IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Best Test for Nepali Students

IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL for Nepali Students: Which Test Fits Your Target Country?

If you’re a Nepali student aiming for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, the English test you pick can speed up admissions, reduce visa friction, and cut retakes.

Each test—IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT—checks the same skills, but they differ in format, scoring, result timelines, and, most importantly, how governments and universities treat the score for visas and entry. 

Picking the right one for your destination and learning style removes guesswork and lets you focus on strong preparation.

This guide gives you a practical, country-by-country path backed by official sources. It also shows how test length, result speed, retake options, and acceptance rules play out for Nepali applicants.

You’ll find entry-friendly tips, quick comparisons, and on-the-ground notes about test centers in Nepal. No hype—only what helps you choose and move forward with confidence.

Table of Content

1. IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL for Nepali Students: Which Test Fits Your Target Country?
2. At-a-glance comparison
3. Test formats and what they feel like
4. Country-by-country: which test fits your target
5. CEFR equivalence to compare goals
6. Acceptance counts and what they mean
7. Where to test in Nepal
8. Score reporting speed: plan backward from deadlines
9. Retake rules you should know
10. Visa specifics that often catch applicants out
11. Match the test to your strengths.
12. Scoring and sub-scores: read the fine print
13. Budget and timing
14. Study plan that works for most applicants (6–8 weeks)
15. Common paths for Nepali students (real-life snapshots)
16. Quick answers to frequent concerns
17. Which test fits your target country? A simple rule
18. On test-day comfort in Nepal
19. Conclusion
20. FAQs

At-a-glance comparison

Test formats and what they feel like

IELTS: human speaking interview and flexible delivery

• Format & timing: Listening, Reading, Writing back-to-back; face-to-face Speaking (often on the same day). Total ~2h45m.

• Results: Computer-based results typically 1–5 days; paper up to 13 days.

• One Skill Retake (OSR): You can re-take a single skill in selected locations for certain uses (universities and several visa routes accept OSR; always check the target institution/visa page). Australia accepts IELTS with OSR for eligible visas.

PTE Academic: fast, fully computer-based

• Format & timing: One continuous, ~2-hour session at a secure test center; integrated speaking through a headset.

• Results: Usually within about 2 days; Pearson notes most scores arrive in this window.

• Retakes: Allowed, with policy limits; Pearson caps total attempts at 12 per rolling 12 months (check current policy at booking).

TOEFL iBT: academic style with shorter total time

• Format & timing: Four sections; total just under 2 hours after 2023 update.

• Results: Scores post to your ETS account in 4–8 days; delivery to schools varies by method.

• Retakes: Possible every 3 days.

Country-by-country: which test fits your target

United States (F-1/M/J)

• Visa reality: The US does not prescribe a single English test for student visas. SEVP-certified schools set their own English rules and issue the I-20 after admission. Your university’s acceptance drives the visa case.

• University acceptance:

  • IELTS: Accepted by 3,400+ US institutions.

  • TOEFL iBT: Accepted by 12,500+ institutions worldwide (extensive US coverage).

  • PTE Academic: Recognized by 1,500+ US institutions.

• Pick this if…

  • You want the broadest US reach and traditional admissions norms → TOEFL or IELTS.

  • Your target college lists PTE on its page and you want fast results → PTE Academic.

Canada (Study Permit & Student Direct Stream—SDS)

• SDS rules: IRCC lists accepted tests and minimums: IELTS Academic/General 6.0 overall and 6.0 in each skill; PTE Academic 60; TOEFL iBT 83; CAEL 60. Tests must be taken in person at a test center (no at-home).

• Pick this if…

  • You want a clear SDS path with fast reporting → PTE (2-day results).

  • Your college lists exact band requirements and you prefer a human speaking interview → IELTS.

  • You plan to apply to research programs that traditionally list TOEFL ranges → TOEFL with 83+ for SDS.

United Kingdom (Student Route + UKVI)

Two layers to know:

• University entry: Many UK universities accept IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT for course entry. Check the course page for exact scores.

• Visa proof (SELT): Some cases require a Secure English Language Test taken at an approved SELT center. IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are SELTs. TOEFL is not a UKVI SELT.

Key point:

The test content of IELTS and IELTS for UKVI is the same; the UKVI version is delivered in a Home Office-approved test center and shows that status on the score report.

Pick this if…

• Your university handles English assessment (common for degree-level study) → IELTS / PTE / TOEFL per the course page.

• Your offer or visa route requires a SELT → IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI.

