I’ve to take an English test for the Australia student visa and I’m stuck between IELTS General and PTE Academic. Anyone here knows which one’s actually easier or faster to prep for? Would love honest opinions 
Hello, If you’re applying for an Australian student visa, it’s important to know that IELTS General isn’t accepted — you’ll need to take either IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Between the two, many students find PTE Academic easier and faster to prepare for, especially if you’re comfortable with computers. The test is fully computer-based, including the speaking section, which some people prefer since you don’t have to talk to a real examiner. It also offers quick results, often within 48 hours, and has a more predictable format, which makes focused preparation more effective. On the other hand, IELTS Academic can feel more traditional and is better suited to those who express themselves better in face-to-face conversations or prefer a paper-based option. Ultimately, both are valid, but if you’re looking for something more efficient and straightforward to prepare for, PTE Academic is often the more practical choice.
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@black_rose Hey, just so you know, for the Australian student visa, you need IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. IELTS General isn’t accepted for student visa applications.
Between the two, most students find PTE Academic easier to prepare for. It’s fully computer-based, including the speaking part, where you just talk into a mic. The scoring is automated and pretty consistent, and results usually come within a couple of days. With the right practice tools, you can improve quickly.
IELTS Academic is more traditional. Speaking is with a real person, and the writing section is tougher to score high in. Some people prefer it, but it often takes more time and effort to prep.
If you’re comfortable on a computer and want something faster and more predictable, PTE Academic is usually the better choice.
Hope that helps!
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