Find out how PTE vs IELTS score conversion works in 2025, what the new equivalency implies, and how it affects your visa, study, or immigration goals.

For years, students, professionals, and migrants have relied on standardized English examinations such as PTE and IELTS to meet worldwide educational and immigration standards. These English language competence ratings can make or break your application for institutions, professional bodies like AHPRA, or skilled migration visas to countries like Australia or Canada.

However, with upcoming changes in 2025 and ongoing arguments about score equivalency, the issue of “How do I compare PTE vs IELTS score?” has never been more pertinent. In this blog, we’ll go over the newest PTE versus IELTS score conversion trends in 2025, including what has changed, how scores compare now, and what this means for your future ambitions.

Despite testing the same skills, the PTE and IELTS employ distinct grading schemes. This frequently confuses test-takers when determining which test is best for their aims or when attempting to interpret their scores regarding visa or academic criteria. Institutions must also verify that their acceptable results accurately reflect the linguistic skills that they expect from candidates. That is why score conversions are more than just numbers; they reflect real-world language proficiency.

Understanding the new conversion requirements will be crucial if benchmarks are altered in 2025. Whether you’re taking your first test or considering a retake, knowing how your PTE score compares to IELTS can make all the difference.

Why Do People Compare PTE and IELTS Scores?

PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) have the same basic purpose: to assess English ability in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, the two tests differ in terms of format, scoring, and delivery.

PTE is entirely computer-based and uses AI algorithms to evaluate all sections, including speaking, whereas IELTS is available in both paper and computer-delivered versions and incorporates in-person speaking with a human examiner. This variation in delivery frequently influences a test-takers preference, especially for individuals who are more comfortable typing or who are nervous during in-person interviews.

So, when institutions or governments enable applicants to submit either score, individuals naturally want to see how their performance on one test compares to another. This is where PTE vs IELTS score conversion tables are useful. These tables provide a benchmark for converting a score from one format to another, helping applicants to meet qualifying criteria more reliably.

These tables have changed significantly over time. In 2025, modifications in examination methods, candidate performance data, and linguistic analysis have resulted in more sophisticated equivalency scales. These improved score comparisons ensure that a PTE or IELTS score accurately reflects a candidate’s real-world English skills, resulting in more precise and consistent admissions or immigration decisions.

What’s Changed in 2025?

Pearson and IELTS partners updated their score equivalency recommendations in early 2025, following an analysis of test performance data from a larger candidate pool. These changes better represent the real English skill levels demonstrated across both examinations, improving the fairness of visa and admissions processes.
 Here are some noteworthy changes:

• PTE results will be adjusted to coincide with specific IELTS bands.
• Communication skills will be prioritized over academic proficiency.
• Some score ranges now have fewer gaps, allowing candidates to make more accurate comparisons.

This means that if you took the PTE in 2024 and got 65, visa authorities or institutions may not interpret your results the same way in 2025.

The Updated PTE vs IELTS Score Conversion Table (2025)

Let’s take a look at the updated conversion guidelines commonly accepted by universities and immigration authorities in 2025:

 

PTE Score	IELTS Band Equivalent
85 – 90	9.0
83 – 85	8.5
79 – 82	8.0
73 – 78	7.5
65 – 72	7.0
58 – 64	6.5
50 – 57	6.0
43 – 49	5.5
36 – 42	5.0
30 – 35	4.5

 

These figures are based on a comparative examination of thousands of test results and linguistic benchmarking conducted by Pearson and IELTS authorities. However, it is critical to check the official standards of the specific university or visa office to which you are applying, as some institutions may have somewhat different acceptance criteria.

How Score Conversion Affects You

Assume you’re applying for Australian skilled migration and need to demonstrate “competent English,” which normally requires an IELTS score of 6.0 in each section. That corresponds to a PTE score of 50 in each module, per the 2025 conversion chart.

However, applying for permanent residency may necessitate “proficient” or “superior” English, which translates to higher band scores—and thus higher PTE scores.

 Understanding the PTE vs IELTS score conversion will assist you:

• Establish reasonable goals.
• Select the appropriate test based on your strengths.
• Prevent retakes owing to incorrect equivalencies.

• Streamline your application procedure with proper documentation.

A Real-Life Scenario: Choosing Between the Two

Imagine two candidates:

Raj likes typing to handwriting, loves computer-based workplaces, and has difficulty dealing with thick accents.

Amelia has spent several years studying British English, enjoys in-person interactions, and favors traditional test forms.

Both are applying for postgraduate degrees in Australia and must demonstrate English ability comparable to IELTS 7.0.

For Raj, PTE may be a better option. However, if he scores 66 on the PTE, he must guarantee that the university still considers that equal to IELTS 7.0 in 2025, as the bar may have been raised to 68 or higher.

A 7.0 on the IELTS is uncomplicated for Amelia, but if she is unsure about it, understanding how it compares to PTE results may provide her with a fallback plan.

Module-by-Module: How the Tests Compare

A breakdown of the PTE and IELTS scores by skill area is helpful.

Talking

Based on patterns of intonation and pronunciation, PTE’s AI-driven speech evaluation can occasionally be more or less rigorous. Speaking in front of a human examiner during the IELTS exam may allow for greater nuance.

Writing

IELTS employs human assessors to assess task completion, grammar, and essay coherence. Short answer and essay writing prompts are part of the PTE writing assignments, which are graded using algorithmic and artificial intelligence criteria.

 Examining

Both tests assess comprehension in a variety of ways, but IELTS has longer sections and a blend of general and academic literature. PTE is usually more rapid.

Hearing

IELTS includes recordings of people with different accents and in authentic settings. PTE uses interactive exercises and faster audio to emphasize academic listening.

These differences affect performance, and understanding the scoring mechanism for each helps make sense of conversion outcomes.

Should You Use the Score Conversion Table for Planning?

Yes, but proceed with caution. Although they are useful resources, PTE vs. IELTS score conversion tables aren’t always definitive. The country’s immigration laws, the institution’s internal standards, and the particular test segment (such as speaking versus writing) will all play a role.

There are a few different ways to view score equivalency.

For instance, a higher IELTS writing score than your PTE writing score may be required by certain Australian nursing boards. Therefore, always double-check with the most recent requirements of your target institution while using conversion charts as a guide.

Tips to Maximize Your Score (No Matter the Test)

Regardless of which exam you choose, your focus should remain on building solid English skills. Some helpful tips:

• Practice consistently, especially under timed conditions.
• Take practice exams that mimic the actual exam setting.
• Analyze your weaknesses, Is it writing structure? Speaking fluency? Listening accuracy?
• Use official prep materials for accuracy in content and structure.
• Keep abreast of modifications to test forms and scoring.

Final Thoughts: Making Informed Choices

The comparison of PTE and IELTS scores has improved in 2025, giving applicants greater transparency but also greater accountability. Assuming that a PTE 65 is always equal to an IELTS 7.0 is no longer sufficient. It’s critical to comprehend how your strengths relate to each test’s format and how your result corresponds with official requirements.
 When choosing between the PTE and IELTS, consider how effectively your skills translate to the scoring model in addition to your preference for the format. Make sure you’re hitting the necessary goal, not simply the approximate equivalent, by using updated score conversion tables to direct your preparation approach.

So, whether you’re applying to study abroad, working on your Australian PR, or getting registered as a healthcare professional, stay informed. And most importantly, prepare smartly.