Which English tests do universities accept for international students?

Looking to make the land of mountains and maple syrup your home? From bustling cities to charming small towns, Canada offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning to study in one of Canada’s top universities or you’re a skilled worker looking to build your career, here’s our guide to finding the perfect place to call home.

The big players: Canada's metropolitan powerhouses

Moving to Canada doesn’t mean choosing between city life and nature. Many of Canada’s major cities have stunning views right on their doorstep. You’ll pay more for living in Canada’s biggest cities, but you’ll also enjoy a thriving international community and endless things to do.

Toronto: foodie heaven

The capital of Ontario is home to the postcard-famous CN Tower and more food options than you can count. Toronto is perfect for career-focused individuals who love a fast-paced lifestyle.

It’s also where you’ll find the top university in the country Toronto University.

Vancouver: nature meets city chic

Nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a dream for nature lovers who crave urban sophistication.

This West Coast gem offers endless outdoor adventures, from skiing Grouse Mountain to kayaking in English Bay, all just minutes from downtown.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods buzz with cultural flair, boasting a thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and bustling markets Granville Island.

Montreal: bilingual beauty

Craving croissants and culture? Montreal's got you covered! This bilingual city offers the perfect blend of Old World charm and New World opportunities.

The rent is surprisingly reasonable (by big city standards), and the poutine is a must-try for any foodie.

For the budget-conscious: hidden gems

Canada’s not just about the big three — there are many beautiful places just a step or two off the beaten path that can help you save money while building your new life in Canada. Keep in mind that the further north you go, the colder it will get!

Halifax: ocean views without big bills

Over in eastern Canada, this Atlantic port city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Stroll along the bustling Halifax Waterfront, where historic warehouses have been transformed into shops, cafes, and galleries. Fresh seafood is a local specialty, with countless restaurants serving up everything from lobster rolls to fish tacos.

Warm summers call for a visit to Chocolate Lake Beach or a ferry ride to explore picturesque Dartmouth. With friendly locals, excellent universities, and a laid-back vibe, Halifax is a seaside haven that won’t break the bank.

Winnipeg: an arty escape

At the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Winnipeg shines as the vibrant capital of Manitoba.

This prairie city punches well above its weight in culture, with events like the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet keeping locals entertained year-round, while the Exchange District’s stunning architecture houses buzzing cafes, art studios, and theatres.

Winter doesn’t dampen the spirit here — it’s embraced with outdoor skating trails and the enchanting Festival du Voyageur. With nearly 800,000 resilient residents and an affordable cost of living, Winnipeg offers both creativity and community to those willing to brave its long winters.

For the career-focused: cities of opportunity

From oil workers to healthcare professionals, there are many opportunities to further your career in Canada. Good news for professionals looking to relocate to Canada: PTE Core is now accepted for all economic migration visas, making your journey to Canada smoother than a frozen lake in January! Take a look at these career-friendly cities.

Calgary: where oil money meets mountain air

In the heart of Alberta, Calgary is a booming city where opportunity meets outdoor adventure. With a thriving energy sector powering its economy, this city attracts professionals seeking lucrative careers.

On weekends, trade your desk for the Rocky Mountains, just an hour’s drive away, offering hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The Calgary Stampede brings cowboy vibes, while its modern downtown and craft breweries keep it contemporary.

And here’s the cherry on top: no provincial sales tax means your hard-earned dollars go even further.

Ottawa: government jobs and gorgeous falls

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa combines political prominence with a charming, laid-back vibe. Jobs in federal government and high-tech industries ensure stability and competitive salaries.

History buffs will love Parliament Hill, while nature lovers can take in stunning views at nearby waterfalls or bike along the scenic Ottawa River Pathway. Winter transforms the iconic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink, perfect for a commute on blades.

With bilingual culture, excellent schools, and lush green spaces, it’s easy to see why Ottawa consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada.

For the culture vultures: cities with a creative side

Quebec City: culture & croissants

Quebec City brings a slice of Europe to Canada with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old French architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque maze of charming shops, cafes, and bistros where you can savor fresh croissants and classic poutine.

Festivals like Carnaval de Québec keep the city buzzing, while local art galleries and theaters celebrate its Francophone heritage. Brushing up on your French will make it easier to enjoy the warm, welcoming community and embrace the city’s distinct identity, making Quebec City a top pick for lovers of culture and history.

Victoria: British vibes with Pacific views

Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, blends Old World charm with laid-back West Coast flair. This picturesque city is rich in culture, offering everything from afternoon tea at the historic Empress Hotel to world-class museums and galleries.

Its stunning harbor is a hub for whale-watching tours, while Beacon Hill Park’s gardens and trails provide a serene escape. Foodies will love the farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and seafood straight from the Pacific.

Moving to Canada

Whether you’re in search of a top student experience or the perfect place to build a career, Canada has a spot you can call home. Wherever you choose, remember to embrace the local culture, buy a good winter coat, and never, ever say you prefer American beer!

Ready to make the move? PTE is the stress-free way to start your Canadian adventure.

With PTE Academic accepted by 98% of Canadian universities and PTE Core accepted for all economic migration visas.

Find out why PTE is the faster, fairer, simpler choice for your move to Canada.

