Every week students pay for IELTS when a cheaper, easier test would have been accepted. Here is the honest comparison for Pakistani students in 2026.
Quick comparison
| Factor | IELTS | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost in Pakistan | ~PKR 65,000 | ~PKR 59,000 | ~$65 (PKR ~18,000) |
| Format | Paper or computer + human speaking | Fully computer-based | Online from home |
| Results | 3–13 days | Usually 48 hours | 2 days |
| Accepted by | Everyone, everywhere | UK, Australia, Canada, most US | Many US universities, some UK |
| Best for | Visa-critical cases, Canada SDS | Fast results, speaking anxiety | Tight budgets, US applications |
Our advice by destination
- UK: PTE is accepted for both admission and visa — and many universities waive tests entirely for strong academic profiles. Ask before you book anything.
- Canada: IELTS remains the safest all-round choice; PTE is now accepted for SDS too.
- USA: Duolingo is genuinely accepted at hundreds of universities — the cheapest valid route.
- Australia: IELTS or PTE both fine; nursing and teaching need higher bands.
- Germany: IELTS 6.5 for English-taught programs; some accept university-level English certificates.
The waiver question
Universities can waive English tests if your previous degree was taught in English (most Pakistani degrees are). It is never automatic — a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university plus a strong academic record is required, and acceptance varies by university and visa route.
Don't book a test blindly. Send us your target country and last degree on WhatsApp — we will tell you the cheapest test (or waiver) your shortlist actually accepts.