Studying abroad in 2025 is more competitive than ever. Whether you want to study in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, or Europe, you’ll need to prove your English language proficiency. The most popular exams are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
But students often ask:
- Which exam is best for study abroad in 2025?
- Is IELTS easier than TOEFL?
- Is PTE accepted in Canada and Australia?
In this blog, we’ll give you a complete comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE so you can confidently decide which exam suits you best.
What are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE?
Before we compare, let’s quickly understand each test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Managed by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge.
- Two formats: Academic (for students) and General Training (for work/migration).
- Widely accepted in UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
- Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) is the most common format.
- Preferred by US universities but also accepted in Canada and Europe.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- Conducted by Pearson.
- Computer-based exam with AI scoring.
- Accepted in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and several European countries.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE 2025: Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at the three exams:
| Feature | IELTS 2025 | TOEFL 2025 | PTE 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | ₹16,250 – ₹17,000 (INR) | ₹16,500 – ₹17,500 (INR) | ₹15,900 – ₹16,500 (INR) |
| Score Range | 0 – 9 band | 0 – 120 | 10 – 90 |
| Test Duration | 2 hrs 45 mins | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Test Mode | Paper-based or Computer-based | Computer-based (online/offline) | Computer-based only |
| Results Time | 3–5 days (computer-based), 13 days (paper-based) | 4–8 days | 1–5 days |
| Accepted Countries | Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, USA | USA, Canada, Europe, Australia | Australia, Canada, NZ, Europe |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with examiner | Computer microphone | Computer microphone |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate-High | Moderate, tech-friendly |
IELTS in 2025 – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros of IELTS
- Accepted by over 11,000 institutions worldwide.
- Offers paper-based and computer-based options.
- Face-to-face speaking feels more natural for many students.
- Widely accepted for Canada PR and migration.
❌ Cons of IELTS
- Speaking test with an examiner can make students nervous.
- Longer result waiting time (especially paper-based).
- Writing section can be strict with band scoring.
TOEFL in 2025 – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros of TOEFL
- Preferred by US universities.
- Scores are valid for 2 years.
- Integrated tasks test real-life academic English skills.
- Computer-only exam ensures consistency.
❌ Cons of TOEFL
- Not as popular for Canada PR (though accepted for study).
- Speaking through a microphone can feel unnatural.
- Some universities in the UK still prefer IELTS.
PTE in 2025 – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros of PTE
- AI-based scoring (less human bias).
- Fast results in 1–5 days.
- Entirely computer-based, no human examiner.
- Accepted for Australia, Canada PR (from 2023 onwards), and universities worldwide.
❌ Cons of PTE
- Some students find the speaking into a microphone uncomfortable.
- Not as widely accepted in the USA compared to IELTS/TOEFL.
- Computer-only exam – not suitable for students who prefer paper-based tests.
IELTS vs TOEFL Difficulty
One of the most asked questions: Which is harder, IELTS or TOEFL?
- IELTS Writing is considered tougher because of strict band requirements.
- TOEFL Listening & Reading passages are longer and more academic.
- IELTS Speaking is face-to-face, while TOEFL Speaking is via computer.
- Overall: Both are moderate difficulty, but TOEFL requires more academic vocabulary, while IELTS is more straightforward.
PTE vs IELTS for Canada
Students targeting Canada in 2025 often ask: PTE vs IELTS, which is better?
- IELTS Academic is still the most widely accepted test for Canadian universities.
- PTE Academic is now officially accepted by IRCC for Canada PR and is gaining popularity.
- If you’re comfortable with computers and want fast results, PTE is a smart choice.
- If you want a universally recognized test, IELTS remains the safest option.
Which Exam is Best for Study Abroad in 2025?
Here’s a breakdown:
- Going to USA? → Choose TOEFL (most recognized).
- Going to Canada? → Choose IELTS (widely accepted for study + PR).
- Going to Australia or New Zealand? → Both PTE and IELTS are equally good.
- Looking for Fast Results? → Go for PTE.
- Prefer Face-to-Face Speaking? → Choose IELTS.
- Tech-Savvy Students → Choose PTE or TOEFL.
👉 In 2025, there is no one best test. The right exam depends on your target country, university requirements, and personal comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PTE accepted for Canada in 2025?
Yes. Since 2023, IRCC officially accepts PTE Academic for student visa and PR applications.
2. Which is easier: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE?
- IELTS = Balanced, natural speaking.
- TOEFL = More academic.
- PTE = Easier for computer-savvy students.
3. How long are IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores valid?
All three tests are valid for 2 years.
4. Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can retake IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
5. Which exam is cheapest in 2025?
- PTE: Around ₹15,900 (slightly cheaper).
- IELTS: Around ₹16,250–₹17,000.
- TOEFL: Around ₹16,500–₹17,500.
6. Is IELTS compulsory for Canada PR?
Yes, but now PTE Academic and CELPIP are also accepted by IRCC.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE in 2025 depends on your study destination and comfort level.
- For Canada & UK → IELTS is safest.
- For USA → TOEFL is highly recommended.
- For Australia & NZ → PTE or IELTS works.
- For fast results & AI scoring → PTE is the best option.
✨ Motivational Call to Action
Your dream university is waiting. Don’t let an English test stop you. Choose your exam and start preparing today! 🚀
