PTE vs IELTS: Which English Test Should You Take in the UAE?

PTE or IELTS: which English test should you take in the UAE? Both are accepted by thousands of universities and by the UK and Australian governments for visas. The main differences are how the test feels and what your destination accepts. PTE Academic is taken entirely on computer, speaking into a microphone, and is marked by an AI system. IELTS includes a face-to-face Speaking test with a human examiner. PTE results usually come back within 2 days; IELTS on computer within 1 to 5 days. For Canadian immigration, you need IELTS General Training or PTE Core, not PTE Academic. This guide compares the two tests side by side for people in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the UAE.

PTE vs IELTS at a glance

• Owner: PTE is run by Pearson. IELTS is owned by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
• Format: PTE is 100% computer-based, including Speaking. IELTS is on computer in the UAE, with Speaking as a live conversation with an examiner.
• Length: PTE Academic takes about 2 hours. IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, plus an 11 to 14 minute Speaking test.
• Marking: PTE is marked by AI, with some responses checked by human experts. IELTS Writing and Speaking are marked by trained examiners.
• Scores: PTE scores run from 10 to 90. IELTS scores are bands from 0 to 9.
• Results: PTE results typically arrive within 2 days (sometimes up to 5 business days). Results for IELTS on computer arrive within 1 to 5 days.
• Fee in the UAE (September 2026): PTE Academic is listed at about AED 1,050 to AED 1,300 depending on the centre. IELTS on computer costs AED 1,590 (British Council) or AED 1,470 (IDP).
• Test centres: PTE has centres in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with none listed in Ras Al Khaimah. IELTS is available across the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah.
• Validity: both are usually accepted for two years.

Fees and centres change, so check the official booking site before you pay.

What's the difference in format?

IELTS

IELTS has four separate papers: Listening (about 30 minutes, 40 questions), Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions), Writing (60 minutes, two tasks) and Speaking (11 to 14 minutes, face to face). Each skill gets its own band. Read our full guide: What is IELTS? Academic vs General Training.

PTE Academic

PTE has three parts: Speaking and Writing together (about 76 to 84 minutes), Reading (about 23 to 30 minutes) and Listening (about 31 to 39 minutes). Many tasks are integrated, which means one task scores more than one skill. For example, when you listen to a lecture and then retell it, both your listening and your speaking are scored. Typical tasks include reading a text aloud, repeating a sentence, describing an image, summarising a text and writing an essay.

Which test is easier, PTE or IELTS?

Neither test is easier overall, but one may suit you better:

• Choose PTE if you're comfortable typing and working on a computer, want fast results, and would rather not speak to an examiner face to face. Many people find PTE's short, timed tasks predictable once they've practised them.
• Choose IELTS if you prefer a natural conversation for Speaking, a human marking your writing, or you need to test in Ras Al Khaimah. IELTS is also the better-known name if you're not sure where you'll apply yet.

Watch out for one thing in PTE: you speak into a microphone in a room where other candidates are also speaking. Some people find this distracting. In PTE, a long pause can also end a speaking recording, so fluent, steady delivery matters a lot.

Which test is accepted where?

Always check the exact requirement of your university, employer or visa before you book. As of September 2026:

• Universities: IELTS says more than 13,500 organisations worldwide trust its results, and Pearson says PTE Academic is accepted by more than 4,000 universities and colleges. Most UK, Australian and Canadian universities accept both.
• UK visas: both have approved versions for UK visas: IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI. The UK Home Office is developing a new English test for visas (known as HOELT), so check GOV.UK for the current list of approved tests before you book.
• Australia: both IELTS (Academic or General Training) and PTE Academic are accepted for visas. For example, for tests taken from 7 August 2025, "competent English" needs at least IELTS 6 in each skill, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 in Listening, 48 in Reading, 51 in Writing and 54 in Speaking.
• Canada (immigration): IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core (plus CELPIP, and TEF or TCF for French). IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are not accepted for economic immigration.
• New Zealand: both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted for many visa types.

How do PTE scores compare with IELTS?

Pearson publishes an official concordance with IELTS, most recently updated in July 2025. As an example, a PTE score of 79 is roughly equivalent to IELTS 8.0. The Australian "competent English" level above is another useful guide: IELTS 6 per skill lines up with PTE scores of 47 to 54 per skill. Check the latest concordance table on the Pearson PTE website, and always use the exact score your university or visa asks for, not a converted one.

Want to check what overall IELTS band your skill scores would give you? Use our IELTS band score calculator.

PTE or IELTS in Ras Al Khaimah?

If you live in Ras Al Khaimah, IELTS is the more convenient option: the British Council and IDP both run test sessions in the emirate. At the time of writing, the nearest PTE centre is in Sharjah, about an hour's drive away. See our guide to IELTS test dates, fees and centres in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

Frequently asked questions

Is PTE accepted for UK visas?

Yes. PTE Academic UKVI is an approved Secure English Language Test for UK visas, as is IELTS for UKVI. Check GOV.UK for the current list and the level your visa route requires.

Is PTE accepted for Canadian PR?

PTE Core is accepted for Canadian economic immigration, including Express Entry. PTE Academic is not. If you choose IELTS for Canada, you need IELTS General Training.

Which is cheaper in the UAE, PTE or IELTS?

In September 2026, PTE Academic was listed at around AED 1,050 to AED 1,300, and IELTS on computer at AED 1,470 (IDP) or AED 1,590 (British Council). Fees change often, so check when you book.

Which gives results faster?

PTE usually does: typically within 2 days. Results for IELTS on computer arrive within 1 to 5 days.

Can I switch from IELTS preparation to PTE?

Yes. Both tests measure the same skills, so general improvements in grammar, vocabulary, listening and speaking help in both. What differs is the task types, so practise the specific format of the test you book.

Does Speak English Institute teach PTE?

No. We run IELTS preparation courses, not PTE courses. Our General English courses build the core skills that both tests measure.

Preparing for IELTS in the UAE

If IELTS is the right test for you, our 3-week IELTS preparation course runs at our Dubai (JLT) and Ras Al Khaimah campuses: 27 hours of evening and Saturday classes for AED 1,240, including materials and three full mock exams with feedback. If you need to raise your overall English level first, start with our free English level test.