Starting off with IELTS and PTE

If you’re planning to study abroad, you may have seen the acronyms IELTS and PTE thrown around a lot.

What does this stand for? Do you need them for applying to universities? In this blog, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of both IELTS and PTE.

When you apply to study abroad, universities would like evidence showing that you have the requisite academic ability and English language proficiency. The former is measured through your performance in past school or university exams. How can the latter be measured? People apply to universities from all over the world with academic qualifications completed in myriad different languages. Universities do this through standardized English tests like IELTS and PTE. Both these exams comprise four sections and measure your English ability in reading, listening, writing and speaking.

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is accepted by universities all over the world. The paper-based exam is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Test takers get a band score ranging between 0 to 9 for both individual modules and an overall band score. There’s a wait time of about 13 days for the results. Minimum score requirements vary depending on the country, degree level, university and the subject. As a guide, you need an overall score of at least 6, with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual band.

PTE, on the other hand, stands for Pearson Test of Education and is accepted by universities primarily in Australia. However, the test is being increasingly accepted by universities in New Zealand, UK and USA too. Unlike IELTS, PTE is a computer-based exam and is remotely administered by Pearson Education at the selected test center. Results are out in 5 working days and test takers receive a band score ranging between 10 to 90 for both individual modules and an overall band score. You need an overall score of at least 58, with a minimum of 50 in each individual band, although the minimum requirements vary depending on the course, university and country.

Doing well in IELTS or PTE will optimize your chances of being accepted into leading universities. So, what are you waiting for? STORM has highly motivated, aptly certified and thoroughly experienced Trainers with more than 50 years of cumulative experience amongst them. You may need just an apt score, But STORM can assist you to get you more than you what you need.

Call us today or visit your nearest STORM Overseas office to learn more about our fantastic IELTS/PTE training packages.