PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a computer-based exam for non-native English speakers to assess their proficiency in the English language. These exams are conducted by Pearson PLC and are designed to evaluate the language skills of individuals, particularly those who plan to study abroad or immigrate to an English-speaking country.
In this article we will dive deeper into the PTE Academic test requirements and some top universities that accept PTE scores in the UK.
What is the PTE Academic Exam?
The PTE Academic exam is an English language test that is accepted by educational institutions around the world. This is given by students who want to go abroad for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. PTE Academic exam is a four-skill English language exam that includes writing, reading, speaking and listening sections. These scores are accepted in many countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many more. In fact, in the UK, 99% of universities accept PTE Academic scores.
Eligibility Criteria of PTE Exams
There are no specific requirements or prerequisites for candidates appearing for the PTE exams, but there are a few points worth noting before you appear for this test:
- The minimum age to appear for the PTE Academic exams is 16 years. However, candidates below age 18 must have a parental consent form signed by either parents or guardians before taking the test.
- There is no education qualification mentioned by the exam conducting body Pearson PLC.
- The exam is accepted by universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Different Types of PTE Exam Formats
There are two types of exam formats under PTE – General & Academic. We have briefly explained the differences between the two formats.
| PTE ACADEMIC | PTE GENERAL |
| Required if you want to study, or migrate to an English-speaking country. | Required if you want to work or study in a non-English speaking European country. |
| The scores are valid for 2 years. | The scores are valid for lifetime. |
| Available to appear at any time each month, depending on the test centre. | You can appear for this version in either of the months: February, May, June, October, November, and December. |
| Registrations happen online through Pearson Official Website. | Registration Via the test centres. |
| The format includes Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening sections. | The format includes Spoken interview, Listening, Reading, and Writing. |
PTE Score Requirement for UK Student Visa
Studying in the UK offers numerous benefits, like world-class education, a diverse, inclusive culture, and much more. However, to participate in this educational experience, international students often need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in written and spoken English. This is where Secure English Tests come into play.
A Secure English Language Test score is a mandatory process if you want to obtain your student visa. However, candidates must note that different universities have different requirements for PTE scores.
Highlighted in the table below shows the test and minimum score that is required for your visa application.
| Level | Scores Required | Required PTE Test Type |
| Tier 4 General Student visa Below degree level i.e. pre-sessional courses | 43 | PTE Academic UKVI |
| Tier 4 General Student visa – degree level and above | 59 | PTE Academic; PTE Academic UKVI**(depends on institution visa approval status) |
TOP 10 PTE ACCEPTED UNIVERSITIES IN UK TO STUDY MASTERS DEGREE
While the above broadly determines the scores you need for student visa application, you must also note that some of the top universities in the UK have set a minimum PTE score they require if you want to study masters in the UK.
The below table shows the top 10 PTE accepted universities in UK and their minimum score criteria:
| # | Universities Accepting PTE Scores | Scores Required For Masters |
| 1 | London School of Economics and Political Science | Overall 70, minimum 62 in each section. |
| 2 | University of Portsmouth | Overall 54 points, minimum 51 in each section. |
| 3 | Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine | Overall 69, minimum 62 in each section. |
| 4 | The University of Manchester | Overall 76, minimum 70 in each section. |
| 5 | University of Warwick | Overall minimum score 62. |
| 6 | University of Nottingham | Overall 65, minimum 59 in each section. |
| 7 | University of Chester | Overall 65, minimum 59 in each section. |
| 8 | The University of Essex | Overall 58, minimum 42 in each section. |
| 9 | Middlesex University | Overall 58, minimum 50 in each section. |
| 10 | The Manchester Metropolitan University | Overall 58, minimum 43 in each section. |
How should you prepare for PTE Academic Exams?
If you are overwhelmed and confused about where to begin with your preparation for your PTE Academic exams, here are some tips you can consider before starting out:
- Know your target score: Before you start prepping, the first step is to define your target score. Refer to the minimum score requirement by the visa and university you desire to apply for.
- Understand the test format: Just like other tests, PTE academic exams have a format based on which your proficiency is determined. PTE academic exam format has 4 sections on which you are judged viz., Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Familiarise yourself with the kind of questions in each section, length and time allocation of each section.
- Learn how the test is scored: PTE exams assess your English language proficiency. Therefore, focus on enhancing your vocabulary for all test sections. For the listening and speaking sections, consider watching English movies and English learning videos, utilise apps, websites and e-dictionary for pronunciation assistance as well as to learn new words. Additionally, visiting the official PTE website offers access to both paid and free resources to aid in your exam preparation. Lastly, don’t forget to take mock or sample tests to gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement before the final exam.
FAQs about PTE Exams
- Is PTE accepted in the UK for masters?
- Yes, PTE exams are accepted by 99% universities in the UK for masters as well as for all UK visa and immigration applications.
- How long is PTE valid? What is the validity of PTE scores?
- PTE Academic scores are valid for two years while PTE General scores are valid for a lifetime.
- What is the required PTE score for the UK?
- The PTE academic score requirement varies depending on the type of student visa route and the university you choose. For a Tier 4 General Student visa (applicable to courses below degree level, such as pre-sessional courses), the minimum required score is 43. If you’re applying for a Tier 4 General Student visa for degree-level programs and above, the minimum score is 59. To determine the specific requirements of your chosen university, please refer to the university’s official website.
- Which other countries accept the PTE Exam?
- Aside from the UK, countries like The USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand also accept PTE exam scores.
- What is the difference between PTE and IELTS exams?
- While both PTE and IELTS are English language tests that evaluate a candidate’s abilities in the language through Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Reading sections, there are some differences between the two that you should be aware of to make an informed decision:
| PTE | IELTS |
| PTE is a computer-based exam. | IELTS is available on paper and computer. Candidates are free to choose the method they are most comfortable with. |
| It has three sections in the following sequence: Speaking and Writing (Combined Section)Reading, and Listening. | It has four sections in the following sequence: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking |
| This test is assessed and marked by artificial intelligence. | Experts who are well-versed in various cultural nuances, assess the reading and speaking tests. |
| The speaking test is conducted using a microphone in a test room where other test takers may also be speaking simultaneously. | The speaking test is One-to-one with a real person who understands different accents and cultural nuances . |
| As PTE was introduced in 2009, it is gaining popularity steadily. PTE exam scores are acceptable in lesser universities or countries compared to IELTS. PTE score acceptance seems to be rising in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand compared to other countries. | IELTS is accepted universally, especially because it existed long before PTE. Approximately 10,000 universities across 140 countries accept IELTS academic scores. |
- How do I register for PTE?
- To appear for a PTE academic exam, you need to first register yourself. Follow the below steps for registration:
- Visit the official Pearson PTE website.
- Create a PTE login ID & Password. Input the required details to create a new account.
- Once you have created your account, choose the test you want to appear for (PTE Academic or General)
- Schedule your exam and choose the test centre as per
your convenience. - Select the date of exam available at the test centre of
your choice. - Pay the required fees for the test and start
preparing for your exam.
- To appear for a PTE academic exam, you need to first register yourself. Follow the below steps for registration:
Conclusion
Conducting comprehensive research before embarking on an exam like the PTE for studying abroad is not only reasonable but highly recommended. Nevertheless, to streamline your study abroad process for countries like the UK, it is advisable to seek guidance from experienced study in UK consultants, such as those at Ternien Edu.
Our expert overseas education consultants have personally been through the entire process, so they fully understand the dilemmas, obstacles, and emotions that aspiring students face when pursuing education abroad. That’s why we offer end-to-end support for your overseas education journey. Get in touch with us for an
initial consultation.
