Choosing an English proficiency exam for university admissions

PTE Author
PTE Author
An image of a university in Australia
Reading time: 6 minutes

Applying to university or college often involves meeting an English language requirement, which can feel high-pressure when deadlines and offers depend on a single result. The best English proficiency exam for university admissions is one that your chosen institutions formally accept and that fits your application timeline.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is one such exam, designed and administered by Pearson to provide standardized, comparable evidence of academic English ability.

 

How universities decide which English exams they accept

Universities and colleges do not identify a single “best” English exam for all applicants. Instead, each institution selects a set of tests that meet its needs. It then sets minimum scores for each test that meet its language requirements. These scores are often set at program level, which means requirements may differ between undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation, or professional courses.

Because these policies can change, you should always rely on official admissions pages rather than third-party summaries when confirming requirements.

From a university’s perspective, an accepted test must produce results that are secure, verifiable, and comparable across applicants. This is why institutions focus on test design, scoring consistency, and reporting systems when deciding which tests to accept.

Further reading:

 

How test design affects how universities interpret results

Test design matters to universities and colleges because it shapes what a score represents and how reliably results can be compared across applicants. Admissions teams need confidence that scores reflect an applicant’s ability to use English in a practical, academic context, and that they are produced under consistent and fair conditions.

PTE Academic uses integrated tasks that assess multiple language skills together – such as reading and writing – which reflects how English is used in real-life university study. All speaking responses are recorded and assessed within the same computer-based session, rather than through a separate interview. This standardized design means institutions receive results that are easier to interpret and compare fairly.

Further reading:

 

Why scoring design matters for admissions decisions

Scoring design is central to how universities interpret test results, because admissions teams need to compare applicants fairly across countries, test centers, and test dates, and be confident that their English language skills are measured consistently.

PTE Academic uses automated scoring technology that analyzes features such as pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary using consistent criteria. Responses that require additional checking are reviewed by trained experts to protect accuracy and test integrity. This blended approach exists to apply the same standards to every test, regardless of where or when it is taken.

Results are reported on a scale of 10-90 (using the Global Scale of English) for overall performance and for each communicative skill. This granular level of detail allows institutions to set very precise score thresholds, mapped to the specific demands of their courses.

Because scoring is centralized and common for every test, rather than assessed locally by an individual, results are easily comparable across all test takers.

Further reading:

 

How test delivery affects the application process

Test delivery matters to universities and colleges because it determines how securely responses are captured, and how consistently the assessment is administered. PTE Academic is delivered entirely on computer at secure test centers, with all test activity conducted under the same controlled conditions.

The full test is completed in a single session, with speaking, writing, listening, and reading all recorded digitally as part of one standardized process. There is no separate speaking appointment and no paper handling, which reduces administrative variation between test centers and test dates. Other English exams may use paper-based formats, remote delivery, or in-person interviews.

While these approaches can work in different contexts, they can introduce additional administrative complexity or variability. For admissions teams, a single, computer-based delivery model makes it easier to verify and handle results across large pools of international applicants.

Further reading:

 

How results timelines affect university applications

Application deadlines are fixed, which makes results timelines an important practical consideration. PTE Academic is designed to deliver results quickly after the test is completed, typically within 48 hours. Fast reporting allows you to confirm earlier whether you have met a university’s score requirement and to send official results without delay.

PTE Academic supports electronic score delivery to institutions through a secure platform, which reduces administrative handling and helps admissions teams verify results efficiently. Most universities also require that English test scores are recent, often within two years of the application date. You should therefore consider both score validity periods and reporting timelines when choosing a test date.

Further reading:

 

How acceptance works across countries and institutions

Acceptance depends on whether a university or authority has formally recognized a test for a specific purpose. PTE Academic is accepted by universities and colleges across major study destinations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and in many other institutions globally.

It is also accepted for certain student visa pathways where proof of English proficiency is required. Acceptance can still vary by program, even within the same institution. For example, professional degrees or pathway programs may list different score requirements than general academic courses. If an admissions page lists PTE Academic with a required score, that result is treated in the same way as any other approved English test for that program.

