PTE changes 2025: everything you need to know

PTE Author
PTE Author

We’ve made a few updates to the PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI tests. To make sure you’ve got the facts, we’ve created a short video that walks you through everything you need to know.

Hosted by Jarrad, one of our product managers, this video covers what’s being updated, what’s staying the same, and how it all benefits you as a test taker.

What’s covered in the video? 

  • The original 20 question types are still in the test.

  • We are adding two new speaking question types to give you even more chance to demonstrate your skills.  

  • Tips on how to prepare for the new speaking question types.

  • There are no changes to pricing, ID requirements, or score delivery time.

  • There are no changes to the way the test is taken (including the Speaking section).

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For more information on the test enhancements, explore our test updates page.

Key takeaways

Here are some key questions and answers which are also covered in the video:

What are the PTE Academic changes? 

The updated PTE Academic test is almost exactly the same:

  • It still has the original 20 questions that you're familiar with. 

  • The format of the questions has not changed.

There are, however, two new speaking question types, and there are some minor scoring enhancements. 

Why is PTE Academic changing? 

Well, first of all, tests should change from time to time. It means they're evolving, are staying up to date with technology and society, and our understanding of how language is used. So these latest test updates will allow you to show off your English skills better than ever. 

Is PTE Academic becoming more difficult?

No, the changes are designed for test takers to showcase a broader range of English skills. But this doesn't mean the test is more difficult. It simply means that with a broader range of question types, you have even more opportunity to showcase your English skills.

Will I still get my PTE Academic score within two days? 

We know how important fast results are for you. You'll still get your scores back within two days in almost all cases. In rare instances it may take slightly longer, but we'll keep you updated every step of the way. 

Is PTE Academic still being accepted by the same institutions? 

Yes. There are no changes here. The same institutions still accept PTE. To find an up-to-date list, visit our Who accepts PTE? page.

Is the price of PTE Academic changing? 

No. The price stays the same. We do occasionally change our test prices, so for up-to-date prices by country, please visit our test centers and fees page.

Which PTE tests are impacted by the recent changes? 

The changes only affect PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI. PTE Core and PTE Home are not affected. 

Will institutions change their PTE Academic score requirements? 

Institutions do review their score requirements from time to time, so we recommend checking with your chosen institution before taking the test.

Do the ID requirements for PTE Academic stay the same? 

Yes, there are no changes whatsoever to the ID requirements that you'll need. And if you need to apply for an ID exception, please visit our ID policy page. 

Will retake limits on PTE Academic still remain the same? 

Yes, the retake limits stay the same. Please visit our retake policy page for full information. 

Has the PTE Academic booking process changed?

No, the booking process for PTE tests hasn't changed. You can still book a test online or by contacting our customer support team over the phone. 

Are the existing PTE Academic question types changing?

The original 20 question types – that is, the tasks themselves, the format, the timings, and the types of responses expected – are exactly the same. 

What are the two new PTE Academic question types? 

There are two new question types:

  • Respond to a Situation, and

  • Summarize Group Discussion

They're both speaking tasks, and you can find out more information about them on our updates page.

Will PTE Academic now be longer?

The average test duration will still be around two hours. While we have added two new questions and have increased the number of some existing tasks, it's typical for many test takers to take less than two hours to complete their test.

How should I prepare for PTE Academic?

You can still prepare for PTE Academic in the same way that you've always prepared, but we recommend that you pay close attention to the two new speaking question types and prepare specifically for how to answer these questions. Visit our PTE Academic preparation page for more information on the preparation resources we offer.  

Do you have any tips for the two new PTE Academic question types?

We have created two full length videos on the two new question types:

There is also a test tip document which will help you to prepare properly for the two new question types. 

Is the PTE Academic Score Report changing? 

No, the PTE Academic Score Report will still show your Overall , Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing scores on a scale of 10-90.

Why are you introducing more human marking in PTE Academic? 

By using the best of AI combined with the best of human expertise, you get the most accurate score. As long as you continue to provide genuine responses to all the questions, you won't notice a difference. 

Is human marking being introduced to all PTE Academic question types?  

No. Double marking – that is, human and AI scoring for content – is used for seven of the 22 PTE Academic question types. 

That question types which use double marking are:

  • Describe Image

  • Retell Lecture

  • Summarize Written Text

  • Write Essay

  • Summarize Spoken Text

  • Summarize Group Discussion

  • Respond to a Situation

Is PTE Academic still a fair test? 

Yes, absolutely. PTE Academic is still a primarily AI-scored test taken at a computer in a test center. 

A human marker will never mark your pronunciation or fluency, as these aspects continue to be marked by a machine. For these reasons, you can be sure that your accent or appearance will not be judged. 

What PTE Academic rating scales will humans use to mark my content scores? 

The human experts always use the exact same rating scales as the AI. These rating scales are published in the Score Guide.

What information can a human expert see? 

The human expert will only see your response. They will not see your photograph, and they will not know your name or where you're from or anything about you. In fact, your test is likely to be marked by multiple human experts because all the responses that require human input get distributed to different markers. It's only your English language skills that are being judged, nothing else. 

Who are these human experts? 

All PTE Academic human scoring is done by highly qualified expert raters who are managed by Pearson. 

The PTE Academic responses that require human double marking are distributed anonymously and scored at response level, so your test is likely to be marked by multiple people. 

For any response where a machine and a human score differ, a second human makes a final judgement. 

Will my accent now be judged by a person? 

No, the human expert will never score your pronunciation or oral fluency. These traits will continue to be scored only by the AI.  You can rest assured that your accent will not affect your score. 

