Planning to study in the UK and wondering which universities accept PTE Academic? UK universities and colleges widely accept PTE Academic, but required scores vary by university, course, degree level, and program.
Pearson currently states that PTE is accepted by 99% of UK universities and colleges. However, students should still check the exact English-language requirement for their chosen course before booking the test or submitting an application.
This guide covers PTE accepted universities in the UK, current PTE score requirements, undergraduate and postgraduate requirements, PTE Academic vs PTE Academic UKVI, UK Student visa English requirements, and how to prepare for PTE in 2026.
Quick Answer: Is PTE Accepted in UK Universities?
Yes. PTE Academic is widely accepted by UK universities and colleges.
Pearson states that PTE is accepted by 99% of UK universities and colleges. Examples of UK institutions that accept PTE include the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, King’s College London, University of Manchester, and many others.
However, acceptance alone does not tell you the score you need.
A university may have:
- A minimum overall PTE score
- Minimum scores for individual skills
- Different requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study
- Higher requirements for specific courses
- Different requirements for foundation or pathway programs
For this reason, always check the current requirements for your specific university and course.
PTE Accepted Universities in UK
The UK has a large number of universities accepting PTE Academic. The following are examples of institutions with published PTE recognition or requirements.
| University | PTE Academic | Example/requirement note |
| University of Oxford | Accepted for eligible courses | Requirements vary by course |
| University of Cambridge | Accepted for eligible courses | Requirements vary by course |
| Imperial College London | Accepted | Course-specific requirements apply |
| University College London (UCL) | Accepted | Requirements vary by programme |
| King’s College London | Accepted | Programme-specific requirements apply |
| University of Manchester | Accepted | Requirements vary by programme |
| University of Warwick | Accepted | Course-specific requirements apply |
| University of Edinburgh | Accepted | Programme requirements vary |
| University of Bristol | Accepted | Published PTE requirements vary by profile |
| University of Birmingham | Accepted | Different postgraduate subject groups have different scores |
| University of Leeds | Accepted | Published undergraduate requirements include PTE |
| University of Southampton | Accepted | 2026/27 requirements distinguish PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI |
| Queen Mary University of London | Accepted | Programme-specific requirements apply |
| Durham University | Accepted | Requirements vary by course |
Pearson UK recognition information includes many of these institutions, while individual university admissions pages should be used to confirm the current requirement for a particular course.
Which UK Universities Accept PTE Academic?
Many UK universities accept PTE Academic, but requirements vary between institutions and programmes.
Some examples with current published PTE information include:
| University | Example of current PTE information |
| University of Oxford | PTE Academic 76 overall, minimum 66 in each component for the cited undergraduate requirement |
| Imperial College London | 62 overall/56 each for Standard; 69 overall/62 each for Higher |
| University of Leeds | PTE Academic requirements vary by profile; current examples include 60 overall with specific component requirements |
| University of Birmingham | 64 overall/59 each for some postgraduate subject areas; 67 overall/64 each for others |
| University of Bristol | PTE requirements vary by English-language profile and programme |
These examples demonstrate an important point: PTE acceptance and PTE score requirements are not the same thing.
Oxford current undergraduate requirements list PTE Academic at 76 overall with at least 66 in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
Imperial currently lists PTE Academic at 62 overall with a minimum of 56 in all elements for its Standard requirement and 69 overall with a minimum of 62 for its Higher requirement.
Birmingham’s current postgraduate requirements show 64 overall with at least 59 in all four skills for Science and 67 overall with at least 64 in all four skills for several other academic areas.
Bristol also publishes different PTE requirements according to its English-language profiles. Always check the official course page before relying on a score.
PTE Score Requirements for UK Universities
There is no universal PTE score for UK universities.
The score you need can depend on:
- University
- Course
- Degree level
- Subject
- English-language profile
- Individual skill requirements
- Pathway or foundation programme
- Visa requirements
For example, current published requirements include:
- Oxford: 76 overall with a minimum of 66 in each component for the cited undergraduate requirement.
- Imperial: 62 overall/56 each for Standard and 69 overall/62 each for Higher.
- Leeds: current published examples include 60 overall with specific component requirements.
- Birmingham postgraduate: 64/59 or 67/64 depending on academic area.
PTE Score for Undergraduate Study in UK
Undergraduate PTE requirements vary by university and course.