Further reading:

 

What the end-to-end testing process looks like

The testing process is designed to be standardized from registration to score reporting. You first register online, choose a test center, and complete identity and security checks. Then, on the day of the test, all tasks are completed in one sitting, with your speaking responses recorded digitally.

After completion, your responses are scored through the centralized system, and results are released once quality checks are complete. You can then send official scores electronically to your chosen institutions, and institutions can check your score through a secure online portal. If you need to retake the test, the same standardized format and scoring process applies, which helps universities compare results fairly.

Further reading:

 

A short checklist before you choose an exam

Before booking an English proficiency exam, it helps to confirm a few essentials:

  • Your chosen program lists the test as accepted and specifies a minimum score

  • Your planned test date allows time for score reporting and a retake if required

  • Your score will still be valid on the application deadline

  • You understand how official scores are sent to institutions

Confirming these points early helps reduce last-minute risk and keeps your university application on track.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best English proficiency exam for university admissions?

The best exam is the one your chosen universities or colleges accept and that fits your application timeline. Institutions focus on whether a test produces reliable, comparable results, not on ranking tests against each other.

Is PTE Academic accepted by universities worldwide?

PTE Academic is accepted by 4,000 universities and colleges across major study destinations. Acceptance and required scores should always be confirmed directly with each institution.

How are PTE Academic results scored?

Results are generated using automated scoring supported by expert human review, which applies consistent criteria across all test takers and supports comparability for admissions decisions.

How quickly are results available?

Results are typically available within 48 hours of test completion, which supports timely application planning.

Can I retake the test if my score is too low?

Yes, you may book another test date and retake the exam, provided you allow enough time before university deadlines.

Related Content

  • EU flag 1080 px
    What you need to know about studying in the UK after Brexit
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Before Brexit, EU students enjoyed the freedom of movement to study, work and live across the European Union. The United Kingdom was a popular study destination for thousands of EU students, who were able to study at UK universities under the same conditions as British students.  

    But after Brexit, the rules have changed. Students now need visas, university fees have changed. There are also additional considerations for EU students to think about, like healthcare, and employment while studying. Let’s take a look at what it’s like for EU students to study in the UK after Brexit.  

    How to apply for a UK student visa   

    The good news is that it is still very possible for EU students to study in the UK. However, there is more paperwork involved than there was previously. In order to take up your place at a UK university, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.  

    It will cost you £348 to apply for a student visa if you’re outside the UK. That rises to £475 to apply if you’re in the UK already.  

    In order to apply, you’ll need to show that you have been offered a place at a UK university. You can show this with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document from your institution.  

    You’ll also need to show on your visa application that you speak English at the level you’ll need in order to live and study in the UK. To do so, you’ll need a score of at least 59 in PTE Academic.  

    Find out about using PTE Academic for your UK student visa. 

    The other consideration when applying for a UK student visa? You’ll need to show that you have sufficient funds to pay your course fees for at least the first year of your studies.  

    Many international students also need to show that they have enough money to cover their living expenses while studying, but EU students are exempt from this requirement.  

    Learn how to budget for student life in the UK.

    You will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge which is £470 per year, for every year of your degree. This charge allows you to use the National Health Service (NHS) during your time in the country.  

    The Graduate Route  

    If you complete your degree in the UK and you’d like to stay longer, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate route. It allows international students to stay in the UK for an additional two years after being awarded their degrees, to start their careers in the UK. If you are a doctorate-level graduate, you may apply to stay in the country for up to three years.  

    You’ll be able to look for employment, change workplace, do internships and gain valuable experience in the UK job market after graduation.  

    Student fees for EU nationals  

    Previously, EU students paid the same course fees as UK students. Post-Brexit, that is no longer the case. Now, all international students pay the same fees.  

    The amount you’ll pay for university in the UK will vary from course to course, and institution to institution. Studying English at the University of Oxford costs £32,480 per year, on average  

    But, if you choose to study English at Durham University (also a highly ranked institution) the fees are significantly lower, at £22,900 per year on average.   

    That being said, some universities are offering EU Student Scholarships: 

    • Royal Holloway University of London is offering a fee reduction scholarship, which could reduce the cost of a year’s fees from £18,100 to £12,790.  

    • The University of South Wales is also offering scholarships for EU students which reduce the cost of the fee so that EU students pay the same as British students for their courses.  

