You have scored 65 in PTE Academic, but the university you’re applying to asks for IELTS 7.0. Does your score meet the requirement?
According to Pearson’s latest published comparison, a PTE Academic overall score of 65 falls within the range associated with IELTS Academic 7.0. But that doesn’t automatically mean your university will accept it.
The situation becomes more complicated when an institution requires minimum scores in Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening.
A PTE and IELTS score comparison can help you understand how the two examinations relate, but it is important to use the correct tables and know their limitations.
This guide explains Pearson’s official 2025 concordance study, which remains the relevant published reference in 2026. It also examines the separate comparison published by the IELTS Partners, explains the difference between overall and individual-skill scores, and provides practical examples for Pakistani students applying to universities abroad.
PTE and IELTS Score Comparison: Quick Answer
PTE Academic and IELTS Academic use different scoring systems, but their results can be compared using statistical concordance studies.
PTE Academic reports scores from 10 to 90, while IELTS Academic reports bands from 0 to 9.
According to Pearson’s July 2025 concordance, the following overall score ranges align:
| IELTS Academic overall band | PTE Academic overall score |
|---|---|
| 4.5 | 24–30 |
| 5.0 | 31–38 |
| 5.5 | 39–46 |
| 6.0 | 47–54 |
| 6.5 | 55–62 |
| 7.0 | 63–70 |
| 7.5 | 71–78 |
| 8.0 | 79–85 |
| 8.5 | 86–89 |
| 9.0 | 90 |
Source: Pearson, Establishing Score Concordance Between the Enhanced PTE Academic and IELTS Academic, July 2025.
View Pearson’s official concordance research (PDF)
These ranges are estimates of comparable English-language performance, not automatic admission thresholds.
For example, a PTE overall score of 58 is associated with IELTS 6.5, while a PTE overall score of 68 is associated with IELTS 7.0.
However, universities and immigration authorities can set their own PTE requirements.
What Is the Difference Between PTE and IELTS Scoring?
Both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic assess four English-language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The difference is how they report and calculate results.
| Feature | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Score scale | 10–90 | 0–9 |
| Overall result | Calculated from performance across the test | Average of four skill bands, rounded under IELTS rules |
| Individual skills | Four separate scores | Four separate bands |
| Score increments | Whole-number scores | Whole and half bands |
| Speaking assessment | Computer-recorded, machine-scored with human review of selected content | Assessed by a certified examiner |
| Writing assessment | Automated scoring with specified human review | Assessed by certified examiners |
| Typical score report | Overall and communicative-skill scores | Overall band and four component bands |
How Is an IELTS Overall Score Calculated?
IELTS calculates the overall band using the four individual skill scores.
The formula is:
IELTS Overall Band = (Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking) ÷ 4
The average is rounded to the nearest whole or half band according to IELTS rounding rules.
For example:
| IELTS skill | Band score |
|---|---|
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
| Average | 6.625 |
| Reported overall band | 6.5 |
If you’re preparing for IELTS, you can calculate these results using the IELTS Overall and Target Band Calculator on SLiMS.pk.
How Is a PTE Overall Score Calculated?
PTE Academic calculates the overall score from a candidate’s performance across the examination.
It is not simply the average of the four reported communicative-skill scores.
Some PTE tasks measure more than one language skill. For example, Write from Dictation contributes to both Listening and Writing.
For this reason, you should use the overall score actually reported by Pearson rather than calculating your own average.
To understand the examination structure in more detail, consult Pearson’s PTE Academic test format guide.
What Is the Official PTE to IELTS Score Conversion Table?
Pearson’s latest published comparison is based on a concordance study released in July 2025.
The research was carried out by independent researchers from the University of Bedfordshire’s Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA).
It included 1,522 participants who took both the updated PTE Academic and IELTS Academic examinations within 90 days.
The participants represented 54 nationalities and 43 languages. The research compared actual examination results to estimate relationships between the score scales.
The study provides two types of comparison:
- Overall PTE Academic scores against overall IELTS Academic bands.
- Individual PTE Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing scores against the corresponding IELTS skill bands.
This distinction is particularly important when you’re applying to a university that sets minimum scores for individual language skills.
Official PTE to IELTS Skill-Wise Score Comparison
A PTE score does not necessarily correspond to the same IELTS band across all four skills.
