PTE or IELTS? A comparison for students in Nepal

Australia accepts both for student and skilled visas. For tests from 7 August 2025 the Student visa minimum is PTE Academic 47 or IELTS Academic 6.0 (Home Affairs). PTE costs US$248.60 in Nepal (Pearson); IELTS fees are set by each IELTS provider in Nepal.

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PTE Academic and IELTS Academic side by side

Australian visa rows are Home Affairs minimums; the fee is Pearson's fee for Nepal. IELTS fees in Nepal are published by each provider and differ between them, so we link to them instead of quoting one.

PTE AcademicIELTS AcademicSource and date
Australian Student visa minimum (tests from 7 Aug 2025)476.0Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a Foundation / eligible Pathway program395.5Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS315.0Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
Competent English, each skill (tests from 7 Aug 2025)L 47 · R 48 · W 51 · S 546 in each skillHome Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
Proficient English (10 points), each skill (tests from 7 Aug 2025)L 58 · R 59 · W 69 · S 767 in each skillHome Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
Superior English (20 points), each skill (tests from 7 Aug 2025)L 69 · R 70 · W 85 · S 888 in each skillHome Affairs, checked 20 October 2026
Exam fee in NepalUS$248.60 (USD)Set by each IELTS provider in Nepal: British Council Nepal · IDP NepalPearson fee finder, checked 19 October 2026
How the test is takenOn a computer at a test centre, about 2 hoursNot in our data: see the providerPearson
ResultsTypically in two daysNot in our data: see the providerPearson
Fully online, at-home version for Australian visasNot acceptedNot acceptedHome Affairs, checked 20 October 2026

Which PTE score lines up with which IELTS band

Pearson's July 2025 concordance, overall and by skill. Approximate, and not a visa rule. Full PTE to IELTS chart.

IELTSPTE overallListeningReadingSpeakingWriting
IELTS 5.539–4640–4642–4739–5341–50
IELTS 6.047–5447–5248–5354–6551–59
IELTS 6.555–6253–5754–5866–7560–68
IELTS 7.063–7058–6359–6476–8269–76
IELTS 7.571–7864–6865–6983–8777–84
IELTS 8.079–8569–7470–7488–8985–89

How to choose

Both tests are accepted for Australian student and skilled visas, so the choice is about which format suits you. PTE is taken entirely on a computer and the speaking is recorded by a microphone; try a few PTE questions before you decide.

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Questions students ask

Is PTE or IELTS easier for Nepali students?

There is no official ranking. Both are accepted for Australian visas; pick the format you score better in. A free mock test shows your PTE level.

Does Australia accept PTE for a student visa?

Yes. For tests from 7 August 2025 the Student visa minimum is PTE Academic 47 or IELTS Academic 6.0 (Home Affairs).

What PTE score equals IELTS 6.0?

PTE Academic 47–54 overall, on Pearson's July 2025 concordance.

What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5?

PTE Academic 55–62 overall, on the same table.

Which is cheaper in Nepal, PTE or IELTS?

PTE Academic is US$248.60 in Nepal (Pearson). IELTS fees are set by each IELTS provider in Nepal and differ between them; compare on their booking pages on the day you book.

Sources and dates

Every figure on this page comes from these pages; each was read on the date shown.

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