Planning to study in the United States and wondering which universities accept PTE Academic? PTE Academic is accepted by many US universities and colleges as an English-language proficiency test for international students. Pearson currently states that PTE Academic is recognised by more than 1,500 institutions across the USA, including institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of California, Berkeley.
However, acceptance does not mean every course at a university has the same requirement. PTE acceptance and minimum scores can vary by university, degree level, school, and individual program. For example, current university pages show different requirements at institutions such as Arizona State University, Columbia University, the University of Illinois Chicago, NYU, and USC.
If you are applying from countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or elsewhere, the safest approach is to shortlist your universities first and then check the official English-proficiency requirement for your specific program.
Quick Answer: Is PTE Accepted by Universities in the USA?
Yes, PTE Academic is accepted by many universities and colleges in the USA. Pearson says PTE Academic is recognised by more than 1,500 US institutions. However, the required score and whether PTE is accepted can vary by university and program, so applicants should always verify the latest requirements directly with their chosen institution.
PTE Accepted Universities in USA
There is no single official list of universities where one PTE score applies to every program. Instead, students should look at university- and program-specific admissions requirements.
The following examples show how PTE Academic is currently accepted at selected US institutions and programs.
| University / Institution | PTE Academic | Example of Published Requirement | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Extension School | Yes | PTE Academic 70 | Requirement applies to the Harvard Extension School English-proficiency policy, not automatically to every Harvard program. |
| New York University (NYU SPS) | Yes | PTE Academic 70 | NYU SPS lists 70 as the minimum recommended score for its undergraduate and graduate programs. |
| Columbia University | Yes | Varies by program | Columbia Engineering accepts PTE Academic for eligible graduate applicants; some Columbia programs publish specific thresholds. |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | Yes | Undergraduate: 53 general; Graduate: 60 | Some programs have higher requirements, and ASU does not accept PTE Academic Online. |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) | Yes | Undergraduate: 54 | Some graduate/professional programs can have their own requirements and section scores. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Yes | Undergraduate: 68 | Certain graduate programs may have different requirements. |
Note: This table is an example of current published requirements, not a universal ranking or complete list of all PTE-accepting US universities. Requirements can change, so check the official admissions page for your exact course before applying.
Top US Universities That Recognise PTE Academic
Pearson’s current US destination information specifically identifies Harvard, Yale and the University of California, Berkeley among institutions recognising PTE Academic.
Pearson has also previously identified universities including Columbia, Harvard, NYU, Princeton and Yale among US institutions recognising PTE Academic. However, applicants should still verify the requirement for their intended program because recognition at the institution level does not necessarily mean every department uses identical admission rules.
This distinction is particularly important for competitive graduate and professional programs.
Harvard
PTE Academic is accepted by Harvard in at least some academic contexts. For example, Harvard Extension School currently lists PTE Academic 70 as an English-proficiency requirement and requires scores to be no more than two years old and verifiable with the testing agency.
Students applying to another Harvard school or degree should not automatically assume that the same score applies.
Yale
Pearson currently lists Yale among the US institutions recognising PTE Academic.
Applicants should check Yale’s official admissions information for their particular school or program before choosing PTE as their English-proficiency test.
University of California, Berkeley
Pearson currently lists UC Berkeley among US institutions recognising PTE Academic.
However, Berkeley program requirements can differ. For example, the Berkeley Haas Executive MBA page currently lists TOEFL and IELTS for its specific English-proficiency requirement, illustrating why students should check the exact program rather than relying only on an institution-wide recognition list.
Columbia University
Columbia provides a useful example of why program-level research matters. Columbia Engineering accepts PTE Academic among its approved English-language tests for applicable graduate applicants. Its admissions information also explains that requirements can depend on an applicant’s previous degree and educational background.
Some Columbia programs publish specific PTE thresholds. For example, Columbia’s Occupational Therapy master’s admissions information lists a minimum PTE Academic score of 68.
PTE Score Requirements for USA Universities
One of the most common questions from international students is:
“What PTE score is required for US universities?”
There is no single PTE score that applies to every university in the USA.
A university may:
- Accept PTE but set different scores for different programs
- Have a general minimum score
- Set higher requirements for particular courses
- Require minimum scores in individual communicative skills
- Recommend a score without treating it as a strict admission cutoff
- Offer exemptions or waivers for eligible applicants
- Not accept PTE for a particular program even though another department does
For this reason, your target score should be based on the specific universities and programs on your application list.
You can also use the PTE score calculator to understand your scores and track the results you need to work toward.
Examples of Current PTE Requirements
Some current examples demonstrate the variation:
- ASU undergraduate: PTE Academic minimum 53 for general requirement programs; some higher-admission-requirement programs require higher scores.
- ASU graduate: PTE Academic minimum 60.
- UIC undergraduate: PTE Academic overall minimum 54, with published section requirements.
- NYU SPS: PTE Academic 70 is listed as the minimum recommended score for its relevant undergraduate and graduate programs.