Pearson’s 2025 study provides separate concordance ranges for Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
| IELTS band | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Speaking | PTE Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 26–32 | 29–35 | 14–23 | 17–28 |
| 5.0 | 33–39 | 36–41 | 24–38 | 29–40 |
| 5.5 | 40–46 | 42–47 | 39–53 | 41–50 |
| 6.0 | 47–52 | 48–53 | 54–65 | 51–59 |
| 6.5 | 53–57 | 54–58 | 66–75 | 60–68 |
| 7.0 | 58–63 | 59–64 | 76–82 | 69–76 |
| 7.5 | 64–68 | 65–69 | 83–87 | 77–84 |
| 8.0 | 69–74 | 70–74 | 88–89 | 85–89 |
| 8.5 | 75–80 | 75–80 | 90 | 90 |
| 9.0 | 81–90 | 81–90 | — | — |
Source: Pearson’s official July 2025 concordance table.
A dash means the study does not report an equivalent range at that level for the specified skill. It does not mean that a candidate cannot achieve the highest IELTS band.
Why Are the Speaking and Writing Ranges Different?
Consider IELTS band 7.0.
Pearson’s research associates this band with:
- PTE Listening: 58–63
- PTE Reading: 59–64
- PTE Speaking: 76–82
- PTE Writing: 69–76
The differences are substantial.
The reason is that each test assesses performance using different question formats, scoring criteria and measurements.
Pearson uses a statistical method called equipercentile equating, which links scores achieved by comparable proportions of candidates on the two tests.
The score relationship therefore depends on the distribution of performance within each skill. It is not a simple percentage conversion.
Example: Does PTE 65 Equal IELTS 7 in Every Skill?
No.
Under Pearson’s 2025 tables, a PTE score of 65 has different comparisons depending on whether it is an overall result or an individual skill score.
| PTE score | Approximate IELTS comparison |
|---|---|
| Overall 65 | Overall 7.0 |
| Listening 65 | Listening 7.5 |
| Reading 65 | Reading 7.5 |
| Speaking 65 | Speaking 6.0 |
| Writing 65 | Writing 6.5 |
This example demonstrates why an overall conversion chart should never be applied automatically to individual skills.
If your university requires a particular Speaking or Writing score, examine that skill separately.
Why Do Pearson and IELTS Publish Different Score Comparisons?
This is one of the most important points to understand when researching IELTS vs PTE scores.
Pearson and the IELTS Partners have published separate official studies, and the numerical comparisons are not identical.
Pearson’s current concordance is based on research published in July 2025.
The IELTS website also publishes a PTE comparison, but its linked research report was published in March 2021.
The two studies have different research foundations and report their findings differently.
Pearson vs IELTS Partners: Comparison of Published Figures
The table below compares selected overall score figures from the two official publishers.
| IELTS Academic band | Pearson’s 2025 PTE overall range | IELTS Partners’ published PTE overall estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 47–54 | 51.6 |
| 6.5 | 55–62 | 58.5 |
| 7.0 | 63–70 | 66.3 |
| 7.5 | 71–78 | 74.6 |
| 8.0 | 79–85 | 82.3 |
The decimal figures in the IELTS Partners’ study are statistical estimates, not scores that Pearson issues on a PTE Academic score report.
The differences are more noticeable for some individual skills.
For example, the IELTS Partners’ published table associates IELTS Speaking 7.0 with approximately PTE Speaking 65.3. Pearson’s 2025 table associates IELTS Speaking 7.0 with PTE Speaking 76–82.
Both figures come from official research, but they are not interchangeable because they were produced through separate studies.
Which Official Table Should You Use?
For general study preparation and understanding the updated PTE Academic examination, Pearson’s July 2025 concordance is the more recent reference.
However, when applying to a university or visa program, follow the score requirements that the receiving institution or authority explicitly publishes.
If the institution states:
“IELTS Academic 6.5 or PTE Academic 60”
then PTE 60 is the institution’s requirement, regardless of whether another conversion table produces a slightly different estimate.
For original references, see:
- Pearson PTE Academic scoring and comparison
- IELTS official comparison tables
- IELTS Partners’ PTE Academic research report
How to Convert a PTE Score to IELTS: Step by Step
You can use Pearson’s concordance table to estimate the IELTS band associated with a PTE Academic result.
Step 1: Identify Your PTE Score
Check your official PTE Academic score report.
Decide whether you’re comparing your overall result or an individual skill.
Step 2: Find the Correct Score Range
Suppose your PTE overall score is 60.
In Pearson’s overall comparison table, 60 falls within the range 55–62.
Step 3: Read the Corresponding IELTS Band
The range 55–62 is associated with IELTS Academic overall 6.5.
Your estimated IELTS comparison is therefore 6.5.
Step 4: Compare Your Individual Skills
If the university specifies minimum scores in every section, repeat the lookup using the corresponding Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing columns.
