If you're looking to attend school in the UK, you'll need to pass an English test. It will change where you can apply, how competitive your application is, and how long it takes to get your visa. Many UK universities will accept PTE Academic in 2026. In fact, more than 100 UK schools accept it for both undergraduate and graduate admissions. It is accepted for both undergraduate and graduate school, and in many cases, it is also accepted for visa purposes when done correctly.
But getting in isn't enough. It's important to know how PTE works in the UK, such as which version you need, what score is good enough for your course, how sectional requirements affect your eligibility, and how your result fits into your visa application.
In this guide, we'll tell you which universities accept PTE, how score requirements work, what to expect in 2026, and how to plan your application strategically.
Overview of the PTE Exam for the UK
The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) will be one of the most important English language tests that UK universities will accept in 2026. The PTE is accepted as proof of English proficiency for both undergraduate and graduate programs at many public and private colleges and universities.
Here are the most significant PTE features:
Score Requirements: between 50 and 65, depending on the course and level of study. The test is scored on a scale from 10 to 90
Test Format & Duration: computer-based and takes 2 hours to finish all four parts, listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and results are ready in 2 days.
Why is PTE a great alternative to IELTS?
PTE has become a strong alternative to IELTS for many reasons. Many students find it easy to practice and know what to expect because it is in a structured digital format. Instead of talking to an examiner in person, you record your answers to the speaking section with a microphone. This can be less scary. The scoring system is always the same, and since everything is done on a computer, people who are good at typing and working on a screen usually do well.
UKVI vs Standard PTE
Most UK universities accept the standard PTE Academic for direct entry into degree-level programs. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has approved PTE Academic UKVI as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The UKVI version of the test has more security and reporting requirements from immigration authorities, but the content is the same for both tests.
Some people who are applying for foundation programs, below-degree courses, or schools that require a SELT must take the UKVI version. It's important to check the university's specific requirements because choosing the wrong version can slow down the visa process.
Is PTE Accepted for a UK Student Visa?
Yes, you can use PTE to get a UK Student visa, but only if you meet two conditions: the type of PTE test you took and whether the university is a sponsor.
If your university is a licensed Student visa sponsor and can give you a degree, it may be able to directly check your English level and accept standard PTE Academic for visa purposes. In some cases, like for foundation or pathway courses, you may need a UKVI-approved SELT like PTE Academic UKVI.
The main difference is that universities decide what English skills are needed to get in, but UK visa rules decide if a Secure English Language Test is necessary.
Remember to always check if your course needs the standard PTE or the UKVI version before you book your exam. This will save you time and make sure that your test result helps both your university application and your visa application.
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Minimum PTE Scores Required for UK Universities
It's important to look at more than just one number when checking the PTE requirements for UK universities. Not only do universities check your overall score, but they also pay close attention to each section (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
Most colleges and universities require students to have an overall PTE Academic score between 50 and 58 in 2026. Most postgraduate programs want between 58 and 65. More competitive schools, especially those in the Russell Group, may require scores of 65 or higher, especially for master's degrees.But the overall score is only one part of what is needed.
A lot of colleges and universities require students to get a certain score on each section of the test. For instance, a program might say that you need a score of 60 overall but at least 55 in each part. This makes sure that students are ready for school in all areas, not just one area where they are good and another area where they are bad. Writing and speaking are often the most closely watched parts of a course, especially if it involves research, presentations, or professional communication. Some subjects require a higher level of English because of rules or the nature of the field, such as medicine, nursing, education, law, journalism, and social sciences. They need higher scores, sometimes 70 or higher, or even higher minimums in writing and speaking.
Below is a general overview of 2026 expectations:
Program Level / Category | Typical Overall PTE Score | Sectional Expectations |
Undergraduate (General) | 50–58 | 50–55 per skill |
Postgraduate (General) | 58–65 | 55–60 per skill |
Competitive Programs | 65–75+ | 60+ per skill |
Medicine & Healthcare | 70–75+ | 65+ per skill |
Always check the official course page before applying, because requirements vary by each institution and course.
What If Your PTE Score Is Slightly Below Requirement?
A score that is just below the minimum does not mean you can't get in. Many universities in the UK offer structured options for students who are good at school but don't quite meet the English requirements.
Some schools offer pre-sessional English courses that help students get better at the language before they start their degree. Some schools have foundation or pathway programs that help students catch up on their studies and language skills.
In some cases, universities may give you a conditional offer that says you have to retake the test before you can enroll. It depends on how far your score is from the requirement of what the right choice is. If you're only two or three points below the overall score or a little bit below in one section, the best thing to do might be to retake the test with focused study. A pre-sessional program might be more realistic if the gap is bigger.
PTE Accepting Universities in the UK in 2026
The table below shows universities that will accept PTE scores for admissions in 2026. However, the requirements for PTE scores vary by university and program.
In general, Russell Group universities have higher standards, especially for fields that are hard to get into, like law, medicine, engineering, and social sciences.
Outside of the Russell Group, public universities often have more flexible PTE requirements, especially for business, humanities, and specialized courses.
Private universities also accept PTE scores, but the minimum requirements are usually set at the program level. You should always check the official course page to make sure.
