The rule that matters most
Choose a test your universities, and if relevant your visa route, accept. Everything else is secondary.
How they differ
- IELTS: widely accepted, available on paper or computer, speaking test with an examiner
- PTE Academic: computer-based, with scoring done by computer
- TOEFL iBT: common for US institutions, taken online or at a test centre
Which is easier?
None is objectively easier. Many students prefer the format that suits them: some like a face-to-face speaking test, others prefer a computer.
Timing
Book early. Leave time for a resit before your application deadlines, and check how long each result stays valid.
General guidance only. Always verify requirements, costs and policies with the institution or the official government source.
