Understanding your PTE test scores and university entry requirements

A group of students celebrating results
Reading time: 4 minutes

So you've just received your PTE score and are looking at what to make of them and what universities you can apply to. Don't stress, we've got you covered.

Whether you're an international student or already a professional looking to upskill, PTE is a crucial milestone on your academic and career journey.

Understanding your PTE scores is vital for self-assessment and university admission requirements globally. Read on to find out how PTE academic scores impact university admissions when you're a test taker looking at studying abroad.

Understanding your PTE test scores for university admission
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ɫèAV can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Decoding the PTE score report

The PTE Academic test assesses your proficiency in the English language across four modules: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Each section is scored on a band ranging from 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest attainable score.

When you receive your PTE score report, you will notice that it includes not just these individual band scores but also an overall score. This overall score is not simply an average of the four modules; rather it is a weighted score based on your performance across all sections. Understanding this can be key to identifying your strengths and areas for improvement.

What does a PTE Academic sample score look like?

Here is a sample score report:

A copy of a PTE test report -  with the text:  ɫèAV | PTE Academic | Test Taker Score Report Score Report Code: 876543A21B Example Test Taker Overall Score Test Taker ID: PTE987654321 Reg ID: 987654321 61 Communicative Skills 55 62 65 63 Listening Reading Speaking Skills breakdown Writing Test Centre Information 61 Overall Test Date: 11 Feb 2019 Example Test Taker 876543A21B Listening 55 Reading 62 Speaking 65 Writing 63 Enabling Skills Grammar 70 Oral Fluency 67 Pronunciation 45 Spelling 70 Vocabulary 59 Written Discourse 63 Valid Until: 11 Feb 2021 Report Issue Date: 15 Feb 2019 Test Centre Country: United Kingdom Test Centre ID: 00011 Candidate Information Date of Birth: 12 Aug 1995 Country of Citizenship: China Country of Residence: United Kingdom Gender: Female Email:ptecandidate 123@ptecandidate.com First-Time Test Taker: Yes

You can search and get more information about .

How to interpret your scores

It's essential to recognize that every element of the test is scored, including correct pronunciation and oral fluency in speaking tasks, grammar and vocabulary in writing, as well as comprehension and summarizing skills in reading and listening sections.

A closer look at this sample score report reveals more details about the skill breakdown, grammar, oral fluency and vocabulary, which are also vital components considered by universities to judge your command of English.

Applying scores to university entry requirements

When it comes to university entry requirements, institutions have varying benchmarks for PTE scores. Typically, universities require an overall score and may also have specific band requirements for each module.

For example, a university might require an overall PTE score of 65 with no band score less than 50 in each test module.

What score do I need to get into university?

No entry requirement is the same, and it depends on the course and university. It's important to look up what the universities you like need. You can find this on their website or by asking their admissions office.

Postgraduate courses generally require a higher score than undergraduate ones. Courses that require the student to have a deeper understanding of the English language to comprehend the subject will also generally require a high score level.

What is a good PTE score?

There isn't a good or bad score. Your language learning score reflects your efforts and skills, and shows areas needing improvement. The score's significance lies in what it means for your learning journey and goals.

My test score is lower than the required amount

It's important to talk to the universities you've applied for. Sometimes they can be more flexible with their entry requirements than they show on their websites. By talking directly to the admissions teams, you can understand how your PTE scores fit in.

If your scores are a bit low, they might look at other parts of your application to see your skills. So, don't be afraid to ask questions and find out how to improve your application. If you aren’t completely confident you're going to reach your test goal. You can also take our to see if and where you need to improve your English skills.

Some universities may offer conditional acceptance, allowing students to enroll in English language preparatory courses or exams if their PTE scores fall slightly short. Make sure to check with them to see if they have extra courses you can take.

Which universities accept PTE?

The PTE Academic test is globally recognized and accepted by numerous countries for university admissions, making it a valuable asset for international students.