The "Describe Image" task in the PTE Academic can be challenging, but we are here to help you prepare. Here are some key do's and don'ts: 

What to do 

1. Use your preparation time wisely 

• Before the recording starts, use your preparation time to identify the key trends and the most significant trend in the image. This will help you focus your response on the most important aspects. 

2. Speak for 30-40 seconds 

• Aim to speak for 30-40 seconds. This duration is ideal for covering the key features without rushing or running out of time.

3. Incorporate numbers 

• Use numbers from the image in your spoken response. Mentioning specific data points can make your description more precise.

What not to do 

1. Avoid memorized responses 

• Do not use memorized responses or templated sentences. Such responses can lead to a score of 0 for content. If this happens, your fluency and pronunciation will not be scored either. 

2. Don't try to mention every feature 

• Focus on the key features of the image. Prioritize the most significant trends and data points within the 40 seconds. 

3. Don't spend too much time on labels

• While it's important to mention labels, don't spend too much time describing them. Instead, focus on the trends and data they represent. 

4. Avoid adding personal opinions

• Stick to describing the elements you can see in the image.  

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can tackle the "Describe Image" task in the PTE Academic test with confidence.    Need more help preparing for PTE Academic? Visit our PTE Academic Preparation page.

Want to explore the other PTE Academic question types? Check out our PTE Academic Question Bank for over 300 sample questions with model answers.

Whether you’re looking to create a new life down under or make your own American dream a reality, one of the first hurdles is proving you’ve got the right English language skills.  

English proficiency exams cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and it will come as no surprise that it’s the speaking part of the test that people worry the most about.  

With PTE there is no face-to-face speaking test to stress about, taking away the concerns around what to wear and whether you will get on with your examiner. Also remember that PTE’s automated scoring technology is trained to understand over 120 different accents so that is one less thing to worry about.  

However, it is still daunting, which is why we’ve put together some tried and tested top tips to help you feel confident for the speaking section of PTE.  

What to expect in the PTE speaking section

Learning what to expect from each section of the test can help ease anxieties and allow you to prepare properly. PTE is made up of three sections:

1. Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes) 

2. Reading (30 minutes) 

3. Listening (30 minutes) 

 The Speaking & Writing section is then split into 8 tasks: 

1. Personal introduction  

2. Read aloud 

3. Repeat sentence 

4. Describe image  

5. Re-tell lecture 

6. Answer short question  

7. Summarise written text 

8. Essay  

For more information on specific instructions for each task, you can review the test format and scoring criteria.

Building your English-speaking confidence

Feeling confident speaking English takes time and patience. Here are four ways to help you feel prepared for the PTE speaking section.

1. Complete short practice activities every day 

When something feels new and unfamiliar it can be stressful. Build your familiarity and comfort levels by setting aside time each day to complete short practice activities. It’ll help you learn what to expect from each task, keeping you calm and giving you more time to focus on providing a clear answer on test day.  

2. Immerse yourself in English  

Surrounding yourself with English-speaking TV shows, audiobooks, and podcasts is a fantastic way to build your vocabulary and practice your listening skills on a daily basis. The more you listen to English, the more you familiarize yourself with the language. You may also find yourself picking up new vocab and phrases that come in handy on test day. To take your speaking and listening skills to the next level, find a range of shows with different accents — American, British, Australian — to really tune into the English language.  

3. Find a language exchange partner  

Having conversations in English is one of the best ways to hone your language skills and build your speaking confidence. Look online to find a language tandem or see if there are partnership opportunities in your local area to help you get that real-life “I did it” confidence of being understood and connecting in another language. 

4. Use speech recognition technology 

If you’re struggling to find a language partner, look for language-learning apps like Mondly by Pearson that use technology to practise speaking and pronunciation. Some people actually find it easier talking to a computer rather than having the pressure of a real human, so it can be a great way to build confidence if you’re feeling nervous about speaking up.

There’s no need to pick just one of these ways — try out several to see which works best for you or combine multiple ways of practicing to make sure you’re at your confident best on test day.  

Tips for during the speaking section   

You’ve done all your preparation, you’re feeling confident, now you’re in the test center ready to show everyone what you can do.

Here’s how to make sure that practise shines through during the speaking exam:  

• Utilize spare time  

During the test, make use of the few seconds before each recording begins to properly read the material and mentally prepare your answer.

• Pay attention to punctuation

Punctuation helps you decide where to pause and change your intonation. Good pausing techniques can help you read more fluently and give more meaning to the text.  

• Stress the important words 

Add more emphasis to the words you think are important. Try to copy the tone and intonation of recordings to replicate the patterns of the sentences you hear.   

• Listen to the phrasing  

Pinpoint the most meaningful parts of the sentence and remember those phrases. You’ll be scored on correct word sequences, so remembering words as phrases will help you.  

• Don’t rush 

Remember to stay calm, speak clearly and try not to rush to make sure that your recording showcases the very best of your speaking ability.

Take advantage of our preparation resources 

We want PTE to be the worry-free way to start your new chapter. That’s why we offer a range of preparation preparation packages, which include a mixture of Scored Practice Tests, our Question Bank and our Official Guide to PTE Academic.

You can also make the most of our free resources, including our Taster Test, which offers five questions in five minutes with instant feedback. For those who are juggling priorities, our free Practice App is perfect for preparing on the go.  

Looking for more PTE tips? Take a look at our guides on what to expect on test day and how to prepare for PTE Academic.