Quick Answer: Both IELTS and PTE are widely accepted by UK universities in 2026, with 98% of institutions accepting IELTS and 95% accepting PTE. Vietnamese students often find PTE easier due to computer-based format and faster results (2-5 days vs 13 days for IELTS), though IELTS remains more familiar with 85% higher recognition among Vietnamese test-takers.

Choosing between IELTS and PTE Academic is one of the most crucial decisions Vietnamese students face when planning their UK university journey. With both tests serving as gateways to prestigious British institutions, understanding which option aligns better with your strengths, timeline, and university preferences can significantly impact your admission success.

This comprehensive comparison will help Vietnamese students make an informed decision between these two leading English proficiency tests, examining everything from test formats and university acceptance to costs and preparation strategies specifically relevant to students from Vietnam.

Test Format Comparison: Which Suits Vietnamese Learning Styles?

IELTS Academic Structure

IELTS Academic follows a traditional four-skills assessment approach that many Vietnamese students find familiar due to its similarity to university entrance exams in Vietnam. The test comprises:

• Listening (30 minutes): 40 questions across four sections with increasing difficulty
• Reading (60 minutes): Three academic passages with 40 questions total
• Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks - graph description and essay writing
• Speaking (11-14 minutes): Face-to-face interview with three parts

The paper-based format (with computer-delivered options available) allows Vietnamese students to use familiar strategies like underlining and note-taking directly on question papers.

PTE Academic Structure

PTE Academic presents a fully computer-based experience that appeals to tech-savvy Vietnamese students. The integrated approach tests multiple skills simultaneously:

• Speaking & Writing (77-93 minutes): Combined section with tasks like "read aloud" and "describe image"
• Reading (32-40 minutes): Five question types testing reading comprehension
• Listening (45-57 minutes): Eight question types with academic and real-life contexts

The computer-based format eliminates handwriting concerns - a significant advantage for Vietnamese students who may struggle with English handwriting speed and legibility.

University Acceptance Rates in the UK

IELTS Acceptance

IELTS maintains near-universal acceptance among UK institutions in 2026:

• Russell Group Universities: 100% acceptance rate
• Top 50 UK Universities: 98% acceptance rate
• All UK Higher Education Institutions: 98% acceptance rate

Popular choices among Vietnamese students like Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, and King's College London all accept IELTS with typical requirements ranging from 6.5-7.5 overall.

PTE Academic Acceptance

PTE Academic has rapidly gained ground in UK university acceptance:

• Russell Group Universities: 96% acceptance rate
• Top 50 UK Universities: 95% acceptance rate
• All UK Higher Education Institutions: 95% acceptance rate

Notably, universities like University of Manchester, University of Warwick, and University of Sheffield - frequent choices for Vietnamese students pursuing engineering and business programs - fully accept PTE Academic scores.

Scoring Systems and Requirements

IELTS Band Scores

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system (0-9) with half-band increments. For Vietnamese students targeting UK universities:

• Undergraduate Programs: Typically require 6.0-6.5 overall with minimum 5.5-6.0 in each band
• Postgraduate Programs: Usually demand 6.5-7.5 overall with minimum 6.0-7.0 in each band
• Competitive Programs: May require 7.0+ overall (Medicine, Law, MBA programs)

PTE Academic Scores

PTE uses a 10-90 scale with more granular scoring. Equivalent requirements for Vietnamese students:

• Undergraduate Programs: 50-58 overall (equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5)
• Postgraduate Programs: 58-73 overall (equivalent to IELTS 6.5-7.5)
• Competitive Programs: 73+ overall (equivalent to IELTS 7.0+)

The more detailed PTE scoring can benefit Vietnamese students who consistently score just below IELTS band thresholds, as PTE's granular system may capture their true proficiency level more accurately.

Cost Analysis for Vietnamese Students

Test Fees Comparison

Test	Vietnam Test Fee (2026)	Retake Policy	Results Timeline
IELTS Academic	4,500,000 VND (~$185 USD)	Unlimited retakes, 2-day gap	13 calendar days
PTE Academic	4,700,000 VND (~$193 USD)	Unlimited retakes, no waiting period	2-5 business days

Additional Costs for Vietnamese Students

• Preparation Materials: IELTS materials are more readily available in Vietnam, with costs ranging from 500,000-2,000,000 VND
• Preparation Courses: Local IELTS courses in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi cost 8,000,000-15,000,000 VND, while PTE courses range from 10,000,000-18,000,000 VND
• Score Reporting: Both tests offer free score reporting to 5 institutions

Test Availability in Vietnam

IELTS Testing Centers

IELTS offers extensive testing availability across Vietnam:

• Ho Chi Minh City: 4 testing centers with daily test dates
• Hanoi: 3 testing centers with daily availability
• Da Nang: 1 testing center with weekend slots
• Can Tho: 1 testing center with monthly tests

PTE Academic Centers

PTE Academic has expanded significantly in Vietnam since 2025:

• Ho Chi Minh City: 2 Pearson VUE centers with flexible scheduling
• Hanoi: 2 centers offering same-day booking options
• Da Nang: 1 center (opened in early 2026)

PTE's computer-based nature allows more flexible scheduling, with some centers offering evening and weekend slots ideal for working Vietnamese students.

Which Test Suits Vietnamese Students Better?

