Short answer
Check which tests your university and visa accept first, then pick the format you're stronger in. IELTS is run in Nepal by the British Council and IDP and is now taken on computer. PTE Academic is fully computer-based, marked by machine and usually gives results within a few days. Both cost around NPR 33,000 in 2026. Australia and New Zealand accept both. Canada's study and immigration routes and UK visas have their own lists of accepted tests, so check before you book.
The details
Side by side
| IELTS | PTE Academic | |
|---|---|---|
| Run in Nepal by | British Council and IDP | Pearson, at its own test centres |
| Format | On computer, with a speaking test in person | Fully on computer, including speaking |
| Results | A few days for computer-based | Usually within a few days |
| Fee in Nepal (2026) | About NPR 33,000 | USD 220, about NPR 33,000 |
| Where | Kathmandu and regional cities | Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal and Itahari |
The fees above are what test centres listed in 2026. Book directly on the British Council, IDP or Pearson websites and check the price at checkout.
Score you'll usually need
| Destination | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Australia student visa | IELTS 6.0 overall, or the PTE equivalent |
| Australia pathway or English courses | Lower scores, from IELTS 5.0 |
| University admission | Set by each university and course, often IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 |
Common problems
Which is easier?
Neither is easier for everyone. PTE suits people comfortable typing and speaking to a computer, with results in days. IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test with an examiner. Try a free official practice test of each before deciding.
Is paper-based IELTS still available?
Test centres report that paper-based IELTS ended in Nepal in June 2026. IELTS is now taken on computer.
My visa needs "UKVI" IELTS.
UK visas for some courses need IELTS for UKVI, a separate booking with its own fee. Check what your university's CAS letter asks for.
How long is my score valid?
Most universities and visas accept results up to two years old. Check the exact window for your visa before you book a retake.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- IDP: Australia student visa English requirements 2026idp.com
- AECC Nepal: IELTS dates, fees and centres in Nepal (2026)aeccglobal.com
- AECC Nepal: PTE dates, fees and centres in Nepal (2026)aeccglobal.com
- Pearson PTE: test centres and feespearsonpte.com
Written from the sources above and last checked on 8 Oct 2026. Some details aren't confirmed against an official page yet, so check fees and documents with the office before you go.
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