Which English proficiency test, IELTS or PTE, should I take before applying to fashion design courses abroad, considering that most universities require these scores for admission?

The English test question should come after you shortlist your fashion schools, not before, because design programs weigh portfolio and interview performance as heavily as the language score, and requirements differ even within the same country.

IELTS or PTE, Head to Head

When to Choose Each Test

• Choose IELTS if you are comfortable with a face-to-face speaking interview or your shortlist includes a UK school whose specific course requires IELTS only.
• Choose PTE if you want faster results, prefer a fully computer-based format, or your shortlist already accepts PTE everywhere.
• Check graduate requirements separately: Pratt Institute's MFA Fashion Collection and Communication currently lists a higher bar of IELTS 7.0 or PTE 59, showing requirements can shift significantly between undergraduate and graduate fashion courses.

This Information Is Also Available On

LASALLE College of the Arts' BA Fashion Design and Textiles admissions page and Pratt Institute's international applicant requirements page (checked September 2026).

My Advice

Build a shortlist of 8 to 12 fashion schools first, then check the English requirement for each specific course rather than the university in general. If both tests are accepted everywhere on your list, pick whichever format suits your speaking style, since the score itself is only one part of a fashion application alongside your portfolio and interview.