Score Comparison:
IELTS, PTE & TOEFL
If you plan to study abroad, universities often require proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Each exam uses a different scoring system, which can make it confusing to understand how the scores compare.
This guide provides a complete IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL score comparison, including proficiency levels, admission requirements, and scholarship eligibility for international students.
You will also learn:
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How IELTS scores convert to PTE and TOEFL
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What score universities typically require
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Which scores increase your chances of scholarships
Use the comparison chart below to understand equivalent scores across the major English proficiency exams.
Comparison of proficiency levels
| Level of Proficiency Described |
IELTS 1-9 | PTE 0-90 | TOEFL-IBT 1-120 | SAT 400-1600 | GRE 130-170 Scaled Score Verbal-Quantitative | GMAT 200-800 | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 86-90 | 118-120 | 1480-1600 | Ensures Scholarships | ||
| Very Good | 8.5 | 83-85 | 115-117 | 1320-1479 | Ensures Scholarships | ||
| Very Good | 8 | 79-82 | 110-114 | 1280-1319 | Eligible for Scholarships | ||
| Good | 7.5 | 73-78 | 102-109 | 1120-1279 | Eligible for Scholarships | ||
| Good | 7 | 65-72 | 94-101 | Below 1120 has no value for scholarship | Below 147-152 scaled has no value for scholarship | Below 550 scaled has no value for scholarship | Ensures Admission |
| Competent | 6.5 | 58-64 | 79-93 | Ensures Admission | |||
| Competent | 6 | 50-57 | 60-78 | Tough for Admission | |||
| Modest | 5.5 | 43-49 | 46-59 | Few Institutions Accept | |||
| Modest | 5 | 36-42 | 40-46 | Better Sit for Another Test |
Score Requirements for Admission & Scholarships
University Admission
While the English language test requirement varies by universities, courses, level, and countries you are applying to, let’s look at the score that is generally required for university admission:
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IELTS 6.0–6.5
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PTE 52-60
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TOEFL 80–100
Always check the university’s admission requirements for English.
Scholarship Eligibility
Universities often consider:
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IELTS 7.5-8
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PTE 65+
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TOEFL 110+
as strong profiles for scholarships.
If you are unsure which test to take, read our detailed guide on Comparison between IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo.
Learn more from:
• IELTS Preparation Guide
• PTE Academic Exam Pattern
• TOEFL iBT Test Format
