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
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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: ÃÛÌÒapp | 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!

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    Tips for keeping learners studying over the holiday season

    By Nicolas Chaparro
    Reading time: 3.5 minutes

    Nicolas Chaparro is a Colombian language teacher with a bachelor's degree in basic education, specializing in humanities and languages. After spending five years working as a systems technician, he discovered the potential of technology to enhance learning, which ignited his passion for dynamic, tech-driven education. He has the privilege of working at one of Colombia's most prestigious English institutions, where he currently leads a team focused on education, creativity and motivation.Ìý

    The holiday season is a magical time and the perfect moment to spark a teacher's creativity. I've always believed that learning a language isn't just about studying—it's about living it. As a learner, I loved the resources my teachers and institutions provided, but what truly captivated me was the opportunity to engage with the world using the language skills I had acquired.

    As a teacher, I strive to give my students that same experience. I didn't expect the holiday season to become the perfect setting to turn my teaching philosophy into reality. This blog post shares a personal story of how I used a creative activity to keep my students learning and practicing English during the holidays with the support of the Global Scale of English (GSE).

    The challenge I faced: Mixed levels and ages

    The activity I designed, Christmas Carols, presented two main challenges:

    1. Diverse proficiency levels: My group included students ranging from beginners to advanced learners, all participating in the same activity. I wanted to have them all working together; that's what language means to me.Ìý
    2. Varied age groups: The students also spanned different age ranges, which required an effective approach to engage everyone. It was a Christmas gathering meeting with all the institution's students.

    Basic students worked on identifying vocabulary that is similar to their native language and then used it in a short text. Intermediate students solved riddles to guess words that could be included in the lyrics. Advanced students completed questionnaires to build sentences and find synonyms to refine the text. The carol was divided into three sections: the first paragraph was for basic students, the second for intermediate students and the third for advanced students. I also included French students in the activity, which was designed for both languages.

    After the students completed their tasks in separate groups, I mixed them so they could explain the vocabulary they had learned to one another. To facilitate communication without relying on Spanish, I used pictures and Christmas props to help them express themselves visually.

    Finally, we all came together and sang the carol as one group.

    Turning challenges into opportunities with the GSE

    For me, a successful language activity needs three essential components: clear instructions, engaging resources and opportunities for interaction. With these principles in mind, I crafted an inclusive and dynamic activity, using the GSE to guide my planning.

    Step 1: Defining the goal

    I realized that most of my students didn't know specific Christmas-related vocabulary or any traditional English carols. This activity was also an opportunity to learn by myself and then share with them. This gap was my opportunity to introduce them to the holiday spirit in English.

    Step 2: Planning with the GSE

    I identified suitable goals for each proficiency level using the GSE Learning Objectives. These objectives helped me design tasks that targeted key skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—while considering the ages and abilities of my students.

    Step 3: Preparing a scavenger hunt

    To make the activity interactive and fun, I organized a scavenger hunt. Students had to solve riddles and follow clues to find words essential for completing a Christmas song. The GSE objectives ensured that the tasks were appropriately challenging for each level.

    Step 4: Pairing students effectively

    Knowing my students well, I paired them strategically based on their proficiency and age. This pairing encouraged collaboration and allowed them to support each other throughout the activity.

    Making language visible and memorable

    One of my priorities was to make the language come alive. I brought visual aids like cards, games, and even a Christmas tree and a nativity scene—elements that most students recognized but had never explored in English. These visuals became valuable tools for teaching vocabulary in a tangible, engaging way.

    To add another layer of interaction, I used my guitar to sing along with the students. By the end of the activity, not only were we singing, but they also understood the meaning behind every word. Watching them take pride in their learning was incredibly rewarding and I knew this vocabulary wouldn't stop there; they would take it home and make it real for them, for the season, for their life.

    Reflections and an invitation

    This experience reminded me of the power of teaching through real-life experiences. Holidays provide a unique opportunity to teach without teaching and to help students study while living the language. Tools like the GSE make it easier for us as educators to plan meaningful and impactful activities.

    My invitation to fellow teachers is twofold:

    1. Explore the GSE resources to enrich your teaching strategies.
    2. Share your ideas and activities with the teaching community. Together, we can create opportunities for our students to use the language in real and virtual contexts that inspire learning and cooperation.

    Let's make 2025 the year we bring language to life in every classroom.