Choose IELTS If You:

• Prefer traditional paper-based testing formats
• Feel comfortable with face-to-face speaking assessments
• Want maximum university acceptance (especially if targeting specific institutions)
• Have access to extensive local preparation resources
• Plan to take other English tests (IELTS experience transfers well)

Choose PTE Academic If You:

• Feel more confident with computer-based assessments
• Need results quickly for application deadlines
• Struggle with handwriting speed in English
• Prefer integrated skills testing
• Want more objective, AI-based scoring
• Are applying to universities that specifically mention PTE acceptance

Special Considerations for Vietnamese Students

UK Student Visa Requirements

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted for UK Student Visa applications in 2026. Vietnamese students must achieve:

• Undergraduate Visa: Minimum IELTS 4.0 overall (B2 level) or PTE 43 overall
• Postgraduate Visa: Minimum IELTS 5.5 overall or PTE 51 overall

However, individual university requirements typically exceed visa minimums.

Scholarship Applications

Major UK scholarships available to Vietnamese students accept both tests:

• Chevening Scholarships: Accept both IELTS (6.5+ overall) and PTE (58+ overall)
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Recognize both tests with equivalent score requirements
• University-specific Scholarships: Most accept both, though some may specify preferences

Test Preparation Resources in Vietnam

Vietnamese students have access to quality preparation for both tests, though IELTS resources remain more abundant. Many students successfully prepare through online platforms, with PTE's computer-based practice materials often proving more accessible for self-study.

For students who need additional support meeting score requirements, you can find courses with lower IELTS requirements that still offer excellent education quality and career prospects in the UK.

Making Your Final Decision

The choice between IELTS and PTE ultimately depends on your individual strengths, timeline, and target universities. Vietnamese students who prefer structured, familiar testing environments often succeed with IELTS, while those comfortable with technology and seeking faster results frequently opt for PTE Academic.

Consider taking practice tests for both formats to determine which aligns better with your abilities and comfort level. Remember that both tests serve the same purpose - demonstrating your English proficiency for UK university admission - and either choice can successfully open doors to your British education goals.

Key Statistics

📊 98% of UK universities accept IELTS compared to 95% accepting PTE Academic in 2026

⏱️ PTE Academic delivers results in 2-5 days versus 13 days for IELTS

💰 Vietnamese students pay approximately 4,500,000 VND for IELTS and 4,700,000 VND for PTE Academic

🎯 85% of Vietnamese test-takers are more familiar with IELTS format than PTE Academic

🏛️ 100% of Russell Group universities accept IELTS while 96% accept PTE Academic

📍 Vietnam has 9 IELTS testing centers compared to 5 PTE Academic centers as of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Consider your comfort level with technology (PTE is fully computer-based), timeline needs (PTE gives results in 2-5 days vs 13 for IELTS), and target universities (98% accept IELTS vs 95% for PTE). Take practice tests for both to see which format suits your skills better. If you're comfortable with face-to-face speaking and prefer paper-based tests, choose IELTS. If you want faster results and prefer computer-based testing, choose PTE Academic.

What are the minimum IELTS and PTE scores required for UK universities?

For undergraduate programs, most UK universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (equivalent to PTE 50-58) with minimum band scores of 5.5-6.0 in each skill. Postgraduate programs typically demand IELTS 6.5-7.5 overall (PTE 58-73) with higher individual band requirements. Competitive programs like Medicine or MBA may require IELTS 7.0+ (PTE 73+). Always check specific university requirements as they vary by institution and program.

How much does it cost for Vietnamese students to take IELTS vs PTE?

In Vietnam, IELTS Academic costs approximately 4,500,000 VND ($185 USD) while PTE Academic costs around 4,700,000 VND ($193 USD). Additional costs include preparation materials (500,000-2,000,000 VND) and courses (8,000,000-15,000,000 VND for IELTS, 10,000,000-18,000,000 VND for PTE). Both tests allow unlimited retakes, but IELTS requires a 2-day waiting period between attempts while PTE has no waiting period.

Which test is easier for Vietnamese students - IELTS or PTE?

This depends on individual strengths and preferences. Vietnamese students often find PTE easier due to its computer-based format, which eliminates handwriting concerns and allows familiar typing. PTE's integrated approach and objective AI scoring can also benefit some students. However, others prefer IELTS's traditional format and face-to-face speaking component, which feels more natural. The extensive availability of IELTS preparation materials in Vietnam also makes it more accessible for self-study.

How long are IELTS and PTE scores valid for UK university applications?

Both IELTS and PTE Academic scores are valid for exactly 2 years from the test date for UK university applications and visa purposes. Vietnamese students should ensure their test scores will still be valid throughout their application process and visa application. If applying for courses starting in September 2026, tests taken after September 2024 would be acceptable. Plan your test timing carefully to avoid scores expiring before completing your university enrollment.

Can I use both IELTS and PTE scores when applying to UK universities?

You can take both tests and submit whichever score is higher, but most applications only require one English proficiency test score. Some students take both to compare their performance, especially if they're close to required thresholds. However, this doubles your testing costs and preparation time. It's more efficient to choose one test based on your strengths and focus your preparation efforts. Universities treat both tests equally, so there's no advantage to taking both unless you're significantly underperforming on your chosen test.

Key Takeaways

✅ Both IELTS and PTE Academic are widely accepted by UK universities, with IELTS having slightly higher acceptance rates (98% vs 95%)

✅ PTE Academic offers faster results (2-5 days) and flexible computer-based testing, ideal for students with tight deadlines

✅ IELTS provides more preparation resources in Vietnam and a familiar testing format for students comfortable with traditional assessments

✅ Cost difference is minimal (4,500,000 VND for IELTS vs 4,700,000 VND for PTE), so budget shouldn't be the deciding factor

✅ Vietnamese students should take practice tests for both formats to determine which aligns better with their skills and comfort level