PTE vs IELTS 2026: Which Is Better for Canada PR & Study?

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | IIT Delhi Alumni | 17+ Years Experience | 50,000+ Students Placed
Published: January 3, 2025 | 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert

Introduction

You’ve a dream of studying or settling in Canada? You’ve heard that speaking English is a necessary requisite. PTE and IELTS are the two big names which every student in this country will have to appear for. But what’s better for your emigration to Canada, your studies?”. Then the question is: Whether the PTE and the IELTS test are so different, or whether they’re only a matter of.

PTE and IELTS are two English tests which the Canadian government has to offer, to satisfy its requirements for the permanent residence of students. Whether it’s an application for a university diploma or an application for an immigrant’s permit. The English language test with which you choose you know, is either an advantage or a disadvantage. As for the IELTS and the PTE, now both the PTE and IELTS are recognized by the Canadian government. The competition between them has gotten fiercer than ever.

PTE Academic is an examination of the English language, like the IELTS, which is required for settlement in Australia. IELTS and PTE are the same in form and the results are based on the same method. With all the news, tips and scholarships, and with the experience of Gateway International, with its 17 years of placement experience, and its experience of placing more than 55,000 What Canadian visa do you need, kindly arranged for a series of Canadian visas let’s plunge in!

PTE vs IELTS 2026: An Overview

So, to begin with, the fundamentals. Both IELTS and PTE are standardized English language tests recognized all over the world. But there are certain things that we must’ve in mind when we come to Canada, especially in the matter of obtaining permanent residence and getting a university degree. PTE Canada is a computer-based exam, and IELTS Canada is both a paper-based and a computerized test. Speaking of which, for 2026, the IRCC will accept both tests for the purpose of granting study permits and obtaining permanent residence.

The question which led us to this question, is, what are the differences between the two tests, with a view to their introduction into the examinations for the purpose of Canadian entry? Universities. Funny you should ask, because academies and the Canadian government have their own preferences which may have an effect on the outcome of a course of study or on a.

• PTE Canada is often favored by students who are familiar with digital devices and who prefer to take advantage of the.
• IELTS is still the old favorite with long-standing reputation and widespread recognition.
• The Direct Stream and Non-Direct Stream categories are subject to these two examinations.
• For foreign nationals, both the PTE and the IELTS scores are now included in the CRS score.

In truth, the ‘best’ exam depends on your own abilities and on whether you need to meet the special requirements of your university or of your chosen course of action. Not to worry: we’ll help you find the one that suits your needs.

Acceptance in Canada: Universities & PR

Now, let’s discuss the subject in hand: Will PTE or IELTS really earn you a spot at a Canadian university or a Canadian PR? In 2026 the two tests were officially recognized for the purpose of gaining a study permit or permanent residence, but there were still some nuances.

What must be known is this:

• It’s accepted by all the Chartered Institutes of Canadian Universities for admissions to bachelor’s – or should I say, and master’s degree courses.
• PTE Academic and IELTS General Training are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, Provincial Nomination Programs and other categories of entry into Canada.
• If you’ve a competitive subject (such as Medicine or Law), IELTS is still an option. Always check your target university’s admission requirements.
• For the sake of an iraqi emigrant, I mean, both PTE and IELTS are acceptable, but the lowest acceptable score is either 60 or.

As a matter of fact, PTE has gained a 30 per cent market share since 2024 among Canadian institutions, which makes it an equivalent to IELTS. You can get the most recent information from the official university site or from your Gateway International advisor.

PTE, or IELTS, then, would be perfectly safe in 2026. You’ll do well to examine the methods that are commonly used in gaining admission to the university, and those that are.

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Test Format & Structure Comparison

Let’s dissect the question of PTE vs. IELTS. The method of testing can have a large effect on your performance, especially if you prefer to use a computer or the traditional form of face-to-face testing.

PTE Canada is a completely automatic exam, without any human in the evaluation. The test is taken at a single sitting. On the other hand, IELTS Canada offers both paper-based and computer-based tests. This reminds me, the speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner (even for IELTS computer-based test.

• PTE: Speaking and writing (40-59 minutes), reading (27-29 minutes), listening (35-49.
• The Canadian IELTS test has four sections: listening (for about 30 minutes), reading (for about 60 minutes), writing (for.
• The difficulty level is dependent on your answers.
• IELTS is a linear test. All the questions are the same.
• PTE takes about two working days to provide its results. IELTS takes between five and 13 days, depending on whether I take the test on.

So if you’re comfortable with computers and you’re in a hurry for your exam, go for the PTE Canada test. It’s quicker and If you prefer to take your IELTS examination with the help of a human examiner, then the Canadian service might suit.