Australia (Student visa subclass 500 and others)

• What changed in 2025: Australia updated approved tests on 7 Aug 2025 and clarified that online at-home tests are not accepted for visa evidence. Test must be at a secure test center.

• Recognition snapshot: From 7 Aug 2025, visa pages and English policy list accepted tests (centre-based) and note that pre-7 Aug 2025 TOEFL/PTE scores remain valid to set dates. Always check the specific visa page for the exact table.

• Pick this if…

  • You want fast reporting for admissions and visa timing → PTE or IELTS on computer.

  • You already hold a valid pre-change TOEFL iBT score and your visa page still accepts it within the stated window.

New Zealand (universities & student visa)

• Provider rules: NZQA sets the table of English proficiency outcomes for international students; the current rule allows a range of tests, including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, with score bands mapped to program level. IELTS One Skill Retake is listed as acceptable.

• Government pages: Immigration NZ links policy on English evidence and general visa steps. Providers can set higher entry bands than the baseline.

• Pick this if…

  • You plan to meet NZQA tables exactly and want quick reporting → PTE.

  • You’re aiming for programs that publish IELTS band grids and you like in-person speaking → IELTS.

CEFR equivalence to compare goals

A quick CEFR alignment helps you translate targets across tests:

B2 (typical undergrad/postgrad entry):

• IELTS: ~5.5–6.5 bands.

• TOEFL iBT: ~72–94.

• PTE Academic (Global Scale of English): ~59–75.

C1 (select programs):

• IELTS: ~7.0–8.0.

• TOEFL iBT: ~95–120.

• PTE Academic: ~76–84.

Treat these as comparison ranges. Your course page always wins.

Acceptance counts and what they mean

• IELTS: 3,400+ US institutions; wide global reach.

• TOEFL iBT: 12,500+ institutions worldwide.

• PTE Academic: 1,500+ US institutions and many others worldwide.

Counts help with breadth, but you still need a match with your shortlist. Always check the program page for sub-score rules.

Where to test in Nepal

• IELTS: British Council lists paper centers in Banepa, Biratnagar, Birtamod, Butwal, Chitwan, Ghorahi, Itahari, Kathmandu, Pokhara; computer in Butwal, Chitwan, Kathmandu, Pokhara. IDP also runs dates across many cities.

• PTE Academic: Pearson shows global centers and local fees; independent Nepal directories list multiple centers across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Chitwan.

• TOEFL iBT: ETS confirms availability by country; use the scheduler to see Nepal dates and venues.

Tip from advising sessions: book morning slots if you focus better early; Kathmandu seats fill fast during peak intake months (Feb–May, Sep–Nov).

Score reporting speed: plan backward from deadlines

• IELTS: Computer results in 1–5 days; paper up to 13 days; UKVI timelines vary by center.

• PTE Academic: About 2 days for most test takers.

• TOEFL iBT: 4–8 days to post in your ETS account; delivery to universities depends on their receiving method.

Plan 3–4 weeks before your first deadline to leave space for a retake if needed.

Retake rules you should know

• IELTS: Full retake; One Skill Retake available in eligible locations and accepted by many institutions and Australian visa routes.

• PTE Academic: Multiple sittings permitted, with a 12 attempts per 12 months cap.

• TOEFL iBT: Retake after 3 days.

Smart move: schedule a primary date and a backup date two weeks later.

Visa specifics that often catch applicants out

• Canada SDS: In-person testing only; no at-home scores for SDS. Minimums: IELTS 6.0 each skill, PTE 60, TOEFL iBT 83.

• Australia: No remote-proctored scores for visa evidence (examples explicitly listed, including IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition).

• UK: SELT may be needed in some cases. IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are SELTs; your course page will say if a SELT is needed.

• New Zealand: NZQA rule table governs entry tests; IELTS OSR accepted under current rule. Providers may set higher scores.

Match the test to your strengths.

• Pick IELTS if you speak well in a live interview and like standard academic tasks (graphs/essays). Many UK/NZ course pages publish clear IELTS bands.

• Pick PTE if you prefer a single, fast, computer session and need quick results for tight admission or visa timelines.

• Pick TOEFL if your US target list favors TOEFL ranges, you like compact academic tasks, and you plan to send to many recipients through ETS.

Personal note from advising Nepali applicants: students who think aloud clearly often enjoy the IELTS interview; tech-comfortable students who want speed often favor PTE; research-oriented applicants targeting US grad programs often stick with TOEFL.

Scoring and sub-scores: read the fine print

• Programs may set overall and section minimums (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 each). Canada’s SDS is a clear example of per-skill minimums.

