A Guide for Subclass 476 Visa Applicants
Do you want to know the difference between IELTS and PTE Exam? Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa Subclass 476 program invites fresh and young engineering graduates to Australia for exploring job opportunities. The Visa carries 18 months of validity. Although this visa is not points based, but the applicants have to take an English proficiency test and update the scores while applying for the visa.
For Pakistan-based applicants, there are two options to fulfill the English proficiency requirements. Recently, PTE (Pearson Test for English) is also now available in Pakistan. PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government as proof of English language proficiency for all visa categories including Subclass 476 visa.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is another option for Pakistani engineering graduates to consider for clearing the English proficiency requirement. An overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 parts (reading, listening, writing and speaking).
What’s the Major Difference between PTE and IELTS?
| IELTS | PTE |
| Paper based exam and computer based testing is also available is some countries | Completely Computer based |
| Maximum score of 9.0 | Maximum score of 90 |
| Results are in about 15 days | Results in about 5 days |
| Questions test one skill at a time and each skill testing is timed. | Questions often test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking with an overall time duration of 2.5 to 3 hours. |
Score Comparison:
A score of 65 in PTE is equivalent to a 7.0 band in IELTS, and 79 in PTE is equivalent to 8.0.
How much do you need to Score for Applying for Subclass 476 Visa:
While applying for Subclass 476 visa category you need an overall score of 6.0 in IELTS (with minimum band of 5.0 in each category) and a score of 50 in PTE
Keyboard Typing (PTE) Versus Writing on Paper (IELTS):
If you find it easier and faster to type in a computer than writing on paper than PTE is an ideal option for you as compared to IELTS.
Practice/Mock Exam:
You should always try attempting online mock exams before you take the final exam for either IELTS or PTE.
Human Examiner (IELTS) versus Software Assessment (PTE):
There is a speaking examiner and a writer examiner for IELTS. For PTE, the score assessment is done by smart software. Therefore, human bias is not involved while you take the PTE exam.
Time and Days Available for Taking Tests:
Depending upon the test center/location, you may have the speaking test of IELTS on a different day (within a week before or after the actual test day), but for PTE you take the entire test on one day.
You may choose to take PTE seven days a week in the morning, at noon or even in the afternoon. You cannot choose your test time for IELTS. Almost always, it starts in the morning and on (a) specific weekday(s) like Saturday or Thursday.
Conclusion:
There is no certain answer to the question that which one of the two (IELTS or PTE) is simpler as it depends on the ability of each candidate. For instance, if you are not a fast at computer typing then PTE is a hard nut to crack for you.
The choice of taking either of the two should be made according to the following points:
– target score
– deadline for your visa application
-above all, your strengths and weaknesses in English language