Applying to Australia or NZ
PTE Academic or IELTS. Avoid Duolingo — it doesn't satisfy the Australian visa.
English tests compared
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo: Which Test Should You Take?
Choose the test your target country's visa and your universities accept, then the format that suits you. Acceptance matters more than which test feels easiest.
- Check visa acceptance first
- PTE: fastest results
- Duolingo: online at home
- IELTS: accepted everywhere
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A counsellor replies on WhatsApp with your checklist and next steps
Quick answer
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo: Which Test Should You Take?
If you're applying to several countries, IELTS Academic is the safest choice because it's accepted for admission and visas almost everywhere, including Australia and UK visa routes. PTE Academic suits students who prefer a fully computer-based test with fast results and is strong for Australia and New Zealand. TOEFL iBT is the US default. The Duolingo English Test is cheap and taken at home, and many US, Canadian, UK and Irish universities accept it, but it doesn't work for the Australian visa.
Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans admissions desk
Official sources: IELTS — official test information · PTE Academic (Pearson) · TOEFL iBT (ETS) · Duolingo English Test
Quick comparison
- IELTS Academic
- ≈2 h 45 min · bands 0–9 · paper or computer at a centre
- PTE Academic
- ≈2 h · scores 10–90 · computer, AI-scored · results usually in about 2 days
- TOEFL iBT
- ≈2 h · US default · scale updated by ETS in January 2026
- Duolingo English Test
- ≈1 h · scores 10–160 · online at home · results in about 2 days
By destination
Which test fits which country
General acceptance, October 2026. Confirm each university's list and the visa rules.
How to choose
Pick by situation
USA-only applications
TOEFL or Duolingo are usually simplest; check your programs' minimum scores and sub-scores.
Need results fast
PTE and Duolingo results usually arrive in about two days, useful for late deadlines.
Not sure where you'll apply
IELTS Academic keeps every option open.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
Neither is objectively easier. PTE is fully computer-based and AI-scored, which some students prefer; IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test. Take a practice test of each.
Most universities accept scores up to 2 years old. Check each university and visa route, as some count from the test date to the application date.
It isn't a UKVI Secure English Language Test, but UK universities that assess English themselves for degree courses may accept it for admission.
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