management with physical answer sheets
- More preparation materials widely available
PTE Preparation Focus
- Familiarity with computer test interface
- Speaking clearly for AI recognition
- Typing speed and accuracy
- Understanding integrated question types
Common Nigerian Perspectives
Those who prefer IELTS say:
- "Speaking to a real person feels more natural"
- "More practice materials are available"
- "I'm more comfortable with the format"
Those who prefer PTE say:
- "Faster results helped me meet my deadline"
- "No examiner bias—computer marking is objective"
- "I'm less nervous speaking to a computer"
- "I type faster than I write"
Conclusion
The "better" test depends on your destination, visa type, and personal preferences. For UK work visas, you have no choice—IELTS is required. For Australia, both work equally well. For Canada, check which variant (PTE Core vs Academic) you need.
If you're unsure, IELTS is the safer choice with wider acceptance. But if you struggle with face-to-face speaking or need quick results, PTE might be your better option where it's accepted.
Take practice tests of both if possible before deciding. Your personal test-taking style matters as much as the destination requirements.