But which one is actually easier?

With the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) updating the minimum English thresholds, choosing the right test is no longer just about preference—it is a strategic decision that affects your visa approval and university placement. Here is the ultimate 2026 guide to help you decide.

The 2026 Minimum Score Requirements (Subclass 500)

The Australian Government has raised the bar for international students. If you are applying for direct entry into a Bachelor's or Master's degree on a Student Visa (Subclass 500), the absolute legal minimums are:

• IELTS Academic: You need a minimum overall score of 6.0, with no individual band falling below 5.5.

• PTE Academic: You need a minimum overall score of 47, with no communicative skill dropping below 36.

Note: If your score falls slightly below these thresholds (e.g., PTE 36-46), you may still qualify for a visa by packaging your main degree with an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course) program.

Visa Minimums vs. University Requirements

A common trap international students fall into is aiming only for the visa minimum. While an IELTS 6.0 or PTE 47 keeps your visa application legally compliant, it will not get you into a top-tier university.

Most standard Australian universities require an IELTS of 6.5 or a PTE of 58 for direct admission. If you are aiming for prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) institutions like the University of Sydney or UNSW, or highly competitive courses like Nursing, you must target an IELTS of 7.0 or a PTE of 64+.

Test Format: Human vs. Artificial Intelligence

The biggest difference between the two tests is how you are evaluated.

The IELTS Experience:

• Structure: Evaluates Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking in distinct, separated sections.

• Speaking: You will sit in a quiet room and have a face-to-face conversation with a real human examiner.

• The Big Advantage: IELTS now offers a One Skill Retake. If you do great in three sections but fail your Writing, you can pay to retake just the Writing test.

The PTE Experience:

• Structure: Fully computer-based with integrated tasks. You might be asked to listen to an audio clip and type a summary, testing two skills at once.

• Speaking: You speak directly into a microphone, and an advanced AI algorithm grades your pronunciation and fluency.

• The Drawback: PTE does not offer single-skill retakes. If you fail one section, you must sit and pay for the entire exam again.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if:

• You prefer traditional test formats where Reading, Writing, and Speaking are kept completely separate.

• You feel more comfortable and natural speaking to a real human being rather than talking into a computer screen.

• You want the safety net of the "One Skill Retake" just in case you slip up on a single module.

Choose PTE if:

• You are a fast typist and highly comfortable navigating computer screens.

• You want rapid results. PTE scores are often delivered within 1 to 3 days, whereas IELTS can take 3 to 5 days for computer-based tests.

• You prefer the strict objectivity of AI marking, completely removing the chance of human bias in the Speaking and Writing sections.

Start Your Preparation with Everest Global Education

There is no objectively "easier" test—there is only the test that best matches your personal academic strengths.

At Everest Global Education, we do not just process visas; we help you build a winning profile from day one. With our in-house test preparation insights across India and our Nepal branches in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Beni, and Dhangadhi, we can evaluate your English proficiency and recommend the exact test you need.

Once you secure your score, our onshore teams in Sydney and Perth will be waiting to welcome you to your new university!