PTE — Pearson Test of English
The fast, fully computer-based test — results typically within 48 hours.
PTE is a fully computer-based English test scored by AI, which makes it fast: the test takes about two hours in a single sitting and results typically arrive within 48 hours. It is accepted for Australian and New Zealand visas, UK visas (PTE Academic UKVI), thousands of universities worldwide, and Canadian immigration through PTE Core.
Scores are reported on the Global Scale of English from 10 to 90. Because the whole test is machine-scored, many candidates find PTE more predictable than examiner-marked tests — if you understand the scoring algorithm, you can train for it directly.
PTE’s writing items — Summarize Written Text and Write Essay — are scored on precise, mechanical criteria (content, form, grammar, vocabulary, spelling). Practising against the same criteria is the fastest way to raise your score, and that is what BandVisa’s AI examiner does.
PTE at a glance
Types of PTE
The main test for study and work visas — accepted in Australia, NZ, UK, Canada and by 3,500+ universities.
The same test approved for UK visa applications (SELT).
For Canadian work visas and permanent residence — general (non-academic) content.
Who should choose PTE
- ✓Australia — the most popular test for student and skilled visas
- ✓Candidates who want results in days, not weeks
- ✓Canada PR through PTE Core
- ✓Test-takers more comfortable typing than handwriting
How BandVisa helps with PTE
BandVisa gives you AI-scored PTE writing practice today: timed Summarize Written Text and Write Essay tasks scored on the 10–90 scale against PTE’s own criteria — content, form, grammar, vocabulary and spelling — with corrections and a high-scoring model answer for every prompt. Free to start.
Create a free account →PTE — common questions
Is PTE easier than IELTS? ⌄
Neither is officially easier, but they suit different people. PTE is fully typed and machine-scored, so it rewards consistent technique. IELTS Speaking is with a human examiner, which some candidates prefer. If you type fast and like clear scoring rules, PTE is often the better fit.
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5? ⌄
Roughly PTE 58–64 corresponds to IELTS 6.5, and PTE 65–72 to IELTS 7.0. Universities publish their own equivalences, so always check the specific requirement.
How is the PTE essay scored? ⌄
Automatically, against measurable traits: content coverage, form (word count 200–300), development and coherence, grammar, vocabulary range and spelling. BandVisa’s practice grading mirrors these traits so you can see exactly where marks are lost.
Which countries accept PTE Core? ⌄
PTE Core is designed for Canada — IRCC accepts it for work visas and permanent residence. For study routes, use PTE Academic.