IELTS or PTE — which test should you take?
Both are accepted almost everywhere the other is. The real difference is how they are delivered, and that suits different people.
The first thing to settle is whether the place you are applying to accepts both. Most universities and both the Australian and UK visa systems now do, but check the specific institution before you book anything — that single check saves more trouble than any advice here.
Assuming both are accepted, the difference is delivery.
IELTS puts you in front of a human examiner for the speaking test. If you speak more naturally to a person than to a machine, that helps. Results usually take up to thirteen days for the paper test, faster on computer.
PTE is entirely on a computer and scored by software. You speak into a microphone. Results normally come back within a few days, which matters if you are close to an application deadline. Because it is machine-scored, it rewards speaking clearly and continuously — hesitating and restarting costs you more than it would with a human examiner.
A practical way to choose: if you are comfortable with computers and short on time, PTE tends to suit. If you would rather talk to a person, or you have already prepared with IELTS materials, stay with IELTS.
Either way, take a timed practice test before you book. The format costs people more marks than their English does.