    In Scotland, there is a scholarship program specifically for EU students at Master’s level. The Saltire Scholarship will support EU students to study at Scottish universities. There are 272 scholarships available which cover a proportion of your student fees.  

    The fee for a Master’s in Gender Studies at the University of Glasgow is £20,400, for example. But, if you are awarded a Saltire Scholarship, your bursary of £8000 would reduce that fee to £4,400. You can learn more about the Saltire Scholarship here.  

    Many universities throughout the UK are offering similar bursaries, grants and other forms of support for EU students. Once you’ve created a shortlist of UK universities you’d like to study at, make sure to ask what support is available for EU students.  

    Working in the UK as an EU student  

    You might wish to support yourself by working while you’re studying at a UK university, as many students do. With a student visa, you’ll be able to work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full time (up to 40 hours a week) during the university holidays. Note that students who study full-time below a degree level can only work 10 hours a week. This information will be clearly stated on your visa once it’s approved. 

    Typical student jobs are jobs that fit around classes. This includes jobs in hospitality, courier, or tutoring jobs, among others. You could even work online, doing proofreading or translation.  

    There is a website called Student Jobs where you can have a look at the kind of jobs that students in the UK do – and see what’s available in your destination city.  

    Learn more 

    PTE Academic is accepted by the UK government for visa purposes, as well as by 99% of UK universities as proof of your English language abilities. Find out more about how PTE Academic can help you to study in the UK.

  • Image- Canada, 1080px
    Top 5 multicultural cities in Canada for international students
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Canada is easily one of the most multicultural countries in the world. The northern nation draws people from far and wide - and, for most Canadians, the international scene is a major source of pride.

    There are approximately 7.5 million people from abroad living in Canada today. Walkthrough one of the country’s many amazing cities and you’ll see people from anywhere from Jamaica to China to India. You’ll also experience celebrations, customs, music, food, and art from all over the world. Honoring the backgrounds of its citizens is just part of the Canadian way.

    The North American country invites immigrants for a variety of reasons: population growth, economic growth, and cultural diversity being some of the biggest ones. A 2020 Canadian Government report noted that immigration accounted for more than 80% of Canada’s population growth in 2019. That year, Canada recorded 341,000 permanent residents as well.

    In fact, workers from other countries represent 26% of the workforce. As for students, in 2019, more than 800,000 international students held valid study permits in Canada.

    But with so many great cities from coast to coast, many wonders: “Which are the most multicultural cities in Canada?” Below, a look at five Canadian cities that are home to the largest percentages of people from abroad.

    1. Toronto: Canada’s most diverse city 

    Among Canada’s most diverse cities, Toronto easily wins first place. It’s nearly impossible to spend a day in Toronto without mixing with people from around the world. A Statistics Canada report examined the geographic distribution of the Canadian immigrant population and found Toronto to be the top destination for new Canadians.  

    Toronto’s 2.7 million immigrants actually account for nearly half—46% to be exact—of the city’s entire population. This group represents 35.9% of Canada’s entire immigrant population.  

    That’s exactly why The BBC named Toronto the most multicultural city in the world a few years ago. In Toronto, the bustling Chinatown takes up a prominent part of the city’s downtown that it’s pretty hard to miss. Koreatown is a great place for food and fashion. Little Italy always has dozens of restaurants with mouth-watering pizzas and pastas on offer. There are also festivals like Taste of the Danforth (Canada’s largest street festival) that celebrates all things Greek, the Tamil Festival, and the Chinese Lantern Festival.  

    Studying in Toronto with a PTE Academic Score 

    If Toronto appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Toronto that accept PTE: York University, Ryerson University, Ontario College of Art & Design University, George Brown College, Humber College.  

    2. Montreal: An incredible arts scene  

    Located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is the home to 936,305 immigrants. It’s the second most diverse city in Canada. It has 12.4% of Canada’s immigrant population with folks from abroad representing 23.4% of the city’s total population. The ministry of immigration in Quebec reports that they are mostly European, Asian, or from other parts of the Americas.  

    Montreal is a great city for a variety of reasons: its arts scene is incredible, it has amazing cuisine, it’s affordable and it’s located in the culturally-rich province of Quebec.  

