PTE Exam Dates 2026: Availability, Booking Process & How to Check Slots
Are you planning to study abroad or migrate to countries like Australia, Canada, or the UK? One of your first major milestones is securing your English proficiency test date. Unlike many other standardized tests that have fixed annual schedules, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) offers incredible flexibility.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about PTE exam dates, how to check seat availability in real-time, and the best time to book your slot to ensure you meet your visa or university deadlines.
📅 When Are PTE Exam Dates Available?
The most common question aspirants ask is: "Is there a specific month for the PTE exam?"
The short answer is No. The PTE exam is conducted throughout the year.
Frequency: Exams are held almost every day of the week (varies by center).
Flexibility: You can often find dates for the same week or even the next day.
Test Centers: With hundreds of centers globally (including major hubs in India, Australia, and the UK), slot availability is generally high compared to IELTS or TOEFL.
Note: While dates are flexible, peak seasons (usually before university intake months like September and January) see slots filling up fast. We recommend booking at least 15-30 days in advance to get your preferred time and center.
🔍 How to Check PTE Exam Dates & Availability (Step-by-Step)
You do not need to pay the exam fee just to check availability. Follow these steps to find open slots near you:
Visit the Official Website: Go to the
Pearson PTE website Create/Login to 'My PTE' Account: You must have an account to view live schedules. Ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
Click "Book a Test": Select your goal (Study, Work, Join Family, or Settle).
Select Test Type: Choose between PTE Academic or PTE Core (more on this below).
Search Location: Enter your city or zip code.
View Calendar: You will see a calendar view.
Available Dates: Usually highlighted in blue or bold.
Time Slots: clicking a date reveals times (e.g., 09:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 04:00 PM).
📝 PTE Academic vs. PTE Core: Which Dates to Book?
When booking, ensure you select the correct test type. Booking the wrong test may lead to rejected visa applications.
| Feature | PTE Academic | PTE Core |
| Purpose | Study Abroad (Universities) & some Work Visas. | Migration & Permanent Residency (specifically Canada). |
| Content | Academic English (Lectures, Essays). | General/Vocational English (Emails, Real-life scenarios). |
| Availability | Daily at most centers. | Daily at most centers. |
| Accepted By | Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada (Study). | Canada (IRCC for PR), UK (Work). |
Important: Both tests usually share the same test centers and date pools. Just ensure you select the right exam code during registration.
💰 PTE Exam Fees & Rescheduling Policy (2025-2026)
Did you know that rescheduling your exam too late can cost you the full fee? Here is the breakdown of the costs involved.
Current Exam Fee (Approximate):
India: ₹17,000 INR
Australia: $445 AUD
UK: £230 GBP
(Fees are subject to change by Pearson; always check the official checkout page).
Rescheduling & Cancellation Rules:
Life happens. If you need to change your PTE exam date, here is how the refund policy works:
More than 14 days before the test:
Reschedule: Free of charge.
Cancel: Full refund (minus a small cancellation fee).
7 to 14 days before the test:
Reschedule/Cancel: You lose 50% of the fee.
Less than 7 days before the test:
Reschedule/Cancel: No refund. You pay the full fee again.
🚀 Pro-Tips for Booking Your Slot
The "24-Hour" Advantage:
PTE allows you to book a test as late as 24 hours before the exam (subject to seat availability).8 However, a "Late Booking Fee" may apply if booked within 48 hours.9
Morning vs. Afternoon Slots:
Morning (9 AM - 11 AM): Best if you are a fresh riser.
Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM): Good if you need a slow start to the day.
Tip: Check your energy levels during your mock tests on pteguideapp.com to decide which time suits you best.
Check Multiple Centers:
If your nearest center is fully booked, check centers in neighboring cities. A short travel trip is better than missing a university deadline.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I change my PTE exam date after booking?
Yes, you can reschedule via your MyPTE dashboard.10 It is free if done 14 full days before the test date.11
Q: Are PTE exam dates open on weekends?
Yes, most Pearson VUE centers operate on Saturdays, and some even on Sundays, depending on demand and location.12
Q: How often can I take the PTE exam?
You can take the PTE as many times as you want. However, you must wait until you receive the scores of your previous test (usually within 2 days) before booking the next one.
Q: Is "PTE Academic Online" (Home Edition) still available?
Pearson has significantly scaled back the acceptance of the Online (Home) version for major visa purposes. We strongly recommend booking a test center slot to ensure your score is accepted for visas in Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Ready to ace your PTE?
Don't just book your date—prepare to succeed! Download PTE Guide App today for AI-scored mock tests, real exam templates, and daily practice material to ensure you get your target score on the very first attempt.