• Some faculties (law, health, education) ask for higher writing or speaking scores. Always check the course page.

Budget and timing

Fees vary by test provider and city and change during the year. Check the official Nepal pages when you book dates and factor in reschedule fees. British Council and IDP post current IELTS fees and dates for Nepal; Pearson lists local PTE fees by center; ETS shows seat availability by date.

Study plan that works for most applicants (6–8 weeks)

1. Week 1: Take an official sample test for your chosen exam. Map weak skills by section.

2. Weeks 2–3: Build core grammar and vocabulary using past tasks. Write one essay every two days and record short speaking answers.

3. Weeks 4–5: Full practice tests once per week at test-time hour; simulate breaks and snacks.

4. Week 6: Focus on weakest sub-scores. For IELTS, practice Task 2 timing (40 minutes). For PTE, drill speaking prompts and repeat-sentence. For TOEFL, rehearse the new Writing for an Academic Discussion task.

5. Final 10 days: Two timed mocks, then short, daily target drills; light day before test.

Common paths for Nepali students (real-life snapshots)

• US undergrad: Student from Pokhara shortlists colleges that post TOEFL ranges; picks TOEFL for compatibility and sends to five schools through ETS. Scores arrive in a week; I-20 follows.

• Canada SDS diploma: Student in Chitwan needs fast SDS filing; takes PTE Academic in a local center and submits a 60 with section balance. File moves quickly.

• UK master’s with SELT condition: Offer letter asks for SELT; student books IELTS for UKVI in Kathmandu. Same test content, SELT-stamped report.

• Australia bachelor’s: Applicant books center-based test (PTE or IELTS) after reading that at-home versions don’t count for visas.

• New Zealand degree: Applicant meets NZQA entry table with PTE and notes that IELTS OSR is also recognized under current rule.

Quick answers to frequent concerns

Do at-home tests work for visas?

Canada SDS requires in-person testing; Australia does not accept remote-proctored English tests for visas. For the UK’s SELT routes, testing is at approved centers.

Does the US embassy require a specific test?

No. The school’s admission and I-20 drive the visa case. Many US colleges accept all three tests.

Is TOEFL shorter now?

Yes. It takes just under 2 hours, with section updates introduced in 2023.

Is IELTS for UKVI a different exam?

No change in content or scoring; it is the same test delivered in a UKVI-approved center, and the report shows that status.

Is PTE fast for results?

Most PTE scores post in about 2 days.

Which test fits your target country? A simple rule

• US: TOEFL or IELTS; PTE works where listed. Check your shortlist first.

• Canada (SDS): IELTS 6.0 each, PTE 60, TOEFL iBT 83; in-person only.

• UK: If a SELT is required, book IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI; if not, follow the course page.

• Australia: Book center-based IELTS/PTE/other accepted tests per the current list; no remote-proctored scores for visas.

• New Zealand: Follow NZQA tables and your provider’s higher bands if any; IELTS OSR recognized under the current rule.

On test-day comfort in Nepal

Arrive early, carry passport, and eat a light meal. For IELTS, practice speaking with a friend or mentor to mirror the live interview. For PTE, rehearse mic distance and volume.

For TOEFL, work on concise, clear notes for integrated tasks. Bookings in Kathmandu and Pokhara fill fast close to intake peaks—reserve dates early through the official portals.

Conclusion

Your destination narrows the field. The US follows university choice first; Canada’s SDS sets clear minimums; the UK may require a SELT; Australia needs center-based testing for visas; New Zealand follows NZQA tables with OSR now in scope.

Once you confirm the visa rules and the course page, match the test to your strengths and your deadline.

Book an early slot in Nepal, plan a retake buffer, and practice with the exact task types you will face. That mix—right test, right timing, right prep—keeps the process smooth and focused.

FAQs

1) Which test is best for US universities?
Most US schools accept all three. Many publish TOEFL and IELTS bands; PTE appears on an increasing number of lists. Check your shortlist first.

2) Can I use an at-home test for a visa?

Not for Australia. Canada’s SDS also requires in-person testing. For the UK’s SELT routes, testing happens at approved centers.

3) Is PTE accepted for Canada SDS?

Yes—PTE Academic 60 minimum for SDS.

4) Do I need IELTS for UK study?

Not always. Many degree-level programs accept IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL for entry. If your case needs a SELT, use IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI.

5) How fast do scores come out?

PTE about 2 days, IELTS computer 1–5 days, TOEFL 4–8 days to your ETS account. Plan your booking around document deadlines.