    And, if any newcomers want to experience this cultural diversity, the city puts on a number of festivals in summer in order to do so. There are entire weeks devoted to celebrating Japanese and Italian culture in June, for example.  

    There is also a festival of world music in early summer where bystanders can hear instruments and music styles from all over the world. The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique is also a well-known festival in which more than 100 performers put on shows celebrating culture from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.  

    Studying in Montreal with a PTE Academic Score 

    If Montreal appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Montreal that accept PTE: McGill University, Concordia University, Montreal College of Information Technology. 

    3. Vancouver: Combining city life with nature 

    Vancouver’s 989,545 immigrants represent nearly 41% of the city’s population and just over 13% of the Canadian immigrant population. Many of those people come from places like China, India, The UK, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.  

    Vancouver is arguably Canada’s most beautiful city. Those who live there get the best of both city life and nature. This is because Vancouver sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and in the mountains. It’s entirely possible to go trekking or sea kayaking during the day and settle in for cocktails and a fancy dinner in the evening. And thanks to the international community, you can expect to sit down to Chinese, Indian, or fusion foods at one of Vancouver’s many ethnically diverse restaurants.  

    Studying in Vancouver with a PTE Academic Score 

    If Vancouver appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Vancouver that accept PTE: Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia.  

    4. Calgary: Close to tourist hotspots 

    Calgary (nicknamed “Cowtown”) is one of Alberta’s most thriving areas. Statistics Canada has reported that about 5.4% of Canada’s immigrant population live in Calgary. That translates to nearly 405,000 and over 29% of the city’s total population. 

    While the Calgary Stampede festival is Calgary’s claim to fame, many other events highlight the international cultures present in the neighborhoods of Cowtown. Examples include GlobalFest, Omatsuri (a Japanese event), Fiestaval (which celebrates Latin American identity), Serbian Fest, and the Calgary International Film Festival which screens works from more than 40 countries worldwide.

    Another huge draw for those from abroad: Calgary provides the comforts of city life but is just a short road trip from main Canadian tourist destinations like Banff, Lake Louise and Kootenay National Park.  

    Studying in Calgary with a PTE Academic Score 

    If Calgary appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Calgary that accept PTE: University of Calgary, Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University. 

    5. Edmonton: A city of parks  

    Edmonton has become a hub for immigrants seeking a new home in Canada. About 4% of Canada’s immigrant population lives in the northern city representing nearly a quarter of the Edmonton population overall. Move here and you can expect dry weather and long days with late sunsets in the summer. The winter, by contrast, is very snowy and cold.  

    Edmonton locals also brag that more than 150 languages are spoken there. French, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, and Spanish are the most prevalent.  

    Edmonton is also a fairly green city with more than 460 parks. For day trips, newcomers can experience iconic locations nearby like Jasper National Park and UNESCO site Dinosaur Provincial Park—a spot famous for its dinosaur fossils.  

    Studying in Edmonton with a PTE Academic Score 

    If Edmonton appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Edmonton that accept PTE: University of Alberta, The King’s University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Macewan University.  

    PTE can make your Canadian dream a reality 

    If you’re thinking about studying in any of these top five most multicultural Canadian cities, consider using PTE as your stepping stone. The English proficiency test is recognized by some of Canada’s most prestigious colleges and universities. It also has testing centers in or near each of the cities listed above. Currently, international students can complete a test in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby (right next door to Vancouver), and Ottawa.  

    Discover where PTE can take you in Canada.

  • Image - reading book 1080px
    5 famous Canadian authors and where they went to university
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Are you thinking about moving to Canada to study? Get inspired by these talented Canadian authors and discover the universities they attended. Find out which Canadian universities accept PTE Academic now! 

    Canada inspires good writing. The northern country is home to many talented literary figures and authors whose works have been celebrated worldwide for decades. From old classics like Anne of Green Gables to newer works like Women Talking and The English Patient, Canadian literature has really made a mark.  

    But who are the masterminds behind these incredible stories? More importantly, where in Canada did they study?  

    Here, we take a look at some of Canada’s most talented writers and learn where they earned their university degrees. 

    This list includes reputable institutions from the scenic east coast, to the quiet prairies to highly-regarded schools in Ontario. And if you have yet to read these writers’ books, add them to your reading list! 