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Scoring System: PTE Canada vs IELTS Canada

The scoring system is what makes the PTE vs. IELTS controversy interesting. Actually, they both test your English ability, but they don’t have the same criteria for evaluation. This is how to calculate the grades of the exams you’ll need to enter the university of your.

A score from the PTE Canada scale ranges from ten to ninety. The PTE Canada scores are mapped directly to the Canadian language benchmarks for Permanent Residency. This reminds me, iELTS (which stands for “institutional tests”), using a scale of 0 to 9, associates a level to each of the bands.

• PTE 60 (CLB 7) or IELTS 6.0 (CLB 7).
• IELTS 7.0 CLISB.
• PTE 84 IELTS 8.5 (CBL – 10 CRS).

For the Canadian Recording Scheme your results in listening, reading, writing, and speaking are translated into CLB scores which are credited directly to your CRS. When you enter the Canadian universities. This reminds me, you can enter with the PTE score of 60-65 and IELTS score of 6 to 6.5, but you should take the PTE.

If you want to get the highest number of points for your permanent residence visa, you must achieve a minimum of 68 on the PTE test, or a 7.0 band on IELTS. For most of the universities in the world. A PTE 60 or an IELTS 6 is enough; for the most prominent universities in the country, a score of 70.

Rishita Dodiya

“Exceptional Support for Study Abroad! My name is Rishita Dodiya and I have got admission in Nottingham Trent University. And also I have got a scholarship of 25% on my overall tuition fees. From the first consultation to securing my student visa, Gateway International provided personalized and transparent guidance. Their team especially Richa Ma’am, Arpita ma’am, Deepti ma’am and Nilu ma’am helped me shortlist universities, apply for scholarships, and navigate the visa process smoothly. My visa was approved within a week after the appointment, thanks to their meticulous documentation support. I confirm that Gateway International did not charge any fees for their assistance.”

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PTE Score for PR: What You Need to Know

PTE score is essential for Indians looking to migrate to Canada in 2026 or 2027. The PTE Academic is now accepted for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and other Canadian immigration programs. What are you going to do?

Here’s the breakdown:

• PTE: A minimum of 60 in each of the four subtests (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is required for permanent residence.
• If you score CLB 9 or above, you get more points. More points mean better chances of winning the draw.
• In some provinces, the minimum length of the rope may vary, and in all cases you should check.
• For permanent residence, the scores from a valid test are you know, valid for two years from the date of submission.

If you’re aiming for Canada PR, a PTE score of 68 or more in both sections is your best bet. Thing is, the gateway to the emigration and entrepreneurship of the people isn’t a simple one, but it’s a complicated and arduous one.

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IELTS vs PTE Difficulty: Which Is Easier?

One of the most frequent questions asked of us at Gateway is, “Which test is easier, IELTS or PTE?” The answer to this question depends on each student’s individual skills. However, for a quick comparison, let’s first examine the IELTS difficulty levels of the two exams.

• Hence it’s not an easy task. The other route is the PTE Canada examination.
• In the speaking exam, students are questioned in person, which some find difficult, while others find it more stimulating.
• The PTE’s examination method is automatic, which means that there is no possibility of bias from examiners. However, there’s the risk of examiners not being as.
• IELTS allows you to leave and return you know, to a question in the Reading and Writing sections. This reminds me, pTE is strictly linear: you can’t return to an earlier question.
• Both tests have a difficult listening section, but the PTE’s integrated tasks (such as summarizing what you’ve heard) are particularly tricky.

In fact, many Indian students say PTE is easier than IELTS. PTE is for the techno-savvy generation that’s happy with fast-paced examinations, and IELTS is for those who are comfortable with the traditional test-taking format. Do you know the best way to Take a few practice tests on each system and see where you do best.

Akshit Virdi

“Hey, Hope you all are doing great, I am writing this review based on my application process. My name is Akshit Virdi, and I’m going to pursue Bachelor’s of engineering in Civil Engineering at University of Portsmouth. I’m extremely grateful to Gateway International and especially Prateek Panchal sir, he helped me a-lot and always support throughout my admissions and my application process. Prateek Panchal Sir built a trust as well that gateway international is not a fraud consultancy because I live in delhi and Gateway international is located in Udaipur, so it is hard to trust but there faculty is very genuine and supportive and I finally got my UK Visa with the help of:-1. Prateek Panchal – My Consultant, and whenever I call Prateek sir he picked my call even I call in late night so prateek sir is very genuine person and from the bottom of my heart, I really say Thankyou so much sir because you are a real person and I never forget you sir Thankyou once again.2. Neelam Jain – She is very kind and with the help of their perfect guidance, I cracked my CAS interview, without her I cannot cracked this interview, Thank you so much Neelam Ma’am I appreciate your efforts deeply and will always be grateful.3. Nikhilesh Soni – He helped me out in my CAS process and eVISA. Thank you Nikhilesh sir for my CAS process and appreciate your support.4. Deepti Singh Chittora – She helped me for my UKVI Visa process and Deepti Ma’am is so experienced and I got my Uk Visa in just 4 days so, thank you so much deepti mam. Overall, my experience with Gateway International is too good and they supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my whole process, which made the entire process even more majestic. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International. Best regards Akshit Virdi”

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Costs, Timelines & Test Centers in India

See, let’s talk about the money and The costs of the PTE vs IELTS test in India are very significant to students. Here’s a summary of.

