Converting PTE Score to IELTS is important because understanding the English language proficiency level is commonly measured in Bands, to meet the requirements for university admissions, or employers to meet the requirements for skilled worker visa. Even though both tests are equally accepted at most of the places, i-e, immigration authorities or university, college admissions.
For example, in the UK, IELTS UKVI Level B2 is accepted in UK universities for Master’s Degree Admissions, which means over all 6.5 no less than 6.0 in each. Similarly, the university elaborates PTE-Academic Requirements overall 58 and also defines certain skills should require no scores less than.
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Why Need to know PTE Score to IELTS Conversion?
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-Academic) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are two of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world. Because different institutions, immigration authorities, or universities may accept either test, candidates often want to know how PTE score to IELTS equates band score.
Since PTE and IELTS use different scoring systems, there is no perfect “translation,” but there are official concordance tables (derived from mapping studies) that provide a guide to equivalencies. These are accepted by many institutions, though some may have slightly different requirements depending on section-wise minimums, etc.
Scoring Systems: PTE Score to IELTS
Official Concordance / Conversion: PTE Score to IELTS
During 2024 IELTS Partners IDP, British Council, and Cambridge in understanding with Pearson defined the conversion table to demonstrate the PTE score to IELTS, how it correspond overall and individually with all the modules. All the IELTS Partners and Pearson, launched the below given table after proper research.
Official PTE Score to IELTS Conversion Table
| IELTS Band | PTE Overall | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Speaking | PTE Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 41 | 40 | 43 | 40 | 43 |
| 5.5 | 45 | 43 | 48 | 42 | 51 |
| 6.0 | 52 | 48 | 54 | 46 | 62 |
| 6.5 | 58 | 57 | 61 | 54 | 74 |
| 7.0 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 65 | 82 |
| 7.5 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 88 |
| 8.0 | 82 | 79 | 78 | 81 | 89 |
| 8.5 | 88 | 85 | 84 | 86 | 90 |
Simplified Conversion: Overall PTE Score to IELTS Bands
Below Given table defines overall PTE score to IELTS bands with roughly idea this is the simple way to understand where do you stand in IELTS with certain score in PTE
| PTE Overall Score | Approximate IELTS Band |
|---|---|
| 86-90 | 9.0 |
| 83-85 | 8.5 |
| 79-82 | 8.0 |
| 73-78 | 7.5 |
| 65-72 | 7.0 |
| 59-64 | 6.5 |
| 51-58 | 6.0 |
| 43-50 | 5.5 |
| 35-42 | 5.0 |
| 30-34 | 4.5 |
| Below 30 | Below 4.5 |
How to Interpret These Tables in Practice
These conversion charts are useful, but there are some distinctions:
- Overall vs Minimum Score in Each Module
The official conversion table (see above) helps with the conversion, since it gives PTE section scores equivalent to each IELTS band.
Different institutions and visa categories do not only require an overall score, but also minimumscoresineachsection. For example, a university may require IELTS 7.0 overall and no band below 6.5. If you convert PTE score to IELTS band overall, also need PTE scores in listening, speaking, reading, writing to ensure they also satisfy those section requirements.
- Rounding & Closest Equivalent
Because PTE scores are more granular (10-90) and IELTS bands move in 0.5 increments, sometimes your PTE score may fall between two IELTS bands. In such cases, you should choose the closest band, but be aware institutions might favour rounding down rather than up, depending on their rules.
- Updates & Research
The official concordance is periodically reviewed. Changes in the PTE format, marking or policy may lead to updates in the equivalence. The table above reflects the most recent mapping as of ~2024. Always check the latest official information from IDP, British Council, Cambridge, or Pearson. - Test-Format Differences
Even if scores map numerically, the actual experience of the tests is different. IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test (in many versions), human-scored writing; PTE is computer-based; some tasks share components. These differences may mean that a candidate stronger in certain skills may perform differently in each test even if the overall “ability” is similar. Always practice in the format you will take.