For example, Oxford currently requires PTE Academic 76 overall with at least 66 in each component for its undergraduate English-language requirement.
Leeds publishes different requirements depending on the relevant English-language profile. Its current information includes a PTE requirement of 60 overall with no less than 59 in each component for one listed category, while another listed profile requires 60 overall with 64 in Writing and 59 in the other components.
Before applying for an undergraduate course, check:
- Overall PTE score
- Speaking requirement
- Writing requirement
- Reading requirement
- Listening requirement
- Whether the requirement applies to your exact course
- Whether PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI is specified
PTE Score for Master’s in UK
PTE requirements for master’s programmes can vary considerably between universities and academic subjects.
For example, the University of Birmingham’s current postgraduate requirements include:
- 64 overall, with no less than 59 in all four skills for Science
- 67 overall, with no less than 64 in all four skills for several other subject areas
This means you should not assume that one PTE score applies to every MSc, MA or master’s programme.
If you are applying for a master’s degree, check the exact university and programme page for:
- Overall PTE requirement
- Minimum component scores
- Accepted PTE version
- Score validity
- Any additional English-language conditions
PTE Score for MBA in UK
MBA programmes can have their own English-language requirements.
Do not automatically use the university’s general postgraduate PTE score as the MBA requirement.
Before applying, check:
- MBA-specific PTE score
- Minimum score for each skill
- Academic entry requirements
- Work experience requirements
- GMAT/GRE requirements, if applicable
- Application deadlines
- Additional English-language conditions
The safest approach is to use the business school’s current admissions page rather than relying on a general university score.
PTE Academic vs PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic
PTE Academic is commonly used for university admission.
Pearson states that candidates applying for degree-level study or above at a UK Higher Education Institution can choose PTE Academic when their institution and programme accept it.
PTE Academic UKVI
PTE Academic UKVI is the version that provides a Unique Reference Number (URN) for relevant UK visa applications.
Pearson explains that PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI have the same test content, format and scoring, but UKVI provides the URN required for applicable visa processes.
Pearson currently directs candidates toward PTE Academic UKVI for situations including:
- Study below degree level
- Certain foundation or pathway courses
- Study at certain institutions that are not Higher Education Institutions
- Certain UK work visas requiring a four-skills SELT
Simple rule
First check:
PTE and UK Student Visa English Requirements
University admission requirements and UK immigration requirements are related, but they are not identical.
GOV.UK currently states that Student visa applicants generally need to demonstrate English ability unless an exemption or another permitted method applies. For students studying at UK bachelor’s degree level or above, the requirement is CEFR B2. For below-degree-level study, the requirement is generally B1.
There is an important exception for degree-level study.
A qualifying Higher Education Provider can assess a student’s English itself, provided the assessment is equivalent to CEFR B2.
Therefore:
Your university PTE admission score should not automatically be treated as your UK visa requirement.
Check the university’s CAS information and the latest GOV.UK requirements before applying.
Do You Need PTE Academic UKVI for a UK University?
Not necessarily.
For degree-level study at a UK Higher Education Institution, Pearson says that candidates can use PTE Academic when the institution and programme accept it.
PTE Academic UKVI becomes relevant when a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required for the particular course or immigration route.
For example, university requirements can distinguish between PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI for particular programmes or circumstances. Bristol’s current information lists both versions for some of its English-language profiles.
Before booking your test, check:
- 1. Your university
Your exact course
3. Your required PTE score
4. Whether PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI is required
5. The current UK visa rules
PTE Score Requirements by UK Study Level
There is no official universal PTE score range for every UK university.
Instead, requirements can vary like this:
| Study level | What to expect |
| Foundation/pathway | Requirements vary considerably UKVI requirements may also be relevant |
| Undergraduate | University and course-specific PTE requirements |
| Master’s | Often higher or more specific than some undergraduate requirements |
| MBA | Business-school/programme specific |
| Professional programmes | May have additional English requirements |
For example, Imperial currently has Standard and Higher English-language profiles of 62 and 69 PTE overall, respectively, while Birmingham uses different postgraduate thresholds by academic area.
These figures are examples, not UK-wide minimum scores.
How to Check PTE Requirements for a UK University
Follow these steps before booking your PTE test.
Step 1: Choose Your University
Start by selecting the UK universities offering your preferred course.
Step 2: Find Your Exact Course
Do not stop at the university’s general international admissions page.
