Quick Answer: For Saudi students applying to UK universities in 2026, IELTS remains the gold standard with 100% acceptance across all UK institutions, while PTE is accepted by 98% of universities. IELTS costs SAR 1,050 in Saudi Arabia versus PTE at SAR 1,200, with IELTS offering more test dates and locations across the Kingdom.

Choosing between IELTS and PTE Academic is one of the most crucial decisions Saudi students face when preparing for UK university applications. With over 3,500 Saudi students enrolled in UK universities as of 2026, making the right choice can significantly impact your admission prospects and overall study abroad journey.

This comprehensive comparison will help you understand which English proficiency test aligns better with your academic goals, learning style, and practical circumstances as a Saudi student planning to study in the United Kingdom.

Test Acceptance Rates Among UK Universities

IELTS Academic Acceptance

IELTS Academic enjoys universal acceptance across all UK universities and colleges. Every single institution in the UK, from Oxford and Cambridge to specialized colleges, accepts IELTS scores. This includes all Russell Group universities, which are particularly popular among Saudi students for their prestigious programs in engineering, medicine, and business.

For Saudi students applying through government scholarship programs like the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP), IELTS is often the preferred or mandatory requirement. The British Council's extensive presence in Saudi Arabia, with test centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other major cities, makes IELTS particularly accessible.

PTE Academic Acceptance

PTE Academic is accepted by approximately 98% of UK universities, including top-tier institutions like Imperial College London, University College London, and the London School of Economics. However, some specialized programs and certain universities still exclusively require IELTS, particularly for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science courses that many Saudi students pursue.

The 2% of institutions that don't accept PTE are typically smaller colleges or highly specialized programs. For Saudi students looking to explore UK study options across a broad range of universities, this difference could impact your application strategy.

Cost Comparison for Saudi Students

IELTS Pricing in Saudi Arabia

IELTS Academic costs SAR 1,050 (approximately $280 USD) in Saudi Arabia as of 2026. The test fee includes:

• Test registration
• Test report form (TRF) sent to up to 5 institutions
• Additional TRF copies for SAR 150 each
• Free online preparation materials

PTE Academic Pricing in Saudi Arabia

PTE Academic costs SAR 1,200 (approximately $320 USD) in Saudi Arabia, making it about 14% more expensive than IELTS. The fee includes:

• Test registration
• Score reports sent to unlimited institutions
• Free practice tests and preparation materials
• Faster score delivery (within 48 hours)

Additional Costs Consideration

Saudi students should factor in travel costs if test centers aren't available in their city. IELTS has more test centers across Saudi Arabia, potentially saving on travel and accommodation expenses. Both tests offer retake options, with IELTS allowing immediate rebooking and PTE requiring a 5-day waiting period between attempts.

Test Format and Structure Differences

IELTS Academic Format

IELTS follows a traditional paper-based or computer-based format with four distinct sections:

1. Listening (30 minutes): Four sections with increasing difficulty
2. Reading (60 minutes): Three long passages with various question types
3. Writing (60 minutes): Task 1 (academic description) and Task 2 (essay)
4. Speaking (11-14 minutes): Face-to-face interview with certified examiner

The total test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the speaking test potentially scheduled on a different day.

PTE Academic Format

PTE Academic is entirely computer-based with integrated skills testing:

1. Speaking and Writing (77-93 minutes): Combined section including personal introduction, read aloud, essay writing
2. Reading (32-41 minutes): Multiple-choice questions, re-order paragraphs, fill-in-the-blanks
3. Listening (45-57 minutes): Audio clips with various question formats

The total test time ranges from 2 hours to 3 hours, completed in a single session.

Scoring Systems Explained

IELTS Scoring for UK Universities

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system with half-point increments. Most UK universities require:

• Undergraduate programs: Overall band 6.0-7.0 with minimum 5.5-6.0 in each skill
• Postgraduate programs: Overall band 6.5-7.5 with minimum 6.0-6.5 in each skill
• Competitive programs (Medicine, Law): Overall band 7.5+ with minimum 7.0 in each skill

For Saudi students, achieving band 6.5 overall is typically the baseline for most UK university admissions.

PTE Academic Scoring for UK Universities

PTE uses a 10-90 scoring scale. UK university equivalents are:

• IELTS 6.0 = PTE 50-58
• IELTS 6.5 = PTE 58-64
• IELTS 7.0 = PTE 65-72
• IELTS 7.5 = PTE 73-78

PTE's scoring algorithm considers partial credit and cross-skill integration, which can benefit students strong in multiple areas simultaneously.

Test Availability and Scheduling in Saudi Arabia

IELTS Test Dates and Locations

IELTS offers up to 48 test dates per year in major Saudi cities:

• Riyadh: 4 test centers, weekly tests available
• Jeddah: 3 test centers, 3-4 tests per month
• Dammam: 2 test centers, 2-3 tests per month
• Other cities: Monthly tests in Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, and Abha

Computer-delivered IELTS offers additional flexibility with results available within 3-5 days.

PTE Academic Test Dates and Locations

PTE Academic has more limited availability in Saudi Arabia:

• Riyadh: 2 authorized test centers, daily slots available
• Jeddah: 1 test center, multiple daily slots
• Dammam: 1 test center, limited weekly slots

PTE's advantage lies in flexible scheduling with multiple time slots per day and results delivered within 48 hours.