Predominantly, countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States offer a wide range of universities and colleges that acknowledge the PTE test scores as proof of English language proficiency. In the UK and Australia, for instance, the PTE test is widely accepted across all higher education institutions, including some of the world's top universities.

Meanwhile, in Canada and the USA, an increasing number of institutions are starting to recognize the value of PTE scores.

PTE scores are accepted not only in English-speaking countries but also in non-English speaking countries with English programs. Prospective students should check individual university requirements before applying, as they may differ by country and institution. .

A gateway to opportunity

Your PTE test scores open doors to global education. Understand the scoring system for universities to ease your application. Use scores to assess your level, improve language skills and clarify university needs for your goals to come true.

Every test taker is unique, so customize your preparation to your needs and strengths. With dedication, confidence and practice, you can achieve PTE success and confidently find your place in the academic world.

Find out and learn more on the PTE website and see where your English skills can take you. Good luck!

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • Children sat at desks in a classroom with their hands all raised smiling

    Back to school: Inclusive strategies to welcome and support students from day one

    By
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    As the new school year begins, teachers have an opportunity to set the tone for inclusion, belonging and respect. With the right strategies and activities, you can ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued from the very first day. Embracing diversity isn’t just morally essential: it’s a proven pathway to deeper learning, greater engagement and a more equitable society (Gay, 2018).

    Research consistently shows that inclusive classrooms foster higher academic achievement, improved social skills and increased self-esteem for all students (Banks, 2015). When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to take risks, collaborate and reach their full potential.

  • A girl sat at a laptop with headphones on in a library

    5 myths about online language learning

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Technology has radically changed the way people are able to access information and learn. As a result, there are a great number of tools to facilitate online language learning – an area that’s been the subject of many myths. Here we highlight (and debunk) some of the bigger ones…

    Myth #1: You will learn more quickly

    Although online learning tools are designed to provide ways to teach and support the learner, they won’t provide you with a shortcut to proficiency or bypass any of the key stages of learning.ÌýAlthough you may well be absorbing lots of vocabulary and grammar rules while studying in isolation, this isn’t a replacement for an environment in which you can immerse yourself in the language with English speakers. Such settings help you improve your speaking and listening skills and increase precision, because the key is to find opportunities to practise both – widening your use of the language rather than simply building up your knowledge of it.

    Myth #2: It replaces learning in the classroom

    With big data and AI increasingly providing a more accurate idea of their level, as well as a quantifiable idea of how much they need to learn to advance to the next level of proficiency, classroom learning is vital for supplementing classroom learning. And with the Global Scale of English providing an accurate measurement of progress, students can personalise their learning and decide how they’re going to divide their time between classroom learning and private study.

    Myth #3: It can’t be incorporated into classroom learning

    There are a huge number of ways that students and teachers can use the Internet in the classroom. Meanwhile, ɫèAV’s online courses and apps have a positive, measurable impact on your learning outcomes.

    Myth #4:ÌýYou can't learn in the workplace

    Online language learning is ideally suited to the workplace and we must create the need to use the language and opportunities to practise it. A job offers one of the most effective learning environments: where communication is key and you’re frequently exposed to specialized vocabulary. Online language learning tools can flexibly support your busy schedule.

    Myth #5: Online language learning is impersonal and isolating

    A common misconception is that online language learning is a solitary journey, lacking the personal connection and support found in traditional classrooms. In reality, today’s digital platforms are designed to foster community and real interaction. With features like live virtual classrooms, discussion forums and instant feedback, learners can connect with peers and educators around the world, building skills together.

  • Two teenagers sat at a desk in a classroom working together in front of a laptop

    My lifelong learning journey: Why learning English never stops

    By Zarela Cruz
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    My journey with English began in the unlikeliest of places: a mining camp in southern Peru. As a child, I was fascinated by American culture – the movies, the music, the seemingly limitless world that English opened up. For me, the language was a gateway leading to a deeper understanding and feeling of belonging, making me part of their culture.