Russell Group Universities Accepting PTE
University | Location | Typical PTE Score Range |
University of Oxford | Oxford | ~70–76+ |
University of Cambridge | Cambridge | ~70–76+ |
Imperial College London | London | ~65–72 |
University College London (UCL) | London | ~65–75 |
King’s College London | London | ~62–75 |
London School of Economics (LSE) | London | ~65–70 |
University of Manchester | Manchester | ~59–67 |
University of Warwick | Coventry | ~60–67 |
University of Glasgow | Glasgow | ~59–70 |
University of Leeds | Leeds | ~60–65 |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | ~60–70 |
Queen’s University Belfast | Belfast | ~55–67 |
University of Bristol | Bristol | ~60–68 |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | ~55–65 |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | ~56–61 |
Public Universities with Broad PTE Acceptance
University | Location | Typical PTE Score Range |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | ~59–69 |
University of Southampton | Southampton | ~58–62 |
Aston University | Birmingham | ~56–70 |
Middlesex University | London | ~57–63 |
University of Chester | Chester | ~59–65 |
Edinburgh Napier University | Edinburgh | ~51–56 |
Teesside University | Middlesbrough | ~51–59 |
University of Essex | Essex | ~42–65 |
Bangor University | Bangor, Wales | ~56–67 |
University of Hull | Hull | ~51–60 |
Royal Holloway | London | ~51–69 |
University of Exeter | Exeter | ~58–73 |
Durham University | Durham | ~58–70 |
Loughborough University | Loughborough | ~55–62 |
Queen Mary University of London | London | ~59–76 |
Private Universities Accepting PTE
University | Location | Typical PTE Score Range |
University of Westminster | London | ~55–58 |
London South Bank University | London | ~51–60 |
Northumbria University | Newcastle | ~59+ |
University of Hertfordshire | Hatfield | ~51–58 |
Birmingham City University | Birmingham | ~59–65 |
Manchester Metropolitan University | Manchester | ~59–61 |
Sheffield Hallam University | Sheffield | ~51–67 |
Nottingham Trent University | Nottingham | ~55–63 |
Cardiff Metropolitan University | Cardiff | ~51–61 |
Bournemouth University | Bournemouth | ~51–62 |
University of Portsmouth | Portsmouth | ~51–61 |
University for the Creative Arts | Multiple | ~51–56 |
Glasgow Caledonian University | Glasgow | ~51–54 |
University of South Wales | Wales | ~42–50 |
University of Cumbria | Cumbria | ~42–50 |
University of Worcester | Worcester | ~51–59 |
PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Test Is Better for UK Universities?
Most UK universities accept PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, and TOEFL iBT. All three are widely recognised, but they differ in format, scoring system, test experience, and turnaround time.
The table below shows the differences between these three tests for better decision-making:
Feature | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Test Format | Fully computer-based | Paper or computer (speaking face-to-face) | Fully computer-based |
Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours 45 minutes | ~2 hours |
Speaking Section | Recorded via a microphone | Live interview with the examiner | Recorded via a microphone |
Scoring Scale | 10–90 | 0–9 band scale | 0–120 |
Score Release Time | ~24–48 hours | 3–13 days | ~4–8 days |
AI Scoring | Yes (fully AI scored) | Human examiners | A combination of AI & human |
UK Visa (SELT option available) | Yes (PTE Academic UKVI) | Yes (IELTS UKVI) | Limited for visa purposes |
Typical UK University Requirement | 50–65+ | 6.0–7.0+ | 80–100+ |
Sectional Minimums | Often required | Commonly required | Commonly required |
Retake Waiting Period | Usually flexible | Limited test date gaps | Limited availability in some regions |
PTE to IELTS Score Conversion
A lot of students think in IELTS bands, even if they want to take the PTE. That's why knowing how the two are different can help you find the right college. Universities make their own equivalency charts, but most UK schools use general comparisons. Here is a range of conversions that people often use:
PTE Academic | Approximate IELTS Equivalent |
50 | 6.0 |
58 | 6.5 |
65 | 7.0 |
73 | 7.5 |
79 | 8.0 |
These comparisons are close, but not official guarantees. Always check the course page directly if you are using your score to guess if you are eligible.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Here are the most common mistakes students make with PTE applications:
Focusing only on the overall PTE score instead of the score for each section. A high overall score may not be enough if one skill is below the minimum level.
Thinking that all UK universities accept the same PTE. Some programs, like foundation or pathway courses, require PTE Academic UKVI. Taking the wrong version could slow down your CAS and visa.
Applying to more than one university without realistically matching your score to their entry requirements.
In ApplyKite, we help you match your PTE score to real university entry requirements. We help you find the schools that match their academic profile for you. Instead of guessing or risking getting turned down for no reason, the focus shifts to strategic matching, which means picking the right colleges based on your actual score. That way of doing things makes decisions faster, keeps your visa on track, and lowers stress a lot. Applying smart doesn't mean applying more. It's about applying correctly.
Final Thoughts
The PTE score is only one factor in deciding whether to accept someone. Colleges also look at your sectional scores, the program's requirements, and the type of course you're applying for. If you apply to schools that "accept PTE" but don't know what they want, you could get turned down for no reason, waste your time, and add stress, especially if you're on a visa deadline.
At ApplyKite, we help you make better choices by matching your score to real options, suggesting other options like pre-sessional courses, and improving your application in a smart way. You don't just apply to a lot of schools and hope for the best. You apply smartly, which gets you into the UK with a good PTE score.
