The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a widely recognized English language proficiency test, assessing candidates on a scale from 10 to 90. Understanding the PTE exam cut-off scores is crucial for aspirants aiming to study or work in English-speaking environments. These scores often determine eligibility for university admissions, visa applications, and professional certifications. This blog delves into the significance of PTE cut-off scores, their variations across institutions and countries, and offers guidance to help candidates achieve their desired outcomes.
Table of Contents
Understanding PTE Academic Scores
The PTE Academic exam evaluates candidates across four sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored individually, and these are combined to produce an overall score ranging from 10 to 90. This scoring system provides a precise measure of English language proficiency, aiding institutions and organizations in assessing a candidate’s readiness for academic or professional environments.
Also Read:
PTE Exam Fees 2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Speaking Test
How to Improve PTE Writing Task 1 & Task 2
PTE Band Score Calculation and Grading System
PTE Score Interpretation
Interpreting PTE scores involves understanding their alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR provides a standardized scale for language proficiency levels.
| PTE Score Range | CEFR Level | Proficiency Level |
| 85 – 90 | C2 | Expert |
| 76 – 84 | C1 | Advanced |
| 59 – 75 | B2 | Upper Intermediate |
| 43 – 58 | B1 | Intermediate |
| 30 – 42 | A2 | Elementary |
| 10 – 29 | A1 | Beginner |
A score above 65 is generally considered good, with many top institutions setting their admission cut-offs between 60 and 65.
PTE Exam Cut Off: Minimum PTE Scores for Academic Programs
Different academic programs have varying PTE score requirements to ensure students can effectively engage with course materials. Each institution sets its own admission criteria, so it is essential to verify specific requirements directly with the university.
Here is a generic PTE exam cut off score for different programme-levels:
| Programme Level | PTE Academic Exam Cut Off |
| Foundation Courses | Typically require a minimum score between 36 and 50. |
| Undergraduate Degrees | Often necessitate scores ranging from 51 to 60. |
| Postgraduate Degrees | Generally demand scores between 57 and 67. |
Also Read:
Best Study Materials for PTE Preparation 2025
PTE Exam Registration 2025
PTE Academic vs PTE General
How to Prepare for PTE Exam at Home
PTE Exam Cut Off: Score Requirements by Country
PTE score requirements can vary significantly depending on the country and its institutions. In this section, we will explore PTE exam cut off or score requirements for countries accepting this English proficiency test.
PTE Score Requirement for United States
In the USA, PTE score requirements differ across universities and programs. Here are the details:
- Bachelor’s Programs: Minimum scores typically range from 50 to 65.
- Master’s Programs: Often require scores between 55 and 70.
- Associate Degree Programs: Typically, a minimum score of 45 to 55 is required.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs: Generally, a score between 65 and 75 is expected.
- Professional Programs (e.g., Law, Medicine): Highly competitive programs may require scores of 70 or higher.
PTE Score Requirement for United Kingdom
UK universities also have varied PTE score requirements, which are mentioned in this section. Also, it is important to note that specific score requirements depend on the course and level of study. Here is a general overview:
- Foundation Courses: Minimum PTE exam cut off of 43 is required.
- Undergraduate Programs: Usually requires PTE scores between 50 and 60
- Postgraduate Programs: PTE score requirement generally ranges from 57 to 69.
- MBA: Often require 65 or higher PTE score.
PTE Score Requirement for Australia
PTE Academic is widely accepted by Australian universities as proof of English language proficiency. The required PTE scores vary depending on the program level and the specific institution. Below is a general overview:
- Diploma Programs: Typically, a minimum overall score of 45 is required.
- Undergraduate Programs: Minimum scores between 50 and 58.
- Postgraduate Programs: Scores ranging from 58 to 68.
- Associate Degree Programs: Generally, a minimum overall score of 50 is expected.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs: Often, a PTE exam cut off score of 65 is required.
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses: Typically, a minimum overall score of 42 is required.