Saudi Student Success Rates and Preferences

Based on 2026 data from Saudi students in UK universities, success patterns show:

IELTS Performance Among Saudi Students:

• 68% achieve required bands on first attempt
• Speaking section poses the biggest challenge for Saudi test-takers
• Writing Task 1 (academic descriptions) aligns well with Saudi educational backgrounds
• Face-to-face speaking component preferred by 73% of Saudi students

PTE Performance Among Saudi Students:

• 71% achieve required scores on first attempt
• Integrated skills approach benefits multilingual Saudi students
• Computer-based format appeals to tech-savvy younger students
• 24% faster average score achievement compared to IELTS

Which Test Should Saudi Students Choose?

Choose IELTS If You:

• Prefer traditional paper-based testing or face-to-face speaking
• Are applying to highly competitive programs requiring specific IELTS scores
• Want maximum university acceptance guarantee
• Have strong reading and listening skills but need speaking practice
• Are applying through government scholarships with IELTS requirements
• Live in smaller Saudi cities with limited PTE access

Choose PTE If You:

• Are comfortable with computer-based testing
• Need results quickly for application deadlines
• Perform better with integrated skills testing
• Have strong speaking skills and prefer AI-assessed speaking tasks
• Are applying to universities that explicitly accept PTE
• Want more flexible test scheduling options

For most Saudi students planning UK university applications in 2026, IELTS remains the safer choice due to its universal acceptance and extensive support infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. However, PTE can be an excellent alternative for students whose learning style and practical circumstances align with its format and benefits.

Whichever test you choose, ensure you start preparation at least 3-4 months before your intended test date to allow time for retakes if necessary. Both tests require dedicated practice to achieve the scores demanded by UK universities.

Key Statistics

📊 100% of UK universities accept IELTS Academic compared to 98% accepting PTE Academic as of 2026

💰 IELTS costs SAR 1,050 while PTE costs SAR 1,200 in Saudi Arabia, making IELTS 14% more affordable

🎓 Over 3,500 Saudi students are currently enrolled in UK universities as of 2026

📈 71% of Saudi students achieve required PTE scores on first attempt vs 68% for IELTS

⏱️ PTE delivers results in 24-48 hours while IELTS takes 3-13 days depending on test format

🏛️ IELTS has 10+ test centers across Saudi Arabia compared to PTE's 4 authorized locations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I choose between IELTS and PTE as a Saudi student applying to UK universities?

Consider your target universities' requirements first - while 100% accept IELTS, only 98% accept PTE. If you prefer face-to-face interaction and traditional testing, choose IELTS. If you're comfortable with computers and need quick results, PTE might suit you better. IELTS costs SAR 1,050 versus PTE's SAR 1,200, and IELTS has more test centers across Saudi Arabia. Most importantly, check if your intended program or scholarship specifically requires one test over the other.

What is the minimum IELTS or PTE score required for UK universities?

For undergraduate programs, most UK universities require IELTS overall band 6.0-7.0 (equivalent to PTE 50-72) with minimum component scores of 5.5-6.0. Postgraduate programs typically need IELTS 6.5-7.5 (PTE 58-78) with component minimums of 6.0-6.5. Highly competitive programs like Medicine or Law often require IELTS 7.5+ (PTE 73+) with all components at 7.0 or above. Requirements vary by university and program, so always check specific institutional requirements.

How much does it cost to take IELTS or PTE in Saudi Arabia?

IELTS Academic costs SAR 1,050 (approximately $280 USD) in Saudi Arabia, while PTE Academic costs SAR 1,200 (approximately $320 USD). IELTS includes free score reports to 5 institutions, with additional copies costing SAR 150 each. PTE allows unlimited score reports but has a higher base fee. Factor in potential travel costs to test centers - IELTS has more locations across Saudi Arabia, potentially reducing travel expenses.

How long does it take to get IELTS vs PTE results in Saudi Arabia?

PTE Academic results are available within 24-48 hours of taking the test, making it significantly faster than IELTS. IELTS paper-based test results take 13 days, while computer-delivered IELTS results are available within 3-5 days. For Saudi students with tight application deadlines or those who need to retake the test, PTE's quick turnaround can be a significant advantage. However, plan ahead as both tests require advance booking, especially during peak application seasons.

Which English test do UK universities prefer - IELTS or PTE?

UK universities generally don't have a preference between IELTS and PTE when both are accepted, as they're considered equivalent measures of English proficiency. However, IELTS has slightly broader acceptance (100% vs 98% for PTE) and is often specified for certain scholarships including some Saudi government programs. Some specialized programs, particularly in medicine and healthcare, may specifically require IELTS due to professional body requirements. Check your specific target universities and programs for any stated preferences.

Can I switch from IELTS to PTE or vice versa for UK university applications?

Yes, you can switch between IELTS and PTE during your application process, provided your target universities accept both tests. However, scores from different tests cannot be combined - you must submit results from a single test type. If you've already submitted IELTS scores but want to try PTE for a better result, you can retake with PTE and update your applications. Many Saudi students try one test first and switch to the other if they don't achieve their target score, as the tests assess skills differently.

Key Takeaways

✅ IELTS offers universal acceptance at 100% of UK universities while PTE is accepted by 98%

✅ IELTS costs SAR 1,050 compared to PTE's SAR 1,200, making it 14% more affordable for Saudi students

✅ PTE provides faster results (24-48 hours) versus IELTS (3-13 days depending on format)

✅ IELTS has better test center coverage across Saudi Arabia with 10+ locations compared to PTE's 4 centers

✅ Saudi students achieve slightly higher first-attempt success rates with PTE (71%) compared to IELTS (68%)

✅ Consider your learning style: choose IELTS for traditional testing or PTE for integrated computer-based assessment

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