- USC undergraduate: A PTE score of 68 is listed among its English-proficiency requirements.
- Harvard Extension School: PTE Academic 70.
These figures should be treated as program-specific examples, not a USA-wide PTE cutoff.
What PTE Score Is Required for MS in USA?
There is no universal PTE score for MS in the USA.
Different graduate schools can establish their own requirements.
For example, Columbia Engineering accepts PTE Academic for applicable graduate applicants and currently states that there is no minimum test score required for admission consideration, although it indicates that applicants with a PTE Academic score of 68 or lower may need to improve their English proficiency.
ASU currently lists a minimum PTE Academic score of 60 for international graduate applicants.
This shows why students applying for an MS should not rely on a generic statement such as “you need PTE 65 for all US universities.”
Instead:
University → Program → English requirement → PTE score → Section requirements
Check each step before submitting your application.
What PTE Score Is Required for MBA in USA?
MBA programs can have their own English-language requirements.
Some business schools may accept PTE Academic, while others may list only particular tests or apply different requirements depending on the program.
For example, Pearson identifies PTE as accepted across a wide range of US academic institutions, but university-level recognition does not automatically establish the requirement for every MBA program.
If you are applying for an MBA, check:
- Whether the MBA program accepts PTE Academic
- The minimum or recommended PTE score
- Whether section scores are required
- Whether an English-language waiver is available
- How recently the test must have been taken
Do not choose a target score based only on a general “PTE score for MBA in USA” figure found on an unofficial website.
Is PTE Accepted for Undergraduate Admission in the USA?
Yes, many US universities accept PTE Academic for undergraduate admission.
For example, Arizona State University currently lists PTE Academic as an accepted English-proficiency test for international undergraduate applicants and requires a minimum score of 53 for general requirement programs. Some programs have higher requirements, and ASU does not accept the PTE Academic Online exam.
NYU’s Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies also accepts PTE Academic and currently lists 70 as its minimum recommended score.
The important point is that undergraduate requirements can vary by institution and program.
PTE Academic vs IELTS vs TOEFL for US Universities
PTE Academic is not the only English-language test accepted by US universities. IELTS and TOEFL are also widely used.
If you are deciding which English test to take, you can also read our detailed guide to PTE vs IELTS and other English tests before making your decision.
If you are also considering the Duolingo English Test, our PTE Vs Duolingo comparison can help you understand the key differences between the two tests.
For students specifically comparing PTE Academic with TOEFL, see our PTE Vs TOEFL guide.
| Factor | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Academic English proficiency | Academic English proficiency | Academic English proficiency |
| Format | Computer-based | Computer-based or paper-based options depending on the test | Computer-based |
| Speaking | Recorded responses | Usually with a human examiner | Recorded responses |
| PTE score scale | 10–90 | 0–9 bands | Current TOEFL scoring system may vary by test date/version |
| US university acceptance | Widely accepted | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
| Key consideration | Check each university/program | Check each university/program | Check each university/program |
There is no single English test that is automatically the best option for every US applicant. The practical approach is to check your target universities first and then choose a test accepted by all or most of your shortlisted programs.
How to Check if a US University Accepts PTE
Before booking your test, use this process.
Step 1: Shortlist Your Universities
Start with the universities and programs you genuinely want to apply to.
Do not choose a PTE score first and then search for universities around that score.
Step 2: Find the Official Admissions Page
Visit the university’s official website and look for:
- International admissions
- English proficiency
- English language requirements
- Graduate admissions
- Undergraduate admissions
- Program-specific admission requirements
Step 3: Check Whether PTE Academic Is Listed
Make sure the institution specifically lists PTE Academic.
Do not assume that acceptance of one Pearson test means all Pearson tests are accepted.
Step 4: Check the Required Score
Look for:
- Overall PTE score
- Minimum section scores
- Recommended scores
- Program-specific requirements
- Score validity period
Step 5: Check Your Exact Program
This step is often overlooked. A university may accept PTE for one program while another school or department has a different English-test policy.
Step 6: Confirm Before Applying
If the information is unclear, contact the university admissions office before submitting your application. This is especially important if you are applying to competitive graduate, professional or specialised programs.
Does PTE Acceptance Mean You Will Be Admitted?
No.
Meeting a university’s English-language requirement does not guarantee admission.
PTE is generally one part of an application. Depending on the university and program, admission can also consider:
- Academic grades
- GPA
- Previous qualifications
- Required subjects
- Standardised tests where applicable
- Personal statements
- Recommendation letters
- Resume or work experience
- Portfolio or audition
- Interviews
- Program capacity
- Other program-specific requirements
Think of your PTE result as helping you satisfy an English-proficiency requirement, not as an admission guarantee.
Can You Use PTE for a USA Student Visa?
University admission requirements and immigration requirements are not the same thing.
If your university accepts PTE Academic for admission, that tells you that the institution recognises the test for its stated academic purpose. It does not mean that a particular PTE score automatically guarantees a US visa.
