IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier for Studying in the UK
One of the mandatory admission requirements in UK universities is English proficiency tests. The major test, which is not only accepted by UK institutions but also offers worldwide opportunities for studying and work permits include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Each test has four sections(reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and students must complete each section within a specific time frame.
This guide will provide you with a comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier for Studying in the UK, along with detailed information about the exam fees and format. You should determine which test should suits your
best.
Accepted English proficiency tests for UK study
An overview of accepted English proficiency tests for Pakistani students studying in the UK consists of three main tests: IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Below is the breakdown of key aspects of each English proficiency test for UK study.
Overview of IELTS
IELTS is regarded as one of the widely accepted English language tests globally. It is suitable for Pakistanis interested in work permits or studying in the UK or other countries including Austria, Canada, New Zealand, and Germany which are among the top destinations. The IELTS exam has two main types. Students who wish to pursue their higher education in the UK must have academic IELTS. Those interested in a work permit in the UK need to attempt the IELTS general training.
Overview of TOEFL
International students prefer TOEFL for application and immigration for UK university language requirements. The TOEFL exam is the oldest English language test. It was first introduced by educational testing services in 1964 and is still accepted in over 150+ countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which are among the top destinations for work permits and study visas. TOFEL enables candidates to take the exam on the computer rather than attending face-to-face interviews.
Overview of PTE
PTE is designed for non-English speakers and includes the best English test for Pakistani students. PTE offers several cool features: computer-based testing, AI access ability, low reduced exam time, and results available within 48 hours. It is ideal for a person good at typing as the time is quite brief.
Comparison of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE: Format and Structure
Understanding IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is easier for studying in the UK? Below is a breakdown of each test’s format and structure.
1- IELTS
The duration of IELTS is 2 hours & 40 mins divided into 3 sections.
Listening section
- The first section of IELTS lists 30 minutes ( plus 10 minutes of transfer time)
- The section includes four recordings of a mix of conversations and monologues.
Reading section
- The duration for reading sections is 60 minutes.
- The multiple-choice short-answer question identifies the writer’s views and completes the summary using works taken from the text.
Writing section
- The duration of the writing section is 60 minutes.
- Candidates have to write 350 words in the time, give the topic, and be asked to organize their answers clearly with supporting examples.
Speaking Section
- The duration of the Speaking Section of IETS is 60 minutes.
- It includes an introduction and interviews asking personal questions that can be related to your interests, family, home, etc.
2- TOFEL
The duration of TOFEL is 2 hours, split into 4 sections.
Listening section
- The first section of TOFEL lists 36 minutes.
- It has 5 listening voice passages with three academic lecturers with six questions each and two campus conversations with five questions each.
Reading section
- The duration for reading sections of TOFEL is 36 minutes.
- It has two academic reading passages each with 10 multiple-choice questions.
Writing section
- The duration of the writing section is 30 minutes.
- Candidates have to type 2 tasks into the computer with 250 words minimum including both.
Speaking Section
- The duration of the Speaking Section of TOFEL is 17 minutes.
- It includes four tasks and speaks your responses into the microphone.
3- PTE
The duration of the overall PTE test is 3 hours, consisting of the following modules.
Listening section
- The listening section for PTE lasted 30 to 43 minutes.
- It has 8 tasks including summarizing the spoken text.
Reading section
- The duration for reading sections of PTE is between 29 to 30 minutes.
- It includes 5 tasks can be filling in blanks and multiple-choice questions
Speaking and Writing section
- The Speaking and writing sections have allocated time for 54 to 67 minutes.
- The Number of tasks for the speaking section is 5 and 2 is for the writing section.
Table Comparison of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | 36 minutes | 30 to 43 minutes |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 36 minutes | 29 to 30 minutes |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 30 minutes | 30 to 35 minutes |
| Speaking | 60 minutes | 17 minutes | 35 to 40 minutes |
Comparison of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE: Scoring Systems and Result Timelines
Understanding IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is easier for studying in the UK? Below is a breakdown of each test’s Scoring Systems and Result Timelines.
