Discover the updated 2025 PTE vs IELTS score equivalency chart, key differences, and how these changes impact students, migration, and visas.

Every year, thousands of students, professionals, and migrants sit for English proficiency exams. IELTS and PTE Academic are two of the most well-liked. On paper, both tests aim to measure the same thing—your ability to communicate effectively in English. But the moment you dive into the details, you realize that comparing PTE vs IELTS score is not as straightforward as matching numbers.

By 2025, changes in migration policies, updates to score equivalency charts, and the growing use of AI in testing have made this comparison more important than ever. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, a job, or permanent residency, understanding how one score translates into the other can be the deciding factor in reaching your goals.

This article takes a deep dive into the updated equivalency charts of 2025, explains the key differences in scoring, and unpacks why the same band in IELTS might not feel equal to the same score in PTE.

Why the Comparison Matters in 2025

Imagine this: a student scores 65 in PTE Academic and confidently believes it equals a 7.0 band in IELTS. But when they submit their documents for migration, the requirements have been updated, and now the authorities demand a slightly higher band in IELTS for the same visa stream. Confusion sets in.

This is not just a hypothetical situation—it happens often because score equivalencies change over time. Governments and universities regularly revise their recognition frameworks to ensure fairness and consistency. By 2025, Australia, Canada, and the UK have all fine-tuned how they treat PTE vs IELTS scores, making fresh updates essential reading for anyone preparing for these exams.

The 2025 Equivalency Chart

One of the most searched queries on Google is “PTE vs IELTS score chart.” While charts differ slightly depending on the institution or immigration body, the following updated 2025 guide provides a general picture:

PTE Academic Score	Equivalent IELTS Band
23 – 29	4.5
30 – 36	5.0
36 – 41	5.5
42 – 49	6.0
50 – 57	6.5
58 – 64	7.0
65 – 72	7.5
73 – 78	8.0
79 – 82	8.5
83 – 90	9.0

This table is widely accepted in 2025, but institutions may still apply their own criteria. For example, a university in the UK may require IELTS 6.5 in writing, even if your overall PTE score suggests you’re equivalent. The details matter.

Why PTE and IELTS Scores Don’t Feel the Same

If a 65 in PTE equals a 7.0 in IELTS, why do so many students say it’s “easier” to score in PTE? The answer lies in how each test is designed and scored.

• PTE Academic is entirely machine-scored. Every response—whether spoken, written, or typed—is evaluated by an AI algorithm trained on millions of samples. It values clarity, structure, and consistency.
• IELTS, on the other hand, is partly scored by humans. In the Speaking module, for example, an examiner assesses not just your fluency and grammar, but also your intonation, confidence, and interaction style.

This difference means that PTE often rewards structured answers, while IELTS may reward natural, human-like communication. A candidate might score well in PTE by sticking to a formula, but in IELTS, they need to show adaptability.

That’s why two people with similar skills might feel they score differently across the two tests—even if, officially, their results are “equivalent.”

Speaking Scores: AI vs Human

The Speaking section highlights the biggest scoring difference.

In PTE, you might be asked to read aloud, repeat a sentence, or describe an image. The algorithm listens for pronunciation accuracy, fluency, and correct stress patterns. It’s not diminished by your accent, your nervous smile, or whether you sound polite.

IELTS, however, is human. Pauses, filler words, and even cultural quirks are noted by the examiner.  A student who thrives under human interaction may feel more comfortable here, while another who prefers objective scoring may lean towards PTE.

So, when you see PTE vs IELTS score equivalency in the speaking section, remember that the number is just part of the story. The test experience itself shapes how fair or difficult the score feels.

Writing Scores: Structure vs Expression

Writing is another module where perceptions differ.

• In PTE, tasks like “Summarize Written Text” or “Write an Essay” are judged by structure, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. Many students follow strict templates to maximize scores. A well-organized but not-so-creative essay can still achieve a good score.
• In the IELTS, examiners consider the strength, tone, and presentation of an argument.  A formulaic essay may feel mechanical and might not score as highly. IELTS also has a broader range of writing tasks, from describing graphs to writing formal letters.

The equivalency chart may say PTE 65 = IELTS 7.0, but in practice, some find the IELTS writing band harder to achieve.

Listening and Reading: The Close Competitors

When it comes to Listening and Reading, the gap narrows. Both exams feature tasks such as multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and activities that test your ability to summarize information effectively.  Yet, small differences stand out:

• PTE Listening often uses fast-paced academic lectures. Accuracy matters more than interpretation.
• IELTS Listening includes conversations, interviews, and announcements, requiring you to follow tone and implied meaning.

In Reading, IELTS passages can feel longer and more academic, whereas PTE’s integrated format (where reading tasks contribute to both Reading and Writing scores) can sometimes confuse beginners.

This is why equivalency in these sections works mathematically, but not always psychologically.

Migration and Visa Requirements in 2025

One of the strongest reasons people compare PTE vs IELTS scores is immigration. In 2025, here’s the simplified picture:

• Australia continues to accept both PTE Academic and IELTS for student visas, skilled migration, and PR. For example, Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) may require PTE 65 (equivalent IELTS 7) in each band.

Canada officially recognizes IELTS Academic and General. Launched as a substitute, PTE Core is becoming more popular.  Universities continue to accept PTE Academic for academic paths.

• UK and New Zealand also recognize both, but IELTS has a longer tradition of being the “safe” choice.

For migrants, the updated equivalency matters because one miscalculation could delay an application by months.

Student Perceptions: Which Feels Fairer?

Building on this idea, it’s clear that equivalency charts only tell half the story. Numbers give a neat framework, but language testing is personal. Some students thrive in the predictable structure of PTE, where strategies and templates can boost scores, while others feel more confident in IELTS, where spontaneous thinking and natural fluency shine. Cultural background also plays a role—students used to academic lectures may find PTE Listening easier, while those comfortable with everyday English conversations may excel in IELTS. Even test-day conditions, such as typing speed for PTE or anxiety during face-to-face speaking in IELTS, can sway results. That’s why when comparing a PTE vs IELTS score, candidates should not only look at conversion charts but also reflect on their learning style, comfort level, and long-term goals. The “right” test is less about numbers and more about aligning the exam format with individual strengths.

The Future of Score Comparison

The future of English testing will likely blur the lines between machine-driven precision and human judgment. As AI grows more sophisticated, PTE may no longer feel purely mechanical—it could capture subtleties like tone, hesitation, or even confidence levels. On the other hand, IELTS, with its long-standing reputation for human involvement, is gradually integrating automation to improve consistency and reduce examiner bias. This convergence suggests that by 2030, both exams may share more similarities than differences, offering a blend of objectivity and human oversight. For test-takers in 2025, however, the focus should remain on what exists today: updated score equivalency charts, clear visa requirements, and institutional preferences. Rather than chasing what feels “easier,” students should consider which test format suits their communication style and test-taking habits. After all, success is not just about scoring high—it’s about choosing the platform that gives you the best chance to perform at your true potential.

Final Thoughts

Comparing PTE vs IELTS scores in 2025 is not just about converting numbers on a chart. It’s about understanding how each test measures language, how institutions interpret those results, and how you personally fit into the system.

The latest equivalency chart provides a useful roadmap, but remember that the journey is more than just figures—it’s about choosing the path that makes you shine as a communicator. Whether you trust an AI’s objective judgment or a human examiner’s nuanced understanding, the key is preparation, clarity, and confidence.

Both the PTE and the IELTS are ultimately just doorways. The score you achieve is the key. Which door you unlock depends on how you want to walk through it.