IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo vs TOEFL: Which English Test Should Nepali Students Choose?
Choosing the right English proficiency test is one of the first decisions you will make on your study abroad journey from Nepal -- and it is one that affects your budget, timeline, and university options.
Many students in Kathmandu pick a test based on what their friends took or what their coaching center offers. That approach can work out fine, but it can also lead to wasted money and time if you take a test that is not accepted by your target university or does not suit your strengths. This guide gives you a structured way to make this decision based on facts rather than assumptions.
At Study Abroad from Nepal, we have guided students through all four tests over the past decade. We know which tests work best for different countries, budgets, and student profiles.
Full Comparison Table
IELTS costs NPR 29,500, Duolingo costs $59, PTE costs ~NPR 25,000, and TOEFL costs ~$200 — the table below compares all key differences for Nepali students.
| Feature | IELTS | Duolingo | PTE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Fee | NPR 29,500 | $59 (~ NPR 9,400) | ~ NPR 25,000 | ~ $200 (NPR 32,000) |
| Test Format | Paper or Computer | Online (from home) | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Duration | 2 hrs 45 min | ~ 1 hour | ~ 3 hours | ~ 2 hours |
| Results | 13 days (paper) / 3-5 days (computer) | 48 hours | 2 business days | 6 days |
| Score Range | 0 - 9 (bands) | 10 - 160 | 10 - 90 | 0 - 120 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Speaking Format | Face-to-face with examiner | Record video responses | Record via computer mic | Record via computer mic |
| Scoring Method | Human examiners | AI + human review | AI-scored | AI + human (speaking/writing) |
| Test Availability | 4x/month at centers | 24/7, any day | Multiple dates at centers | Multiple dates at centers |
| Score Sends | 5 free, then paid | Unlimited free | Unlimited free | 4 free, then $20 each |
Understanding Each Test
Each test has distinct characteristics that make it better suited for certain students and destinations.
IELTS: The Universal Standard
IELTS is the most widely accepted English proficiency test globally. The Speaking module is a face-to-face interview with a human examiner -- the only test that offers this. Available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. Best for: Students who want maximum flexibility in university and country choice, students targeting the UK (where IELTS for UKVI is required for visa), and students who perform better in face-to-face speaking situations. Full IELTS guide.
PTE Academic: Speed and Computer Scoring
PTE is entirely computer-based and computer-scored with no human subjectivity. Results in 1-2 days, the fastest among test center-based exams. Strong acceptance in Australia (accepted for all visa subclasses), UK, and Canada. Best for: Students targeting Australia, students comfortable with computers who prefer objective scoring, and students who want fast results. Full PTE guide.
Duolingo English Test: Affordable and Accessible
Taken entirely from home on your own computer. Costs only $59 (~NPR 8,000) -- a fraction of other tests. Results in 48 hours. Adaptive format adjusts to your level. Strongest acceptance in the USA and Canada. Important limitation: Not accepted as a SELT for UK visa applications, and acceptance is still growing in Australia. Full Duolingo guide.
TOEFL iBT: The American Standard
TOEFL was the dominant test for US-bound students for decades. Entirely computer-based at a test center. Scores on a 0-120 scale. Integrated tasks combine listening and writing, or reading and speaking. Best for: Students targeting the USA who prefer a structured test center environment and academic-style content.
Choosing by Country
Your destination country narrows your options significantly -- this is often the most practical decision framework.
USA: IELTS or Duolingo recommended. Nearly all major US universities accept Duolingo at $59, making it the best value. IELTS is the safe universal option.
Australia: IELTS or PTE recommended. Both have strong acceptance for university admission and visa applications. PTE is popular for its computer scoring and fast results.
Canada: IELTS recommended. For study permits and future permanent residency through Express Entry, IELTS General Training results are directly used in the CRS points calculation.
UK: IELTS (specifically IELTS for UKVI) recommended. For Student Route visa applications, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Starting with IELTS avoids needing a second test.
Multiple Countries: IELTS is the safest single test. It is accepted for both admission and visa purposes in all major English-speaking destinations.
Common Mistakes Nepali Students Make When Choosing a Test
Choosing based on what friends took is the most common mistake-- your friend's situation may target a different country, university, or program.
- Assuming all tests are accepted everywhere: They are not. Duolingo is not accepted for UK visas. Not all Australian universities accept PTE.
- Taking the cheapest test without checking acceptance: Saving NPR 21,500 does not help if you need to retake a different test because your university does not accept the first one.
- Ignoring module-level requirements: Some programs require minimum scores in specific modules, not just an overall score.
- Not leaving time for retakes: Plan to take your test at least 3-4 months before your application deadline.
Decision Framework
Your destination country determines the best test: IELTS for Canada, PTE for Australia, TOEFL or Duolingo for the USA, and IELTS or PTE for the UK.
At $59, it is about 75% cheaper than IELTS or PTE.
PTE comes close at 2 days. IELTS takes up to 13 days for paper-based.
Accepted for all visa subclasses and preferred by most Australian universities.
TOEFL has been the US standard for decades. Duolingo is now widely accepted too.
IELTS UKVI is required for some visa types. PTE is accepted at most UK universities.
IELTS remains the most widely accepted test for Canadian universities and immigration.
Accepted by virtually every university and immigration authority worldwide.
Take it from home at any time. Shorter test. Adaptive format.
Both are entirely computer-based. PTE has consistent AI scoring.
Interactive Score Converter
Enter your score in one test to see the equivalent in all other tests:
Score Converter
Convert between IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, and TOEFL scores
* Approximate conversions based on official concordance data. Use as a general guide only.
Score Conversion Table
IELTS 6.5 equals approximately Duolingo 110-115, PTE 58-64, and TOEFL 79-93 — the most common target range for Nepali postgraduate applicants.
| IELTS | Duolingo | PTE | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 160 | 89-90 | 118-120 |
| 8.5 | 150-155 | 83-88 | 114-117 |
| 8.0 | 140-145 | 76-82 | 110-113 |
| 7.5 | 130-135 | 69-75 | 102-109 |
| 7.0 | 120-125 | 65-68 | 94-101 |
| 6.5 | 110-115 | 58-64 | 79-93 |
| 6.0 | 100-105 | 50-57 | 60-78 |
| 5.5 | 90-95 | 42-49 | 46-59 |
* Approximate conversions based on official concordance tables. Use as a general guide only.
Score Conversion Quick Reference for Common Requirements
Most Nepali students target IELTS 6.0-7.0 or equivalent -- here is a quick reference showing what that translates to across all 4 tests, matched to common university and visa requirements.
| Requirement Level | IELTS | Duolingo | PTE | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway / Foundation | 5.5 | 90-95 | 42-49 | 46-59 |
| Standard Undergraduate | 6.0 | 100-105 | 50-57 | 60-78 |
| Standard Postgraduate | 6.5 | 110-115 | 58-64 | 79-93 |
| Competitive Programs | 7.0 | 120-125 | 65-68 | 94-101 |
| Top-Ranked Universities | 7.5 | 130-135 | 69-75 | 102-109 |
Keep in mind that many universities also require minimum scores in individual sections -- for example, IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Always verify the exact requirements on your target university's admissions page. For more about specific score requirements by country, see our IELTS Score Requirements guide.
Not Sure Which Test to Take?
Talk to our counselors. We will assess your situation — target country, budget, timeline — and recommend the best test for you.
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