PTE Academic UKVI is the same test as PTE Academic same content, same scoring with one addition: it issues a Unique Reference Number (URN) the UK Home Office requires for certain visas. You need the UKVI version when your UK visa calls for a Secure English Language Test; otherwise standard Academic is fine. PTE Home is a separate, simpler test for family/settlement visas.
What’s actually different between PTE Academic and UKVI?
The test is identical same tasks, same 10–90 scoring. The only difference is administrative: PTE Academic UKVI is taken at a UK Home Office-approved centre and issues a URN that links your result to UK visa requirements. If your visa doesn’t require a SELT, the standard Academic test does the job.
| PTE Academic | PTE Academic UKVI | |
|---|---|---|
| Test content | Identical | Identical |
| Scoring | 10–90 | 10–90 |
| SELT URN on score report | No | Yes (for UK visas) |
| Use | Study, AU/NZ, general | UK visas requiring a SELT |
When do you need the UKVI version?
You need PTE Academic UKVI when the specific UK visa you’re applying for requires a Secure English Language Test (SELT) — the URN is what proves you sat an approved test. Many university applications accept standard PTE Academic, so check whether your route actually needs the SELT before booking UKVI.
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The safest move is to confirm directly from your visa route or university what they require. Booking UKVI when you only needed standard Academic isn’t wrong — but booking standard Academic when you needed UKVI means re-testing.
What’s the difference between PTE UKVI and PTE Home?
They serve different visas. PTE Academic UKVI is a full academic test scored 10–90, for study and skilled routes. PTE Home is a pass/fail Speaking & Listening test at A1, A2 or B1 level, for UK family and settlement visas — not an academic test at all.
| Test | For | Format |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic UKVI | Study / skilled UK visas (SELT) | Full academic test, 10–90 |
| PTE Home | Family / settlement visas | Pass/fail Speaking & Listening, A1/A2/B1 |
Pick by visa type: academic or skilled routes → UKVI; family or settlement routes → the relevant PTE Home level.
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Fees, booking and the URN explained
PTE Academic UKVI is booked at a Home Office-approved centre, and the fee is roughly £170 — always check the current price at the Pearson checkout. When you pass, Pearson prints a Unique Reference Number (URN) on your score report; UKVI uses it to verify your result. Keep that URN safe, because you’ll quote it in your visa application.
Booking is the same Pearson flow as standard Academic — you simply select the UKVI version and an approved centre. If you’re comparing costs across countries, see our fee guides for India and Australia.
So, which one do you need?
Match the test to your UK goal: a study or skilled visa needing a SELT → PTE Academic UKVI; a study route that accepts standard tests → PTE Academic; a family or settlement visa → PTE Home at the required level. When in doubt, confirm with your visa route before booking.
Frequently asked questions
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What’s the difference between PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI?
They’re the same test with the same scoring. PTE Academic UKVI is taken at a Home Office-approved centre and issues a Unique Reference Number (URN) that certain UK visas require.
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Do I need PTE UKVI for a UK student visa?
Only if your visa route requires a Secure English Language Test. Many universities accept standard PTE Academic, so confirm your specific requirement before booking.
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What is a URN in PTE UKVI?
A Unique Reference Number that Pearson prints on your PTE Academic UKVI score report when you pass. You quote it in your UK visa application, and UKVI uses it to verify your result as proof of an approved English test.
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What is PTE Home?
A pass/fail Speaking & Listening test at A1, A2 or B1 level for UK family and settlement visas — different from the academic UKVI test.
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How much does PTE Academic UKVI cost?
Approximately £170. Confirm the current price at the Pearson checkout when you book.
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Is PTE UKVI harder than PTE Academic?
No — it’s the same test content and scoring. The only difference is the approved centre and the URN it issues.
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