Step 5: Verify the Receiving Institution’s Requirements
Check the official admissions or visa information.
A statistical conversion is useful for planning but does not confirm eligibility.
Practical PTE to IELTS Conversion Examples
Example 1: PTE Overall Score of 58
A student in Islamabad receives an overall PTE Academic score of 58.
Pearson’s table places 58 in the 55–62 range, associated with IELTS overall 6.5.
The student can use this comparison when researching universities.
However, if the university requires PTE 62, the student’s score of 58 does not meet that requirement.
Example 2: PTE Overall Score of 65
A student in Lahore receives PTE overall 65.
Pearson’s table associates this with IELTS overall 7.0.
Suppose the university accepts PTE Academic and asks for PTE overall 63, with no individual skill below 60.
The student must check the reported scores for all four skills.
Even with an overall result of 65, a Speaking score of 58 would fall below the institution’s stated individual minimum of 60.
Example 3: IELTS 7.0 Required for Postgraduate Admission
A student in Karachi is applying for a postgraduate program.
The university’s English-language page states:
“IELTS Academic overall 7.0, with no component below 6.5.”
The student wants to take PTE Academic instead.
Pearson’s table suggests an overall comparison of PTE 63–70 for IELTS 7.0, but the university may publish different PTE requirements for admission.
The correct approach is to locate the university’s official PTE entry criteria or obtain clarification from its admissions office.
Do not submit a converted score in place of the PTE score the university actually requires.
Can You Use PTE to IELTS Conversion for University Admission?
Yes, as a planning reference. But a conversion chart is not evidence that a particular university accepts your result.
Universities may specify:
- An IELTS Academic overall score.
- A PTE Academic overall score.
- Separate minimum scores in individual skills.
- Different requirements for undergraduate, postgraduate or professional programs.
For example, a university might accept IELTS overall 6.5 or PTE Academic overall 60.
Another university may require IELTS overall 6.5 or PTE Academic overall 62.
Both can establish their own standards.
How Pakistani Students Should Check Eligibility
First, visit the official university course page.
Look for the English language requirements for your exact degree and intake.
Check whether PTE Academic is listed as an accepted examination, then identify the overall and skill requirements.
You can use the University Admission Requirement Matcher on SLiMS.pk to organize and compare requirements with an applicant profile.
When using a comparison tool, ensure all entered English scores follow the same scale expected by that tool. Do not enter a PTE score of 65 into an IELTS band field.
PTE vs IELTS Scores for Australian Immigration
Australian immigration requirements need special attention because visa rules are not simply copied from academic concordance studies.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs changed approved English-language test requirements from 7 August 2025.
For relevant skilled migration English proficiency categories, the published minimum PTE Academic scores for tests taken on or after that date include:
| English level | IELTS requirement | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Writing | PTE Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | At least 6.0 in each skill | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | At least 7.0 in each skill | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | At least 8.0 in each skill | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
These are government-set minimum requirements for the specified English proficiency categories, not general university-admission conversions.
Each individual skill must meet the applicable minimum.
For example, a candidate with PTE scores of Listening 65, Reading 66, Writing 70 and Speaking 74 would not meet the Proficient English threshold because Speaking is below 76.
The Department of Home Affairs also has different provisions for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, subject to validity rules and visa subclass requirements.
Always check the correct policy for your test date and application.
Official reference: Australian Department of Home Affairs — English Language Requirements.
Is the Same PTE to IELTS Table Valid for Canada?
Not for Canadian immigration applications that require PTE Core.
Pearson offers different English-language examinations for different purposes.
| Examination | Typical purpose |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | International university admission and eligible professional or immigration applications |
| PTE Core | Eligible Canadian permanent residence and citizenship applications |
| IELTS Academic | Higher education and certain professional requirements |
| IELTS General Training | Immigration and other general-language purposes, including eligible Canadian immigration pathways |
For Canadian Express Entry, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts designated tests such as PTE Core and IELTS General Training.
IRCC uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to interpret language proficiency.
The Pearson PTE Academic-to-IELTS Academic concordance table should not be used to calculate a Canadian immigration CLB score.
Consult IRCC’s official language test requirements.
For university admission in Canada, check the individual institution’s English-test policy because its accepted tests can differ from immigration requirements.
Is PTE Easier Than IELTS?
Neither test is automatically easier.
PTE Academic and IELTS Academic assess similar broad language abilities but use different examination formats and scoring approaches.
PTE Academic may suit students who are comfortable speaking into a microphone, typing responses and working through computer-based questions under time limits.