Also Read:
PTE Exam Pattern 2025
PTE Syllabus 2025
PTE Test Dates India 2025
Duolingo English Test 2025
PTE Exam Cut Off for Top Universities
Understanding PTE academic score requirements is crucial for international students aiming to enroll in top universities across PTE-accepting countries. Here is a list of renowned universities along with their minimum PTE exam cut off scores:
United States
The following table enlists PTE score requirements for top US universities:
| Top US Universities Accepting PTE | PTE Exam Cut Off Score | Details |
| Harvard University | 75 | Applicable for master’s programs in Business and Law. |
| Stanford University | 68 | Required for master’s programs in Education, Engineering, and Humanities. |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 65 | Recommended score of 70 for Engineering and Technology programs. |
| Columbia University | 68 | Applicable for various graduate programs. |
| University of California, Berkeley | 65 | Required for various graduate programs. |
| University of Southern California | 61 (Master’s), 68 (PhD) | Specific to program level. |
| New York University | 65 | Applicable for various graduate programs. |
| University of Illinois, Chicago | 54 | Applicable for various graduate programs. |
United Kingdom
Here are PTE exam cut off scores of top UK universities:
| Top UK Universities Accepting PTE | PTE Exam Cut Off Score | Details |
| University of Oxford | 67 | Required for Business and Law programs. |
| University of Cambridge | 60-70 | Required for Engineering and Science programs. |
| Imperial College London | 62 | Applicable for Engineering, Technology, and Medicine programs. |
| University College London (UCL) | 67 | Required for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences programs. |
Australia
Here is a list of top universities in Australia accepting PTE score:
| Top Australian Universities Accepting PTE | PTE Exam Cut Off Score | Details |
| University of Melbourne | 72 (Postgraduate), 64 (Undergraduate) | No band score less than 65 for postgraduate and 60 for undergraduate programs. |
| University of Sydney | 68 (Postgraduate), 61 (Undergraduate) | No band score less than 54 for both levels. |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 65 | No band score less than 54 for both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. |
| Monash University | 65 (Postgraduate), 58 (Undergraduate) | No band score less than 54 for postgraduate and 50 for undergraduate programs. |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 64 | No band score less than 60 for both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. |
| University of Western Australia | 64 | No band score less than 54 for both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. |
Canada
The following table lists PTE exam cut off for top Canadian universities:
| Top Canadian Universities Accepting PTE | PTE Exam Cut Off Score | Details |
| University of Toronto | 65 | Applicable for Business and Engineering programs. |
| University of British Columbia | 65 | Required for Science and Arts programs. |
| McGill University | 63 | Applicable for Law and Health Sciences programs. |
| University of Alberta | 61 | Required for Engineering and Education programs. |
Also Read:
IELTS Syllabus
IELTS Exam 2025
How to Prepare for IELTS Exam at Home
How to Achieve PTE Exam Cut Off Score?
To meet the PTE exam cut-off scores required by your desired institution or program, consider the following strategies:
- Understand the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the exam structure and types of questions.
- Practice Regularly: Engage in consistent practice to enhance your skills across all sections.
- Utilise Official Resources: Use study materials and practice tests provided by Pearson PLC Group to ensure alignment with the actual exam.
- Seek Feedback: Consider enrolling in preparatory courses or seeking feedback from instructors to identify and improve on weak areas.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cut off marks for PTE exam?
Ans: PTE does not have a universal cut-off mark, as requirements vary by institution and country. Generally, universities set their own minimum scores, typically ranging from 50 to 65 for undergraduate programs and 58 to 79 for postgraduate courses. Visa requirements also influence the required scores.
Q2. How much is 52 in PTE score?
Ans: A PTE score of 52 is considered a moderate proficiency level, equivalent to a 6.0 in IELTS. It indicates that the test-taker has a competent understanding of English but may need improvement in complex language structures. Many universities accept a 52 PTE score for diploma or foundation programs.
Q3. How much is 6 each in PTE?
Ans: A 6.0 band score in IELTS is approximately equivalent to a PTE score of 50-58. If a university or visa application requires “6 each,” it means the applicant must score at least 50 in each section of PTE (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) to demonstrate balanced English proficiency across all skills.