IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Which is Better For You?
Planning to study abroad from Nepal? One of the biggest hurdles for Nepali students is choosing the right English proficiency test. With IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL iBT being the most popular options, it can be confusing to figure out which exam suits you best.
In this 2025 comprehensive guide, we’ll compare IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you decide based on your destination country, learning style, and test strengths.
Table of Contents
- Need of English Language Proficiency Test for Nepali Students
- IELTS Academic - General Overview
- PTE Academic – General Overview
- TOEFL iBT – General Overview
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Course Structure and Exam Format Compared
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Exam Fee Compared
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Comparison Based on the Preferred Study Destination
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Scores Validity Compared
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT – Which Is Easier?
- IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT Score Comparison Chart
- Final Thoughts - Choose the Right English Proficiency Test For You
- FAQs - IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT
Need of English Language Proficiency Test for Nepali Students
The English Language Proficiency Test is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries such as Australia, the USA, Canada, the UK, or New Zealand.
Here’s why it is essential for a Nepali Student to take the english proficiency test:
- Required for university admissions in English-speaking countries.
- Essential for student visa approval (Australia, UK, Canada, etc.).
- Needed for permanent residency (PR) and skilled migration programs.
- Mandatory for professional registration (e.g., nurses, engineers).
- Increases scholarship eligibility in global universities.
- Boosts confidence in academic and real-life communication abroad.
IELTS Academic - General Overview
- Full Form: International English Language Testing System
- Versions: Academic (for study), General Training (for work/migration)
- Test Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Speaking: Conducted face-to-face or recorded (computer-based test)
- Result Time: 3 - 5 days (computer), 13 days (paper)
- Test Center Availability: Available in Banepa, Biratnagar, Birtamod, Butwal, Chitwan, Ghorahi, Itahari, Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Accepted In: Australia, UK, Canada, USA, NZ (universally accepted)
PTE Academic – General Overview
- Full Form: Pearson Test of English Academic
- Test Format: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening
- Fully Computer-Based: AI evaluates your answers
- Speaking: Recorded (you speak to a computer)
- Result Time: Within 12 - 48 hours
- Test Center Availability: Available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Chitwan
- Accepted In: Australia, NZ, UK, and growing acceptance in UK & USA
TOEFL iBT – General Overview
- Full Form: Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test)
- Test Format: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
- Fully Computer-Based: Human-scored with AI assistance
- Speaking: Recorded responses evaluated online
- Result Time: 4 - 8 days
- Test Center Availability: Available in Kathmandu and Lalitpur
- Accepted In: Widely accepted in the USA & Canada, also UK & Australia
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Course Structure and Exam Format Compared
When choosing between IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT, understanding the course structure, exam format, and duration is essential. Here's a clear comparison to help you decide which test suits your learning style and goals:
IELTS Academic – Course Structure & Format
The IELTS Academic test assesses your ability to use English in an academic environment. The course usually includes modules focused on:
- Listening (4 recorded conversations)
- Reading (3 academic texts with questions)
- Writing (2 tasks: essay & report/graph)
- Speaking (face-to-face interview with an examiner)
The speaking section is conducted separately (either on the same day or up to a week before/after the other sections). IELTS is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
- Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
- Test Format: Semi-digital (CBT or paper), face-to-face speaking
- Best for: Students who prefer human interaction and need UK, Canada, or Australia migration/study options.
PTE Academic – Course Structure & Format
PTE Academic is a fully computer-based exam that integrates all four skills:
- Speaking (Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Answer Short Question)
Note: Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation - these 2 new tasks will be added to the speaking section in the tests from 7th August, 2025.
- Writing (Summarize Written Text, Write Essay)
- Reading (Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice Multiple Answer, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice Single Answer)
- Listening (Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple Choice Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, Multiple Choice Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, Write from Dictation)
It uses AI-based scoring with minimal human interaction. You’ll speak into a microphone, type all responses, and navigate questions via a computer interface. The course structure often focuses on fast-paced question practice, template writing, and pronunciation drills.