IELTS Scoring and Result Timelines
- Scoring: The UK university language requirements for international students scoring in IELTS typically range between 6.0 to 7.0 for overall 9 bands.
- Timeframe: Usually the result of the IELTS exam is displayed within 13 days.
TOEFLScoring and Result Timelines
- Scoring: The TOEFL scoring requires admission in UK universities 80 to 100 for overall 120 points.
- Timeframe: Usually the result of the TOFEL exam is displayed within 6 to 8 days.
PTE Scoring and Result Timelines
- Scoring: The PTE scoring required for admission in UK universities is 50-65 for an overall 90 points.
- Timeframe: The result of the PTE exam displays within 48 hours.
UK university language requirements
English proficiency tests for UK study including IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have the highest recognition. The score range and timeline of each UK university are changed upon completion of higher academic programs which must be considered to check before applying. The IELTS is among all the other English language proficiency tests which are accepted in all higher education institutions of the UK.
English Language Proficiency Test Centers and Availability in Pakistan
Test Centers availability has a wide range in Pakistan’s major cities including Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and many others. Pakistani students can find examination dates and center locations on the Website of each language proficiency test. The tests including IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have many preparation course packages that help students score higher in all sections by improving reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You can book the IELTS exam with any trusted test center in Pakistan.
Exam Fees Comparison of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE
English proficiency tests for UK study include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have different exam fees breakdown below in the table for Pakistani students.
| English Proficiency Tests | Approx Exam Fees (PKR) |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Estimated range between 30,000 to 35,000 PKR |
| TOEFL | Estimated range between 28,000 to 40,000 PKR |
| PTE | Estimated range between 35,000 to 40,000 PKR |
Strategies for Preparing for Your English Proficiency Test
- First, you have to compare UK university language requirements for each test and academic scoring.
- Choose one program from IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE and check for the test format.
- Gather study material from websites, tests, and YouTube full courses, watch mock interviews and English movies, and read books.
- Work on your weaknesses and make sure to learn English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
- Set a timetable for your preparation maximum of 5 hours a day including watching broadcasts and reading newspapers as a habit.
- Build your English vocabulary and grammar, try to use correct tenses, write daily articles on any topic in your wording.
- Also, try to use English in your daily conversation and stay consistent.
Conclusion
When you apply for admission to UK universities it is mentioned as a mandatory requirement for Pakistani students to have proof of English language Proficiency which generally includes 3 major tests: PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS. Each test has a different format, timeframe, and exam fees. To understand the comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is easier for Studying in the UK. It is considered your preference as PTE and TOEFL give opportunities for computer accessibility for the speaking section compared to requiring a face-to-face interview, which can confuse some, it also has long hours of exam time. Still, IELTS has a higher acceptance rate making it the majority choice of students. The best English test for Pakistani students when considering studying higher education In the UK, all three tests, TOEFL, and PTE are accepted by high-ranking UK universities.
FAQs: Addressing Your Questions
The best English test for Pakistani students includes IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in 2025 as it is accepted globally and increases the chance of visa approval for study.
To understand the comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is easier for Studying in the UK. It is considered your preference as PTE and TOEFL give opportunities for computer accessibility for the speaking section compared to requiring a face-to-face interview, which can confuse some, it also has long hours of exam time. Still, IELTS has a higher acceptance rate making it the majority choice of students.
The IELTS has a higher acceptance rate to study in UK universities. However, PTE and TOFEL are also accepted in major universities in the UK.
The scholarship duration for a bachelor's degree in China is usually 4 years but can be changed according to the program.
- The estimated IELTS exam frees range between 30,000 to 35,000 PKR
- The estimated TOEFL is estimated to range between 29,000 to 40,000 PKR
- The estimated PTE is estimated to range between 30,000 to 45,000 PKR
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