    1. Lucy Maud Montgomery  

    Lucy Maud Montgomery published Anne of Green Gables in 1908. It became one of Canada’s most famous books. The story is set in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island which is where the author was born.  

    The fictional story is about a red-haired, impulsive orphan growing up in a small eastern Canadian town. Though it was rejected by many publishers at first, the novel went on to sell more than 50 million copies. It has also been translated into 36 languages.  

    More recently, it was developed into a TV series called Anne With An E, which can be streamed on Netflix.  

    Education: Dalhousie University 

    Lucy Maud Montgomery studied at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She started her studies there at age 21 in 1895. At the time, it wasn’t common for women to be seen on campus. During her time at Dalhousie, she argued that more women should seek a university education.  

    Feeling inspired to study at Dalhousie University? The good news is that they accept PTE as proof of your English level.  

    2. Joseph Boyden  

    Joseph Boyden is a Canadian novelist and short-story writer. Boyden is best known for writing about First Nations culture. He is best known for his books Three Day Road, Through The Black Spruce, and The Orenda. In his writing career, Boyden has collected many Canadian literary prizes. These include Canada Reads, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, The Governor General’s Award for fiction, and the Canadian Booksellers Association Fiction Book of the Year. Boyden grew up in North York, Ontario.  

    Education: York University  

    He studied creative writing at York University where he was admired by a professor for his intensity and determination. He also has honorary degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, Trent University, Nipissing University, and Algoma University.  

    Do you want to follow in Boyden’s footsteps? York University accepts PTE. 

    3. Alice Munro 

    Alice Munro is one of the best authors to have ever come out of Canada. In 2013, she won the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is known and praised as being the master of the short story. Her books include Dear Life, Dance of the Happy Shades, The Lives of Girls and Women, Who Do You Think You Are and The Love of a Good Woman. When she won the Nobel Prize, she was quoted saying that she didn’t expect to win.  

    Education: Western University  

    As for her education, Munro studied English at Western University. She started at the university in 1949. She actually published her first-ever work at the university’s campus literary magazine called Folio. Munro is one of Western University’s most famous alumni.  

    If you’ve bookmarked Western University as a place to study, it also accepts PTE.  

    4. Miriam Toews 

    Miriam Toews is a bestselling author of Women Talking, All My Puny Sorrows, and A Complicated Kindness. Toews has collected many literary awards in Canada. Her major awards are the Governor General’s Award for English-language fiction, Canada Reads, and the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Her novel Women Talking is a fictional story based on a Mennonite colony in Bolivia. It became a bestseller and was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award. Toews lives in Toronto.  

    Education: University of Manitoba 

    She earned her first degree at the University of Manitoba where she studied film studies and earned a bachelor of arts degree.  

    Check out the University of Manitoba for yourself, the highly regarded institution also accepts PTE. 

    5. Michael Ondaatje 

    Michael Ondaatje is considered one of Canada’s most important contemporary writers. His novels and poetry are required reading in many Canadian schools and universities. Ondaatje was born in Sri Lanka but moved to Canada in 1962 and stayed. His most famous book is The English Patient. It’s a war-era love story set in Italy. Not only did it win the Man Booker Prize, but it was also turned into an award-winning movie in 1996. Ondaatje also wrote In The Skin Of A Lion, The Cat’s Table, and Anil’s Ghost. In addition to the Booker Prize, Ondaatje has also won Governor General’s Awards and the Giller Prize. He is also a member of the Order of Canada. Before becoming the famous author that he’s known as today,  

    Education: Queen’s University 

    Ondaatje studied ag Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1967. He’s one of the university’s most celebrated past students. Currently, he lives in Toronto.  

    Queen’s University is a great choice for international students and accepts PTE. 

    Travel to study in Canada 

    Thinking of studying in Canada? With so many incredible universities, Canada is an obvious pick for many international students. In order to secure a spot at a Canadian university though, students coming from abroad must prove English proficiency.  

    PTE Academic can help make your dreams of studying in Canada come true. The English language test is recognized worldwide. Many top Canadian universities including the ones mentioned above accept PTE scores as part of their application process.  

    Check out PTE test centers and view prices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, or Burnaby to take the first step towards your Canadian university career.