PTE Accepted Universities 2026: Complete List for USA, UK, Canada & Australia
Are you wondering where your PTE score can take you? The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is now one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world.
If you are planning your study abroad journey for 2026, this guide covers the top PTE accepted universities, the minimum scores required for admission, and which countries officially recognize the test for student visas.
🌍 Which Countries Accept the PTE Exam?
The short answer is: Almost all major study destinations.
As of 2026, over 70 countries accept the PTE Academic for university admissions and, in many cases, for immigration and work visas. The top destinations include:
United States of America (USA)
United Kingdom (UK)
Australia (Accepted for both study and PR visas)
Canada (Accepted for Student Direct Stream - SDS and PR via PTE Core)
New Zealand
Ireland & Germany
Let's break down the top universities in the big four study destinations.
🇺🇸 PTE Accepted Universities in the USA (2026)
The USA has seen a massive surge in PTE acceptance. Over 1,500 American universities now accept PTE scores for both undergraduate (Bachelor's) and postgraduate (Master's) programs.
Tier 1: Elite & Ivy League Institutions (Target Score: 68 - 76+)
If you are aiming for the best, you will need a highly competitive score.
Harvard University: 70–76+ (Accepted by select graduate schools like Business and Public Policy)
Yale University: 68–70+
Columbia University: 68–70+
New York University (NYU): 65–70+
Tier 2 & 3: Popular State & Research Universities (Target Score: 50 - 65)
These universities offer excellent academics with slightly more accessible entry requirements.
University of Southern California (USC): 61+
Arizona State University (ASU):
53–60 University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC): 54+
Pace University: 52–54+
Colorado State University: 40–50+ (Varies heavily by program)
Pro Tip for USA: If you are scoring in the 50-55 range, target universities like UIC, Pace, and ASU, which often accept mid-range scores for STEM and business programs.
🇬🇧 PTE Accepted Universities in the UK (2026)
The UK Home Office recognizes PTE Academic for Tier 4 Student Visas. Notably, 99% of UK universities accept the exam.
Top UK Universities & Minimum Score Requirements
University of Oxford: 76 Overall (Minimum 66 in each communicative skill)
Imperial College London: 69 Overall (Minimum 62 in each skill) for PG; 62 Overall for UG
University College London (UCL): 76–80 Overall
University of Warwick: 60–70 Overall
The University of Manchester: 59–70 Overall (Depending on the specific course)
University of Birmingham: 64 Overall (Minimum 59 in all four skills)
Note: For UK foundation courses or below-degree-level studies, ensure you book the PTE Academic UKVI, which is specifically designed to meet UK visa regulations.
🇦🇺 PTE Accepted Universities in Australia (2026)
Australia is the undisputed capital of PTE. 100% of Australian universities accept the PTE, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs fully recognizes it for all visa categories.
Group of Eight (Go8) Universities
The University of Melbourne: 64 (UG) – 72 (PG)
The University of Sydney: 61 (UG) – 68 (PG)
UNSW Sydney: 65+ Overall
Monash University: 58 (UG) – 65 (PG)
Australian National University (ANU): 64 Overall
Regional & Mid-Tier Universities
Macquarie University: 58+
Deakin University: 58+
Charles Sturt University: 50+
Central Queensland University: 46+ (Excellent for pathway/foundation programs)
🇨🇦 PTE Accepted Universities in Canada (2026)
Canada has officially embraced the PTE.
Top Canadian Universities Accepting PTE
University of Toronto: 60–78 Overall
University of British Columbia (UBC): 60–65 Overall
McGill University: 60–70 Overall
University of Waterloo: 60–70 Overall
University of Alberta: 60–68 Overall
McMaster University: 60 Overall
(Remember: For Canadian Permanent Residency or migration, you must take the PTE Core exam, not PTE Academic).
📝 3 Golden Rules Before Sending Your Scores
Check Sectional Cut-offs: A high overall score isn't always enough. Many top universities (especially in the UK and Australia) require a minimum score in each communicative skill (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening).
Verify Program Specifics: An engineering program at a university might require a PTE score of 58, while the same university's nursing or education program might require a 65 or higher.
Score Validity: PTE scores are valid for two years for university admissions.
Ensure your score won't expire before your intake date.
Are you ready to achieve your target score?
Getting into your dream university requires the right preparation. Download the PTE Guide App today to access full-length mock tests, practice real exam questions, and get instant AI-generated score reports to track your progress!
