UK universities typically want around PTE 51–64 overall for undergraduate study and 59–76 for postgraduate, with Russell Group institutions often expecting ~67–75. Degree-level student visas generally need around PTE 59, with minimums in each skill. Always confirm your course’s exact figure and book the UKVI version if your visa requires a Secure English Language Test.
What PTE score do UK universities typically require?
Requirements vary by university and course, but the common pattern is PTE 51–64 overall for undergraduate and 59–76 for postgraduate programmes. Postgraduate and competitive courses sit at the higher end, often needing scores above 69.
| Level | Typical PTE overall | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ≈ 51–64 | Higher for selective courses |
| Postgraduate (taught) | ≈ 59–76 | Top programmes often above 69 |
What do Russell Group universities expect?
The most selective UK universities Russell Group members such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and LSE typically expect a PTE score around 67–75, and often set high per-skill minimums. Even technical master’s programmes usually want a realistic 62+ at these institutions.
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Do UK universities set per-skill minimums?
Yes many UK universities set minimum scores in each skill (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing), not just an overall. You can clear the overall figure and still miss an offer if one skill falls below the per-skill minimum, so check both.
A strong overall won’t secure an offer if Writing or Speaking sits below the course’s per-skill minimum. Read the full English requirement, not just the headline number.
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If one skill is holding you back, our guide to reading your score report shows how to find and fix it.
PTE for the student visa vs the university?
These are two bars. The student visa for degree-level study generally needs around PTE 59 (with minimums in each skill), proving English at roughly CEFR B2. Your university sets its own, often higher, requirement. In practice the university figure is usually the one you have to chase.
| Requirement | Set by | Typical level |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (degree level) | UK Home Office | ≈ PTE 59, with per-skill minimums |
| Course admission | Your university | Often higher — up to ~76 for top PG |
Do you need PTE Academic or PTE UKVI?
Many UK universities accept standard PTE Academic for admission, but if your visa route requires a Secure English Language Test you must take PTE Academic UKVI, where Pearson issues a unique reference number (URN) on your score report so the Home Office can verify it. Confirm which your university and visa need before booking.
For the full breakdown of the difference and where PTE Home fits – see PTE Academic vs PTE UKVI.
Frequently asked questions
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What PTE score do I need for a UK university?
Typically around PTE 51–64 overall for undergraduate and 59–76 for postgraduate study, with selective courses at the higher end. Check your specific course page for the exact figure.
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What PTE score do Russell Group universities want?
Often around 67–75, with high per-skill minimums. Even technical master’s programmes usually want a realistic 62 or above at these institutions.
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What PTE score do I need for a UK student visa?
Degree-level study generally requires around PTE 59, with minimums in each skill, proving English at roughly CEFR B2.
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Do UK universities require minimum scores in each skill?
Yes, many do. You can meet the overall figure and still miss an offer if one skill falls below the per-skill minimum, so check both.
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Do I need PTE Academic or PTE UKVI for the UK?
Many universities accept standard PTE Academic, but if your visa requires a Secure English Language Test you need PTE Academic UKVI, where Pearson issues a URN on your score report for the Home Office to verify.
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Is the university requirement higher than the visa requirement?
Usually yes. The visa sets a baseline (around PTE 59 for degree level), while universities often set higher requirements — up to about 76 for top postgraduate courses.
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