- Total Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Test Format: Fully digital and automated
- Best for: Tech-savvy students who want quick results (12 - 48 hours) and prefer no face-to-face speaking.
TOEFL iBT – Course Structure & Format
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is structured around academic English and focuses on tasks like integrated reading-writing or listening-speaking. The course typically trains students in:
- Reading (3 - 4 academic passages with MCQs)
- Listening (lectures, classroom discussions)
- Speaking (tasks recorded via computer microphone)
- Writing (integrated + independent tasks)
The TOEFL exam emphasizes integration of skills, for example: read a text, listen to audio, and then speak or write a response.
- Total Duration: Around 1 hour 56 minutes
- Test Format: Fully digital, hybrid scoring (AI + human evaluators)
- Best for: Students applying to USA/Canada, or those comfortable with academic English and multitasking.
Based on the description provided, feel free to choose the test based on your learning style and strengths (paper based or computer based).
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Exam Fee Compared
Understanding the exam cost is essential when choosing between IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL iBT, especially for students, where budget is often a key factor in decision-making. Here’s a detailed comparison of each test’s fee structure in non-tabular form:
IELTS Exam Fee in Nepal
The IELTS tests cost may vary slightly depending on whether you choose the computer-delivered or paper-based format. The costs are:
- NPR 36,200 (IELTS on paper)
- NPR 33,000 (IELTS on computer)
PTE Academic Exam Fee in Nepal
The PTE Academic exam fee is USD 205 (Approximately NPR 28,000) in Nepal. However, the exact cost of the exam can go up to NPR 33,000 including the government taxes and bank charges.
TOEFL iBT Exam Fee in Nepal
The TOEFL iBT exam generally costs USD 195 (Approximately NPR 26,600) in Nepal. However, the exact cost of the exam can go up to NPR 31,500 including the government taxes and bank charges.
If you're primarily looking for a budget-friendly English test, TOEFL iBT typically offers the lowest cost among the three options. However, if your destination country prefers IELTS or PTE (such as Australia or the UK), then investing in the preferred test makes more sense in the long run.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Comparison Based on the Preferred Study Destination
Choosing the right English proficiency test depends heavily on where you want to study. Different countries and institutions have different preferences when it comes to accepting IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL iBT. Selecting the appropriate test based on your study destination can save you time, money, and the hassle of retaking exams.
Here’s a destination-wise breakdown to help you decide:
- IELTS - Widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, most European countries (generally accepted world-wide)
- PTE - Widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the USA (limited), Ireland, some European Countries
- TOEFL iBT - the USA (most preferred), Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, limited European countries
Note: Make sure to check the acceptance of the test depending on your preferred study destination and universities.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT - Scores Validity Compared
All three major English language proficiency tests i.e. IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL iBT have the same validity period of 2 years. There’s no advantage or disadvantage in terms of how long your test result remains valid. Therefore, your choice should be based on other factors like acceptance, format, result time, and destination country, not on score validity.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT – Which Is Easier?
The difficulty level of IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL iBT depends on your test-taking style, comfort with technology, and English proficiency. Here's a section-wise comparison to help you understand which exam might feel easier for you:
Speaking Section
- IELTS: You speak directly with a human examiner, which feels more natural for many Nepali students.
- PTE: You speak into a microphone; responses are evaluated by AI. Some find it robotic or awkward.
- TOEFL iBT: Also microphone-based; includes integrated tasks (e.g., listen + speak), which adds pressure.
Easiest Speaking: IELTS – face-to-face feels more personal and manageable.
Writing Section
- IELTS: Task 1 (graph/letter) and Task 2 (essay). Graded by humans, but can be subjective.
- PTE: Templates help in writing essays, and AI scoring is quick and consistent.
- TOEFL iBT: Writing includes an integrated task (read + listen + write), which many find complex.
Easiest Writing: PTE – scoring favors structured templates and fast typists.
Listening Section
- IELTS: British accents, clear instructions, and the ability to preview questions.
- PTE: Fast-paced audio clips, summarized answers, with no extra time to read questions.
- TOEFL iBT: Long academic lectures; challenging vocabulary and complex notes.