IELTS may suit students who prefer its task structure and a live speaking interview.
A student who performs well on one examination will not necessarily achieve a perfectly corresponding result on the other.
If you’re unsure which test to take, read our IELTS vs PTE comparison for Pakistani students. It examines test formats, scoring, preparation and practical differences.
Five Common Mistakes When Comparing PTE and IELTS Scores
1. Using an Outdated Conversion Chart
Some websites continue to display older PTE-to-IELTS comparisons without explaining when the data was published.
Check the research date and source before trusting a table.
2. Applying Overall Scores to Individual Skills
PTE overall 65 does not mean that PTE Speaking 65, Writing 65, Reading 65 and Listening 65 each correspond to IELTS 7.0.
Each skill has a separate concordance.
3. Treating Statistical Equivalence as Admission Approval
A university can require a score above the estimate shown by a concordance study.
Its own admission policy takes precedence.
4. Confusing PTE Academic with PTE Core
PTE Academic and PTE Core serve different purposes.
Do not use the Academic conversion table for Canadian immigration programs requiring PTE Core.
5. Ignoring the Examination Date
Australian immigration authorities introduced revised English-test requirements in August 2025.
The relevant rules may depend on when your examination was taken.
How to Choose the Right English Test for Studying Abroad
If you are preparing to apply to an international university from Pakistan, follow this process.
First, choose your destination and program. Look at the official admission requirements for the universities you’re considering.
Next, confirm which tests are accepted. Check IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and any other listed qualifications.
Then, compare the required scores. Review both the overall requirement and individual minimums.
Assess your current English proficiency. Use realistic practice tests rather than assuming your score will match a conversion chart exactly.
Finally, consider preparation time and examination costs. Book only after confirming that the test is suitable for your application.
If you choose PTE, our PTE Test Fee in Pakistan guide explains how to check official prices, payment requirements and booking details.
You can also use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator to estimate examination fees alongside tuition, travel, living expenses and other study-abroad costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PTE 65 equivalent to in IELTS?
According to Pearson’s July 2025 concordance, a PTE Academic overall score of 65 falls within the range associated with IELTS Academic overall 7.0. Individual skill comparisons differ.
2. What PTE score is equivalent to IELTS 6.5?
Pearson associates IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with PTE Academic overall scores from 55 to 62. This is a statistical comparison, not a universal university requirement.
3. Is PTE 79 equal to IELTS 8?
A PTE Academic overall score of 79 falls within Pearson’s IELTS Academic overall 8.0 comparison range of 79–85. Individual skill conversions should be checked separately.
4. Is IELTS 7 equal to PTE 63 or 65?
Both PTE Academic overall scores of 63 and 65 fall within Pearson’s current IELTS Academic overall 7.0 range of 63–70. A university may still require a specific PTE score.
5. Why do Pearson and IELTS show different score comparisons?
Pearson and the IELTS Partners published separate concordance studies using different research data and methods. Their figures are statistical estimates, so they do not always agree.
6. Can I convert my PTE score into an official IELTS score?
No. A conversion table provides an estimated comparison, not an IELTS Test Report Form or official IELTS result. You must take IELTS to receive an official IELTS score.
7. Is the PTE to IELTS comparison accepted for Australian PR?
Australian immigration authorities set their own accepted-test rules and English-language score thresholds. Use the Department of Home Affairs requirements for your examination date and visa subclass, not a general conversion chart.
8. Does PTE Academic 65 guarantee university admission?
No. A university may require a higher overall score, minimum scores in individual skills or additional qualifications. Check the institution’s exact admission requirements.
Final Advice: Use Comparison Tables for Planning, Not Final Decisions
PTE and IELTS comparison tables are useful when you’re estimating your English proficiency or deciding which examination to prepare for.
Pearson’s July 2025 research provides updated overall and skill-specific comparisons, while the IELTS Partners publish another official study with different estimates.
For Pakistani students, the safest approach is to use the latest relevant research as a reference and follow the exact English-language requirements published by the receiving university, professional body or immigration authority.
A few points on a conversion table should never be the only reason you book an examination or submit an application.
Official References
- Pearson — PTE Academic Scoring and IELTS Comparison
- Pearson — July 2025 Concordance Study Summary
- IELTS — Official Comparison Tables
- IELTS — Investigating the Relationship Between PTE Academic and IELTS Academic
- Australian Department of Home Affairs — English Requirements
- IRCC — Express Entry Language Tests
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026. This article discusses score comparisons for educational purposes. It does not replace official university, professional-registration or immigration requirements.