Find the page for your:
- Degree
- Subject
- Campus
- Study level
- Intake
Step 3: Check Whether PTE Is Accepted
Look specifically for:
Pearson Test of English / PTE Academic
Do not assume that acceptance of another English test means PTE is automatically accepted.
Step 4: Check the Overall Score
Look for the minimum overall PTE score.
Step 5: Check Individual Skills
Check whether the university specifies minimum scores for:
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
Step 6: Check Your Course Profile
Some universities have several English-language profiles.
A course may require a higher score than another course at the same university.
Step 7: Check the Visa Requirement
If you need a UK Student visa, confirm whether you need an SELT and whether PTE Academic UKVI is applicable.
Examples of Current UK PTE Requirements
University of Oxford
Oxford currently lists PTE Academic 76 overall with a minimum of 66 in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing for its undergraduate English-language requirement. Oxford also notes that PTE Academic Online is no longer accepted.
Imperial College London
Imperial currently lists:
- Standard: 62 overall, minimum 56 in all elements
- Higher: 69 overall, minimum 62 in all elements
University of Leeds
Leeds publishes different English-language requirements depending on the applicable profile. Current information includes:
- 60 overall with no less than 59 in each component for one listed category
- 60 overall with 64 in Writing and 59 in the other components for another listed profile
University of Birmingham
For current postgraduate requirements:
- Science: 64 overall, minimum 59 in all four skills
- Several other academic areas: 67 overall, minimum 64 in all four skills
University of Bristol
Bristol has several English-language profiles. Its current information includes PTE Academic requirements such as 67 overall with no lower than 64 in each skill for one profile, with other profiles having different thresholds.
Why do these scores differ?
Because universities do not use one universal PTE score.
Does a PTE Score Guarantee UK University Admission?
Universities may also consider:
- Academic qualifications
- Required subjects
- Previous education
- Personal statement
- References
- Work experience
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Course-specific conditions
- Application deadlines
A PTE score demonstrates English proficiency. It does not replace the university’s other admission requirements.
How to Send PTE Scores to UK Universities
After taking PTE Academic, candidates can share their scores with institutions through their Pearson account.
Before sending your result:
- Confirm that the university accepts PTE.
- Check the required score.
- Check individual skill requirements.
- Confirm your exact course.
- Select the correct institution when sharing the score.
- Follow the university’s application instructions.
Pearson provides a system for sharing PTE Academic scores with institutions.
How to Prepare for PTE for UK Universities
Once you know your target score, prepare specifically around the requirements of your course.
For example, if your university requires a minimum score in each skill, achieving a high overall score alone may not be enough.
Understand the PTE Academic Format
PTE Academic assesses:
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
The test uses a 10–90 scoring scale.
Understanding the format helps you create a preparation plan around the question types and skills you need to improve.
Use Reliable PTE Preparation Materials
Start with reliable preparation resources that explain the test format and provide realistic practice.
You can use PTEHub PTE preparation materials to explore practice resources, sample questions, mock tests, and other preparation options.
PTEHub’s preparation materials page already explains how candidates can combine format guidance, practice questions, skill-based exercises, mock tests, and feedback.
Take a PTE Practice Test
A practice test can help you understand your current performance.
Use PTEHub’s PTE practice test to practise question types and assess areas that need more attention.
Don’t simply take test after test.
Use this cycle:
PTEHub’s existing practice-test content follows this approach, emphasising analysis of mistakes rather than simply accumulating mock tests.
Practise PTE Online
Online preparation gives you flexibility to practise around your schedule.
PTEHub already provides PTE practice online resources, making this a natural internal link for readers who want to continue with online preparation.
Focus on:
- Speaking fluency
- Writing structure
- Reading speed
- Listening accuracy
- Time management
- Repeated mistakes
Use PTE Mock Tests
Full-length mock tests can help you practise under exam-style conditions.
PTEHub currently offers mock-test options including:
- Basic Mock Test Bundle: 5 simulated mock tests
- Standard Mock Test Bundle: 10 simulated mock tests
- Premium Mock Test Bundle: 20 simulated mock tests
The bundles include AI scoring and feedback, with different access periods and preparation levels.
You can link readers to the relevant PTE mock test page instead of repeatedly promoting individual products in the article.
Consider a Structured PTE Course
If you need more structured preparation, an online PTE course can combine practice, mock tests, evaluation, and other preparation resources.
