Do you intend to pursue your higher studies in Australia? If so, you must take an English language competence test to establish your abilities. Currently, two of the most popular options are the PTE Academic and IELTS Academic English tests.
Whether you are applying for a student visa or just starting with your applications, performing well on these examinations will help you substantially throughout the process. With adequate instruction and preparation, you can quickly increase your PTE and IELTS scores. However, it is critical to select the test that best matches your talents and strengths.
While both PTE and IELTS are designed to assess English language skills, their formats are rather different. So, in this blog article, I will supply you with all of the information about the structure and the tests themselves, allowing you to make an informed decision for yourself!
English Language Proficiency Test Requirement for Australian Universities
What is an English Language Proficiency Test?
An English Language Proficiency Test is a standardized exam that evaluates a person’s ability to utilize English. The evaluation occurs in a variety of circumstances, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They are often utilized for academic or professional purposes, such as visa applications, international job searches, and so on.
English Language Proficiency Test Requirement for Australian Universities
Below I will list the tests generally accepted by the top Australian universities and their minimum scores for admission:
| English Language Proficiency Test | Minimum Test Score |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 6.0-6.5 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 50-64 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 60-90 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 169-176 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Pass (A or B) |
It is to be noted that the minimum score requirement for admission may vary depending on the university and type of program. Thus, it is best to check with the specific university before sitting for the test!
PTE Academic
Pearson PLC organizes the Pearson Test of English, or PTE, which consists of 20 question types grouped into three parts: speaking and writing, reading, and listening. The PTE test takes two hours in total and is administered in one session.
Speaking and Writing
The candidate has 54-67 minutes to complete 28-36 questions on sentence repetition, image description, re-telling lectures, answering short questions, summarizing written text, and composing an essay.
Reading
During the 29-30 minute test, candidates must answer 13-18 questions, including multiple-choice questions (both single and multiple responses), read and write, fill in the blanks, and reorder paragraphs.
Listening
In a 30-43-minute listening test, candidates must answer 12-20 questions, summarize spoken text, fill in the blanks, provide multiple choice responses, highlight right summary, pick missing words, highlight wrong words, and write from dictation.
Total Duration: 2 hours (in a single sitting)
Minimum Score: 42
Validity of Score: 2 years
Result: available online within two working days from the test date
IELTS Academic
The International English Language Testing System, sometimes known as IELTS Academic, is organized by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment: English. The IELTS test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the speaking test can be booked within seven days.
Listening
Candidates must listen to four recordings in 30 minutes and complete tasks such as matching information, multiple choice answers, planning, map and diagram labeling, creating forms, notes, tables, flow charts, summaries, completions, sentence completions, and providing short answers to questions.
Reading
Candidates must read three passages in 60 minutes and complete tasks such as identifying information, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, identifying the author’s views or claims, summary, note, table, chart, completion, matching headings, short-answer questions, and more.
Writing
The written test is 60 minutes long and divided into two parts. Part 1 requires applicants to recognize and explain information and patterns from a graph, chart, table, or diagram. Part 2 requires candidates to prepare an essay on a specific subject.
Speaking
During the 11 to 14-minute speaking test, candidates must perform a few tasks divided into three segments. Part 1 is an introduction and interview; Part 2 is a discussion on a specific topic; and Part 3 is a continuation of the discussion from Part 2.
Total Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes (including the speaking test)
Minimum Score: 5.5
Validity of Score: 2 years
Result: on computer – available online 3-5 days after the test date
PTE and IELTS are both English language proficiency exams that assess an individual’s English language skills.
You are not required to take both tests; taking only one meets the English language competency criterion.
A requirement for Australian visa applications.
Consider the format and minimum test score requirements for admission before making a decision.
If you are preparing for the upcoming IELTS and PTE examinations and want to boost your application by attaining a near-perfect score, Enhance English Bangladesh can help! With their assistance, you can take IELTS or PTE Mock exams, have your Mock tests analyzed by professionals, and register for your IELTS or PTE exam without difficulty. So start preparing for your PTE or IELTS test today, and if you have any questions, contact one of our expert specialists at N&N!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is more acceptable by Australian universities PTE or IELTS?
Answer: Both are widely accepted by Australian universities, but it is best to check with your chosen institution to see which test they prefer.
Do I need to take both PTE and IELTS tests for studying in Australia?
Answer: No, most universities accept either test, so you can choose the one that best suits you!
What is the difference between PTE and PTE online?
Answer: PTE and PTE online are the same test. PTE is taken at a test center while PTE online can be taken from the comfort of your own home!
How much is the IELTS and PTE exam fee in Bangladesh?
Answer: Cost of IELTS Academic is BDT 20,250 and PTE Academic exam is BDT 23,800 or USD 200 in Bangladesh.
Which test is best for Australia student visa PTE or IELTS?
Answer: There is no preference over PTE or IELTS for an Australian student visa. Both are accepted with student visa applications.
