Nepali applicants have four mainstream English test options for study abroad: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Each is accepted in a different combination of destinations and each has its own format, cost and turnaround. This guide sets out what actually matters when you choose.
Which test does each destination accept?
| Destination | Accepted tests | Visa-side notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET | All accepted for the Subclass 500 student visa. |
| United Kingdom | IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, TOEFL iBT (university admissions), Cambridge C1 / C2 | Student Route requires a SELT (Secure English Language Test). |
| Canada | IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP, DET (many universities) | PTE Core is used for economic PR streams, not study permits. |
| USA | TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic, DET | No federal visa English test; universities set the requirement. |
| New Zealand | IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced | Immigration New Zealand sets a defined accepted-test list. |
Cost, format and results turnaround
- IELTS Academic — paper or computer-delivered at British Council or IDP centres; also IELTS Online (Academic). Four sections. Computer-delivered results 3 to 5 days; paper 13 days.
- PTE Academic — fully computer-based at Pearson centres. Integrated 4-skills format. Results in about 2 business days.
- TOEFL iBT — computer-based at ETS centres or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Results 4 to 8 days.
- Duolingo English Test — at-home, proctored via the DET app; about 1 hour. Results in about 2 business days.
Test fees are set by the provider and change from time to time. Check current fees at British Council Nepal, IDP Nepal, Pearson PTE, ETS TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test.
How the scores compare
Approximate conversion. Confirm the specific minimum with the university or immigration authority.
- IELTS 6.0 ≈ PTE 50 ≈ TOEFL iBT 60 ≈ DET 100
- IELTS 6.5 ≈ PTE 58 ≈ TOEFL iBT 79 ≈ DET 115
- IELTS 7.0 ≈ PTE 64 ≈ TOEFL iBT 94 ≈ DET 125
- IELTS 7.5 ≈ PTE 72 ≈ TOEFL iBT 105 ≈ DET 135
- IELTS 8.0 ≈ PTE 78 ≈ TOEFL iBT 111 ≈ DET 145
Which test should you pick?
- If you have not confirmed your destination yet, take IELTS Academic — the widest acceptance.
- If Australia is confirmed and you like structured testing, PTE Academic often lands faster.
- If the US is confirmed, TOEFL iBT is the safe default — but check the specific university.
- If your target university accepts DET and you need a fast, cheap admissions test, Duolingo English Test is worth considering. Do not rely on it for a UK Student Route visa.
- Take a diagnostic before booking any test. Two hours saves the cost of a repeat.
Key takeaways
- IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are the widest-accepted tests for study visas.
- PTE Academic and DET return results in 2 business days.
- Approximate score parity: PTE 58 = IELTS 6.5 = TOEFL iBT 79 = DET 115.
- UK Student Route needs a SELT (IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI); DET is not accepted for the visa.
- PTE Core is for Canadian PR, not for study permits.
Related resources
Our IELTS preparation classes, PTE preparation classes, and SAT preparation classes pages carry current format details. Book a free English-test diagnostic at your nearest branch by emailing info@thenext.edu.np.