• PTE Canada: 15,900 approximately. In 35 Indian cities.
• IELTS Canada costs about you know 16,000 and is available in about 75 cities (both paper and online.
• Both of these examinations are offered on several dates per month, but as the examinations fill up quickly, it’s – or should I say, necessary to make appointments at.
• Results: PTE (seven days), IELTS (three to five days), IETLS (one week).
• Retake policy: For both tests, you may take the test as many times as you like, but each time you must.

For 2026, test in August or September to meet most university and Express entry deadlines. What is the best way to ask for financial assistance?Gateway EduConnectFor students’ loans and financial plans.

Preparation Strategies for Indian Students

Well, you’ve chosen your test. And now Preparation is the key to scoring a high in PTE for PR, or a high IELTS for a Canadian University. For the Indian student, it’s quite advisable to study both the IELTS and the PTE.

• See, when you’re working on your English language skills, it’s a good idea to take diagnostic tests.
• Use official practice materials, such as the PTE Academic Official Guide or the IELTS Cambridge.
• How do I prepare for IIT JEE?
• How do I practice talking into my mic? You need to write by hand for the IELTS.
• You can work on time management in both these tests.
• USE TWO TEAMS FOR THE EXAMINATIONS.

But, to be sure, consistency You should start preparing for the exam at least four weeks in advance and consult an expert if you’ve any difficulty with any of the sections.

Rahul Jain

“Thank you Gateway International for your distinguished and outstanding service! I wanted to express my deepest gratitude towards prominent service and support I have received from Gateway International. I have received exceptional support throughout my entire journey of getting Visa. This roller coaster journey would not had been easier without my counselor Richa Ma’am. She guided and helped me through all the challenges, ups and downs during my entire journey of application process, documentation, bank formalities till visa process, she looked out on all the information and details closely so that there is no margin for error is left, So Special Thanks to you Richa ma’am for your immense support! I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Arpita ma’am. Your correct and accurate guidance helped me through my CAS process flawlessly. Thank you again for your remarkable support in getting my CAS and related process. Thank you Sonali Ma’am for helping me in my accommodation process. Finally I would like to say thanks to Deepti ma’am for getting my VISA process done way too smoothly. Thank you for guiding and supporting me through entire VISA process. Thank You Gateway International Team & Staff! It is truly astonishing to know that all the Hard work and Effort you put behind every student for achieving their dream and this entire process is free of charge with no hidden charges as well that really gives student a breath of relief and sense of happiness.”

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Test Takers

It’s not cheap to study in Canada, and English exams aren’t cheap either. But he added that there was no need for the student to worry about these difficulties, saying that “there’s plenty of money available for the students who wish to pursue higher studies.”. And.

• Universities in Canada and the United Kingdom (the University of Nottingham, for example, offers scholarships of up to £6,000 to students who score well on IELTS or PTE).
• Some institutions don’t charge the examination fee, or offer a reduction for early takers.
• The scholarship of the Shastri Institute of India, of which I’m director, and of the Shastra Canadian Institute of English, which is administered by the.
• Gateway’s unique academic collaborations offer special scholarships for our students.

Actually, you must always keep an eye on scholarship application dates, which are usually earlier than those And if you need help with your education loans, check out at education loans.Gateway EduConnect.

Latest News & Policy Updates (2025-2026)

Conclusion

So, what’s the final decision? IELTS vs PTE for Canada PR and Study in India? There’s a further twist to the story, though, as you now find that the Canadian universities and the government authorities accept You can’t choose between the two courses, the right one for you depends on your personal strengths, your.

If you’re a tech-savvy kind of person and you want an easy, objective test, PTE-Canada is a great choice. If you prefer a well-established examination environment and good worldwide reputation, IELTS Canada is the way to go. For PR, one has to achieve a score of at least CLB 7 (PTE60 or you know, IELTS6), but the higher the score, the more points. And remember, the secret of success lies in – hmm, how do I put this – your preparation, in good timing, and in the.

I’ve read this book a number of times, and I was pleased that you had read it and were willing to write to me about it. Actually, you know what? The IIT-Dhruvananthapuram student went to the examination centre where he was admitted and was asked about his studies. After he had gone through the classes, he was allowed to go to the examination hall and study. Good luck to you, and may your journey to Canada be the beginning of a successful venture!