Before travelling, applicants should check the latest official US immigration and student-visa requirements applicable to their situation, as well as any requirements communicated by their university.
Your university’s admission letter and your English-test result should therefore be treated as separate parts of the overall study-abroad process.
How to Send Your PTE Score to US Universities
- Receive your PTE score.
- Review your overall and communicative skill scores.
- Check which universities require an official score.
- Follow the university’s score-submission instructions.
- Select the appropriate institution or recipient through Pearson where required.
- Confirm that the university has received the result.
For example, Columbia’s graduate admissions information provides instructions for submitting official English-test results, while specific programs can have their own procedures.
Always follow the instructions provided by your university rather than relying on a general score-reporting guide.
How to Prepare for PTE for US University Admission
Once you know the PTE score required by your target universities, your preparation becomes much more focused.
1. Understand the PTE Academic Format
Start by understanding the current test structure, question types, and timing. You can use our PTE preparation materials to support your study and become familiar with the skills and question types you need to practise.
2. Build Your Four Communicative Skills
Work systematically on:
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
3. Practise PTE Question Types
Use targeted practice to identify which tasks are causing the most difficulty.
4. Take PTE Practice Tests
A practice test can help you understand your current performance and identify areas that need improvement.
You can use a PTE practice test to assess your current level and identify areas that need more attention. For additional practice, explore PTE practice online resources and exercises.
5. Use Full-Length Mock Tests
As your test approaches, include full-length mock tests so you can practise timing and completing the test under realistic conditions. You can also use PTE mock tests to simulate the exam experience and review your performance before the actual test.
For students who want a smaller set of structured full-length tests, the Basic PTE Mock Test Bundle is an option.
Students who want more extensive mock-test practice can consider the Standard PTE Mock Test Bundle or the Premium PTE Mock Test Bundle.
6. Analyse Your Results
Do not focus only on the final number.
Review:
- Weak skills
- Repeated errors
- Timing problems
- Speaking performance
- Writing accuracy
- Reading mistakes
- Listening mistakes
7. Prepare for Your Target Score
Your preparation target should come from the requirements of your actual universities and programs.
Students who prefer structured preparation can also explore a PTE online course designed around systematic study and practice.
For students who want to compare different preparation options, visit our PTE courses.
For students who are just starting their preparation, the PTE Starter Package can be considered as a structured starting option.
Students looking for a more developed preparation plan can explore the PTE Essential Package.
How Much PTE Score Should You Aim For?
Instead of asking:
“What is a good PTE score for the USA?”
ask:
“What PTE score does my target program require?”
Suppose you are applying to several universities with different requirements. If one program requires a higher score than the others, you may want to use that requirement when setting your preparation target.
Also check whether the program requires minimum scores in individual skills.
You can review our PTE score comparison resource if you are comparing PTE results with other English-language testing options. A higher PTE score can strengthen your English-proficiency profile, but it does not guarantee admission.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a PTE-Accepting University
1. Checking Only the University Homepage
The university may accept PTE, but your specific program may have different requirements.
2. Assuming Every Department Uses the Same Score
This is one of the biggest mistakes international applicants make.
3. Using an Old University List
PTE recognition can change. A list published several years ago may no longer reflect current requirements.
4. Confusing PTE Academic With PTE Core
Always check which PTE test the university requires.
For US university admission, you should specifically verify whether PTE Academic is listed.
5. Ignoring Section Scores
Some programs publish minimum requirements for individual skills in addition to an overall score.
For example, UIC currently publishes both an overall PTE requirement and individual section requirements for undergraduate applicants.
6. Assuming PTE Acceptance Guarantees Admission
English proficiency is only one component of an application.
7. Waiting Until the Application Deadline
Check your English-test requirement early enough to retake the test if necessary.
PTE Accepted Universities in the USA: Quick Checklist
Before using PTE Academic for a US university application, confirm:
- The university accepts PTE Academic.
- My specific program accepts PTE Academic.
- I know the required overall score.
- I meet any individual section requirements.
- My score is still valid.
- I know how the university wants the score submitted.
- I have checked the latest official admissions page.
- I have confirmed any waiver or exemption rules.
- I understand that meeting the PTE requirement does not guarantee admission.
Conclusion
PTE Academic is a recognised English-proficiency option at many universities in the USA, but no single PTE score or acceptance rule applies to every institution.
The safest approach is:
Shortlist universities → Check your program → Confirm PTE acceptance → Check the required score → Prepare for that target → Submit your application
Pearson’s current US information confirms that PTE Academic is recognised by more than 1,500 institutions in the USA, but individual universities and programs remain responsible for their own admissions requirements.
If you are planning to study in the USA, do not choose your PTE target score from a generic list. Choose it based on the official requirements of the programs you actually plan to apply to.
If you are ready to prepare, explore PTEHub PTE courses, practise with targeted resources, and use mock tests to measure your progress before the actual exam.