Easiest Listening: IELTS – simpler structure and better for non-native speakers.
Reading Section
- IELTS: Three academic passages (slightly easier in General version).
- PTE: Mix of MCQs, re-ordering paragraphs, and fill-in-the-blanks - AI scoring.
- TOEFL iBT: Long and detailed academic passages with tough vocabulary.
Easiest Reading: IELTS – more predictable and easier-to-understand content.
Which Test Is the Easiest Overall?
- Choose IELTS if you are more comfortable with traditional exams, human interaction, and need simplicity in structure.
- Choose PTE if you prefer a fast-paced, fully computer-based test and are confident in typing and structured responses.
- Choose TOEFL iBT only if you're confident in academic English, multitasking, and aim for USA/Canada - but it’s generally the hardest for most Nepali students.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT Score Comparison Chart
Have a look at the conversion chart below:
|
IELTS Band Score |
PTE Academic Score |
TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|
|
9.0 |
86 - 90 |
115 - 120 |
|
8.5 |
83 - 86 |
108 - 115 |
|
8.0 |
79 - 83 |
100 - 108 |
|
7.5 |
73 - 79 |
91 - 100 |
|
7.0 |
65 - 73 |
81 - 91 |
|
6.5 |
58 - 65 |
67 - 81 |
|
6.0 |
50 - 58 |
51 - 67 |
|
5.5 |
43 - 50 |
37 - 51 |
|
5.0 |
36 - 43 |
26 - 37 |
|
4.5 |
30 - 36 |
14 - 26 |
Note:
- The equivalence is approximate and based on publicly available data from test providers and institutions.
- Always check specific score requirements with your university or immigration authority.
Final Thoughts - Choose the Right English Proficiency Test For You
Choosing between IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT ultimately depends on your study destination, test preferences, and comfort with exam formats. Here's a quick wrap-up to help you decide:
- Choose IELTS if you want the widest global acceptance, prefer face-to-face speaking, and are applying for UK, Canada, Australia, or PR visas.
- Choose PTE Academic if you prefer a fast, fully computer-based test with AI scoring and are targeting Australia or New Zealand.
- Choose TOEFL iBT if you are applying to universities in the USA or Canada and are comfortable with integrated academic tasks.
All three tests are equally valid, have a 2-year validity period, and are widely recognized. The key is to match the test with your destination, test-taking strengths, and score requirements.
Still unsure which language test to choose? Visit our office or contact us for expert guidance and personalized support. Your journey to global education starts with the right English test - make your choice confidently!
FAQs - IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL iBT
1. Which is better, IELTS or TOEFL or PTE?
It depends on your study destination and preferences:
- IELTS is widely accepted for study, work, and immigration (especially UK, Canada, Australia).
- PTE is ideal if you prefer a fully computer-based test with quick results, best for Australia & NZ.
- TOEFL iBT is preferred by universities in the USA & Canada.
IELTS is the most universally accepted, but the best test is the one that fits your goals.
2. Which one is better, IELTS or TOEFL iBT?
IELTS offers face-to-face speaking and is accepted for both study and immigration. TOEFL iBT is best for academic purposes, especially in the USA. Choose IELTS for broader visa options; TOEFL if you’re focused on studying in the USA.
3. Which English proficiency test is better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
- IELTS: Best for UK, Canada, Australia, and PR pathways.
- PTE: Best for those who want quick, AI-scored results.
- TOEFL iBT: Best for academic programs in the USA/Canada.
Pick based on your destination, scoring comfort, and test format.
4. Is 65 of PTE equal to 7 IELTS?
Yes, approximately. A PTE score of 65 is considered equivalent to a 7.0 band in IELTS, based on official concordance data.
However, always check with your university or immigration authority, as some may have specific benchmarks.
5. Is PTE harder than IELTS?
Not necessarily. PTE is easier for those good at typing, templates, and computers. IELTS is easier if you prefer speaking to a person and handwritten/structured formats. Many find PTE faster and more predictable, while IELTS feels more natural. Difficulty depends on personal comfort.
Also Read
Best TOEFL Preparation Classes in Pokhara