PTEHub currently offers different preparation packages, including a Basic Package with mock tests, module-wise tests, AI evaluation, and mobile access.
You can also explore the PTE online course page to compare different approaches to structured preparation.
How Much PTE Score Should You Aim for UK Universities?
There is no single PTE target score for every UK university.
Instead, use your exact course requirement as your target.
For example:
- If your course requires 60 overall with specific component minimums, prepare to meet both the overall and component requirements.
- If your course requires 67 overall with 64 in each skill, your target must account for all five scores.
- If your university has a Higher English-language profile, prepare for that higher requirement.
Common Mistakes When Choosing PTE for UK Study
1. Assuming Every UK University Requires the Same Score
They do not.
PTE requirements vary between universities and programmes.
2. Checking Only the Overall Score
A university may require minimum scores in individual skills.
3. Confusing PTE Academic With PTE Academic UKVI
The tests have different uses in the UK visa context. Check which version applies before booking.
4. Using an Old University Requirement
University requirements can change.
Always check the latest course page.
5. Assuming PTE Acceptance Means Guaranteed Admission
English proficiency is only one admission requirement.
6. Assuming University Admission and Visa Requirements Are Identical
Your university’s admission requirements and the UK immigration requirements are separate considerations. GOV.UK currently specifies B2 for degree-level Student visa study and B1 below degree level, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
PTE Accepted Universities in UK: Checklist
Before booking your test, ask:
- Does my university accept PTE Academic?
- Does my exact course accept PTE?
- What is the minimum overall score?
- Are minimum scores required in individual skills?
- Does my course have a higher English-language profile?
- Do I need PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI?
- Does my university assess English for Student visa purposes?
- Have I checked the latest GOV.UK requirements?
- Is my PTE result within the university’s accepted validity period?
- Have I checked the university’s current course page?
Conclusion
PTE Academic is widely accepted by universities in the UK, but there is no single PTE score requirement for the whole country.
Pearson currently states that PTE is accepted by 99% of UK universities and colleges. However, universities and individual programmes set their own English-language requirements.
Current examples show how much requirements can differ:
- Oxford: 76 overall / 66 each for its cited undergraduate requirement
- Imperial: 62/56 Standard or 69/62 Higher
- Leeds: requirements vary by English-language profile
- Birmingham postgraduate: 64/59 or 67/64, depending on academic area
If you are planning to study in the UK, follow this process:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK universities accept PTE?
PTE Academic is widely accepted by UK universities. Pearson currently states that PTE is accepted by 99% of UK universities and colleges. However, individual universities and programmes set their own English-language requirements.
What PTE score is required for UK universities?
There is no universal UK PTE score. Requirements vary by university, course, and English-language profile. Current examples range from requirements such as Imperial’s 62/56 Standard profile to Oxford’s 76/66 undergraduate requirement.
Is PTE Academic accepted in the UK?
Yes. Pearson states that PTE is accepted by 99% of UK universities and colleges, and PTE is also recognised for applicable UK visa and immigration routes.
Is PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI required for UK study?
It depends on the course, institution and visa circumstances. Pearson says PTE Academic can be used for degree-level study at a UK Higher Education Institution when the institution and programme accept it. PTE Academic UKVI is relevant for certain SELT and below-degree-level situations.
Is PTE 60 enough for UK universities?
It may be enough for some courses, but it is not a universal UK requirement. Some programmes require higher overall scores or higher individual component scores.
Is PTE 65 enough for a Master’s in the UK?
It may be enough for some programmes, but not all. For example, Birmingham currently has postgraduate requirements of 64 overall for some Science programmes and 67 overall for several other academic areas.
Do UK universities accept PTE for undergraduate courses?
Yes. Many UK universities accept PTE Academic for undergraduate study, but the required score depends on the university and course.
Can I use PTE for a UK Student visa?
PTE can be relevant where an approved Secure English Language Test is required. For degree-level study, an eligible Higher Education Provider may also assess English itself, subject to the Student visa rules.
How long is a PTE score valid?
PTE scores are generally treated as valid for two years, but the institution or immigration authority may apply its own requirements. For example, Imperial requires test scores to be within two years of the intended course start date.
Can I send my PTE score to multiple UK universities?
Yes. Pearson allows candidates to share their PTE Academic scores with institutions through its score-sharing system.
