IELTS, PTE or TOEFL: which test, and how to prepare
Pick the test that suits you, plan 6–10 weeks of study, and know the score you actually need.
Your score has to meet two sets of requirements: your school's admission requirement and, for Australia, the visa's English requirement. Check the exact test and score your chosen program accepts before you book. Not every school accepts every test.
The three main tests
| Test | Format | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Paper or computer; speaking face-to-face with an examiner | Widely accepted; good if you're comfortable speaking with a person |
| PTE Academic | Fully computer-based, AI-scored; results often within days | Popular for Australia; good if you type well and want fast results |
| TOEFL iBT | Computer-based, American focus | Accepted by many schools; check acceptance first |
The visa minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE Academic 47 or TOEFL iBT 67 (tests taken from 7 August 2025). At-home online tests such as IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are not accepted. For TOEFL, you must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when registering (from 21 January 2026).
An 8-week preparation plan
- Week 1: Take a full timed mock test. Find your weakest module.
- Weeks 2–5: Study daily for 1–2 hours, focusing on the weak module. Learn the question types and marking criteria.
- Weeks 6–7: One full mock test per week under real timing. Get writing and speaking feedback from someone qualified.
- Week 8: Revise, rest, and check your test-day documents (your passport is required).
Test dates in Kathmandu fill up before major intakes. Book as soon as you have a plan, and leave time for one retake before your application deadlines.
Common mistakes
- Memorising template answers. Examiners and AI scoring both penalise them.
- Checking only the overall score. Many programs also set a minimum per band (e.g. no band below 6.0).
- Letting the result expire. Results are generally valid for 2 years.
Official sources
Rules change often. Always confirm with the official source before you submit anything.
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