PTE Score for Higher Studies: Countries, Universities, Requirements Tips

PTE Score for Higher Studies: Countries, Universities, Tips & More

If you are planning to study abroad, knowing about PTE accepted countries and universities is essential. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) has become one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests, with thousands of universities and governments accepting it for admissions and visas.

Among the options available—IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and Cambridge English—the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) has gained immense popularity in recent years. Known for its AI-powered scoring, faster results, and wide recognition, the PTE is now accepted in more than 74 countries and 3,500+ universities worldwide.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the PTE score for higher studies—from accepted countries and universities to visa rules, score requirements, test format, preparation tips, and FAQs.

Why Choose PTE for Higher Studies?

Choosing the right English test is crucial for your study abroad journey. Here’s why students across the world prefer PTE:

1. Global Recognition – Accepted in major study destinations including Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Ireland, and more.

2. Fast Results – Get your score within 48 hours in most cases, compared to 5–10 days for IELTS or TOEFL.

3. Unbiased Scoring – PTE uses AI-driven scoring to eliminate examiner bias.

4. Convenient Test Dates – Available year-round in 400+ test centers worldwide.

5. Visa-Friendly – Recognized by immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

6. Real-Life Skills Tested – Integrated tasks assess how English is used in practical situations, not just in theory.

For students who need speed, fairness, and flexibility, PTE is often the smartest choice.

Countries Accepting PTE for Higher Studies

Below is a detailed look at the major countries where you can use your PTE score for admissions and visas. Each section lists top universities, average score requirements, and visa-specific details.

1. Australia

Australia is one of the most PTE-friendly countries. Almost every university and vocational institution here recognizes PTE Academic.

• Visa Acceptance: The Department of Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic for all visa categories, including student visas.

• Score Range:

  • UG Programs: 50–57

  • PG Programs: 58–65

  • Medicine/Law: 65–79

Top Universities in Australia Accepting PTE:

• University of Melbourne (overall 65–79)

• Monash University (58–65)

• University of Sydney (58–65)

• University of Queensland (55–64)

• Australian National University (60–65)

• University of New South Wales (65–70)

• RMIT University (50–60)

• Macquarie University (58–65)

• Deakin University (55–60)

• Curtin University (50–58)

2. Canada

Canada has officially recognized PTE Academic for Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications since August 2023.

• Visa Acceptance: For SDS, a minimum of 60 overall score is required. Non-SDS admissions may have different requirements.

• Score Range:

  • UG Programs: 55–60

  • PG Programs: 60–65

  • MBA/Competitive: 65–73

Top Universities in Canada Accepting PTE:

• University of Toronto (65–70)

• McGill University (65+)

• University of British Columbia (65–69)

• Simon Fraser University (60–65)

• University of Waterloo (60–65)

• York University (58–60)

• Dalhousie University (55–60)

• University of Calgary (60–65)

• University of Ottawa (60–65)

• Western University (62–67)

3. United States of America (USA)

While IELTS and TOEFL dominate, 1,200+ universities in the USA now accept PTE.

• Visa Acceptance: Not required for visas, but recognized for admissions.

• Score Range:

  • UG: 50–60

  • PG: 58–65

  • Ivy League/Elite Schools: 70–79

Top Universities in USA Accepting PTE:

• Harvard Extension School (65–70)

• Yale University (70+)

• Columbia University (70+)

• University of Pennsylvania (65–70)

• Stanford University (68–75)

• New York University (65–70)

• University of Chicago (65–70)

• Duke University (65–70)

• University of Michigan (60–65)

• Boston University (60–65)

4. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is home to over 450 universities and colleges that accept PTE.

• Visa Acceptance: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts PTE Academic UKVI.

• Score Range:

  • UG: 51–58

  • PG: 58–65

  • MBA/Law: 65–75

Top Universities in UK Accepting PTE:

• University of Oxford (65–70)

• University of Cambridge (65–70)

• University of Warwick (62–65)

• London Business School (70+)

• University of Glasgow (60–65)

• University of Bath (58–65)

• University of Manchester (60–65)

• University of Birmingham (58–65)

• University of Leeds (60–65)

• University of Nottingham (60–65)

5. Germany

Germany is popular for engineering, IT, and management programs, and PTE is increasingly recognized.

• Visa Acceptance: Many German consulates accept PTE as proof of English proficiency.

• Score Range:

  • UG: 55–60

  • PG: 60–65

Top Universities in Germany Accepting PTE:

• Technical University of Munich (60+)

• RWTH Aachen University (60–65)

• Heidelberg University (60+)

• University of Freiburg (58–62)

• University of Stuttgart (58–65)

• Humboldt University of Berlin (60–65)

• University of Göttingen (58–60)

• Free University of Berlin (60+)

• University of Cologne (55–60)

• LMU Munich (60–65)

6. New Zealand

New Zealand accepts PTE widely for admissions and student visas.

• Visa Acceptance: PTE Academic is accepted for student visas.

• Score Range:

  • UG: 50–58

  • PG: 58–65

Top Universities in New Zealand Accepting PTE:

• University of Auckland (58–65)

• University of Otago (58–65)

• Victoria University of Wellington (58–65)

• Massey University (55–60)

• Lincoln University (55–60)

• University of Canterbury (58–65)

• Auckland University of Technology (55–60)

7. Ireland

Ireland is fast becoming a hub for tech and business education.

• Visa Acceptance: Irish consulates accept PTE Academic for student visas.

• Score Range: 55–63

Top Universities in Ireland Accepting PTE:

• Trinity College Dublin (63+)

• University College Dublin (63+)

• National University of Ireland, Galway (58–62)

• Dublin City University (60–65)

• University College Cork (58–63)

9. France & Netherlands

Western Europe is expanding its acceptance of PTE.

France:

• ESSEC Business School (60–65)

• HEC Paris (65–70)

• INSEAD (70+)

Netherlands:

• University of Amsterdam (60–65)

• Delft University of Technology (60–65)

• Erasmus University Rotterdam (65–70)

PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo

PTE Exam Format

1. Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes) – personal introduction, read aloud, essay writing.

2. Reading (29–30 minutes) – multiple-choice, fill in the blanks, re-order paragraphs.

3. Listening (30–43 minutes) – summarize spoken text, MCQs, dictation.

Total Test Duration: ~2 hours.

PTE Preparation Strategy (3–6 Months Plan)

• Month 1–2: Familiarize with test format, build vocabulary, practice daily speaking.

• Month 3–4: Take mock tests, work on time management, improve weak sections.

• Month 5–6: Simulate full exams weekly, refine essay writing, polish fluency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Speaking too fast/slow → affects fluency score.

• Ignoring punctuation → lowers writing score.

• Mismanaging time → unanswered questions lead to low scores.

• Not practicing listening with accents → difficulty in audio tasks.

FAQs

Q1. Is PTE accepted in Canada for visas?
Yes, since August 2023, PTE Academic is accepted under the SDS visa route.

Q2. What is the validity of PTE scores?
PTE scores are valid for 2 years.

Q3. How many times can I take PTE?
There is no limit. You can retake the test as many times as needed.

Q4. How soon can I book a retest?
You can book another attempt within 5 days.