Example Scenarios
To make it concrete, here are a few sample PTE scores and what IELTS band they typically correspond to, along with section implications.
| PTE Overall | Approx IELTS Band | Implication / What You Might Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 58 overall, with sections Listening 57, Reading 61, Speaking 54, Writing 74 | 6.5 band | Good for many undergraduate programs or visa requirements; ensure your weaker skills (like speaking) are improved to meet section minimums. |
| 66 overall, evenly distributed sections | 7.0 band | Strong score; many graduate programs require this. |
| 75 overall, with slightly lower writing | 7.5 band | Excellent; may suffice for professional registration in many countries; check writing if its section minimum is required. |
| 83 overall | 8.5 band | Very high, near expert level; suited for top universities or stringent visa criteria. |
Why This Matters, Especially for Students & Immigrants
- Universities wrap their admission requirements in terms of IELTS. If you only have a PTE score, you’ll need to know how that converts, both overall and section-wise.
- Visa / Immigration Authorities often require specific IELTS bands. If they accept PTE, they will often apply the conversion chart. But sometimes they also require certain “band minima” per skill.
- Scholarships / Professional Registration may specify IELTS band in their eligibility. Mis-understanding conversion may cost you eligibility.
Tips to Consider while Converting your PTE score to IELTS
- Always use the official conversion chart rather than estimates from unverified sites. The table above (from IELTS Partners & Pearson) is authoritative.
- Before applying, check the requirements of your specific university or visa office, especially section-minimums.
- Practice in both test formats if possible, especially if you are strong in one and weaker in another skill.
- Aim somewhat higher than the minimum you need, to allow buffer in case one section score is below expectations.
- Keep updated: rules or accepted scores can change.
10 FAQS: What is PTE Score to IELTS mean ?
1. What is the PTE to IELTS score conversion?
PTE to IELTS score conversion is a comparison method that helps test takers understand how their Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) scores match the IELTS band scores, ensuring they meet university, immigration, or professional requirements.
2. Why is PTE to IELTS conversion important?
Many universities, immigration departments, and employers accept both PTE and IELTS. Knowing the accurate conversion helps candidates plan applications, meet eligibility requirements, and prepare for the correct test.
3. Who sets the official PTE to IELTS conversion table?
The Pearson (PTE provider) and IELTS consortium do not release a single “official” conversion chart. Instead, conversion is based on research, academic studies, and widely accepted scoring correlations used by institutions and immigration authorities.
4. Is the PTE to IELTS conversion 100% accurate?
No. Conversion charts provide a close approximation, but both tests measure skills differently. Institutions may have slightly different score requirements, so always check the official score requirements of your target organization.
5. How does the PTE scoring system differ from IELTS?
PTE uses a 10–90 scale, while IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale. PTE scores are based on AI-driven automated marking, while IELTS uses human examiners for speaking and writing assessments.
6. What is the general PTE to IELTS conversion chart?
Here’s a commonly used reference:
| PTE Academic | IELTS Band (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 86–90 | 9.0 |
| 83–85 | 8.5 |
| 79–82 | 8.0 |
| 73–78 | 7.5 |
| 65–72 | 7.0 |
| 58–64 | 6.5 |
| 50–57 | 6.0 |
| 42–49 | 5.5 |
| 36–41 | 5.0 |
| 30–35 | 4.5 |
7. Do all countries accept PTE and IELTS equivalently?
Most countries (like Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand) accept both tests, but immigration policies and universities may have specific preferences or minimum score criteria.
8. Is PTE easier than IELTS?
It depends on the candidate. PTE is computer-based with AI scoring, which some test takers find less stressful, while IELTS includes face-to-face speaking and may suit those comfortable with human interaction.
9. Can I use my PTE score for IELTS-required applications?
Yes, if the organization accepts PTE as an equivalent. Always confirm with the university, immigration body, or employer before applying.
10. How can I improve my PTE score to IELTS band?
Focus on integrated skills like speaking + writing tasks, improve time management, and practice with official PTE mock tests. Strong vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar directly raise your PTE score, which in turn aligns with higher IELTS equivalence.