I thought PTE Academic was an AI-powered test? It doesn't seem that way anymore. 

PTE Academic still uses an AI-first approach to scoring. Every response gets an AI score. The AI understands different accents and doesn't see what you look like. 

The human review is a small part of the process and is only used to validate the AI score on some aspects. 

If the human score differs from the AI score, a second human expert will make the final score decision to ensure the fairest, most accurate result.

What happens to my existing PTE Academic booking? 

Your existing booking remains unchanged, so if you want to change the date of your test, you can reschedule it. For more information, you can read our reschedule and cancellation policy.

How do the PTE Academic changes benefit me, the test taker? 

The PTE Academic changes are designed to assess a broader range of real-world academic skills for study and in the workplace, making the test more relevant and authentic. 

The test continues to be trusted by governments and institutions worldwide, so you can continue to use it to reach your goals.

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    Consider these 6 destinations to study abroad
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    You can still study abroad and stick to a budget. In fact, many of the cheapest countries to attend university are also some of the most beautiful places in the world.

    In this blog, we’ll explore 6 affordable international study destinations. And the great news is PTE Academic – our English language proficiency exam can help you achieve your study abroad dream at these amazing places. Let’s delve in:  

    1. Norway 

    Norway isn’t just picturesque. It’s also one of the cheapest countries to study in for international students. Most universities in Norway are publicly funded and don’t charge tuition fees – even for foreign learners. While some private universities do charge tuition – between €7000-€19,000 – international students aren’t required to pay more than Norwegians.  

    It is important to keep in mind, however, that the living costs in Norway are high. It can cost international students between €800 –€1400 per month to live in the country. But there are some grants and scholarships available to help students fund their time abroad. You can check them out here.  

    Overall, Norway offers world-class education and an excellent standard of living. Medical services are usually free for international students and many courses are taught in English, making it a great place to study abroad. 

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Norway including University of Oslo, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

    Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Norway.

     2. Malaysia 

    With high-ranked universities and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Malaysia is also an excellent destination to consider. The country boasts more than 100 higher education institutions – including branches of universities like Monash University and the University of Nottingham.  

    A bachelor’s degree for international students (not studying medicine) costs about $10,000-$20,000 USD at a public institution, and significantly more at an international branch campus.  

    However, the thing that makes Malaysia attractive is its low cost of living. Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city, is ranked by QS Best Student Cities Rankings as the second most affordable student city in the world. Rent in a shared apartment in Malaysia can cost as little as $50-$250 USD per month.  

    To learn more about how much it costs to live in Malaysia, visit the government’s website here.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Malaysia including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Malaysia. 

     3. Spain 

    Spain has a great climate, a relaxed lifestyle, and more than 70 universities to choose from. And yes, it also offers affordable tuition fees. Tuition for EU/EAA students at a public university can range from just €150-€3500.  Keep in mind though, if you’re coming from a country outside the EU/EAA, your tuition fees could be higher.  

    The cost of living for international students in Spain ranges from €700-€1,100 a month. Many courses here are also taught in English, making Spain a good choice if you’re interested in improving both your English and Spanish skills.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in Spain including Universidad de Granada. Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in Spain.

     4. France 

    France is a surprisingly affordable place for international students to study. It’s also incredibly popular – more than 350,000 students enroll in the university there each year. France’s public universities charge just €170 per year for a bachelor’s degree for EU/EAA students. But like in Spain, if you’re a non-EU/EAA citizen, fees are likely to cost more.  

    The cost of living is more expensive in larger cities like Paris. But in smaller cities, you can expect to pay around €650 per month.  

    PTE Academic is accepted at top institutions in France including Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Find out where else PTE Academic can take you in France. 

    5. South Africa

    South Africa is renowned for its natural beauty and rich culture – it has 11 official languages, which is more than any other country in the world. It’s also home to the top-rated university in Africa: University of Cape Town.  

    Tuition for a bachelor’s degree in South Africa is reasonably inexpensive compared to locations and will cost international students between €6000–€7000 per year. Living costs are also only about €550 per month. 

    Find out how PTE Academic can help you to study at University of Cape Town. 

    6. Greece 

    Last but not least, Greece is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe.  Most students from the EU/EEA can study for free, while all other students could pay up to €2000 per year. 

    Greece also boasts low costs of living. Students can expect to pay between €450-€750 per month – and some students in financial need can live on campus for free. Better yet, between studies, international learners can soak up the sun while spending time on Greece’s beautiful beaches. What’s not to love?  

    Ready to kickstart your dream of studying abroad?

    Many top-rated international institutions offer courses in English and require you to take an English language test.  

    PTE Academic is recognized by universities around the world – find out who accepts PTE Academic.

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    8 things to consider before moving abroad
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    There’s a lot to think about when moving overseas. Will you need health insurance? What identity documents will you need to apply for? And of course, where will you live and work?

    We’ve been there, and we get it! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 things to consider before moving abroad. Let’s take a look:  

    1. Understand visa requirements

    If you plan to move abroad for more than six months, you might need a visa to live, work or study. So before making any travel plans, you should visit your destination country’s immigration website to ensure you’re eligible for a visa – and understand all the requirements. Many governments, for example, require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test like PTE Academic to study or work in the country.

    If you’re looking for visa support, you may also decide to hire a registered migration agent. These are immigration professionals and can complete your visa application for you, help prepare documents, and provide advice throughout the application process.

    You can more about specific visa requirements on these government websites:

    You might be interested in reading our article: Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?  

    2. Find out if you’re eligible to work 

    Just because you’ve been granted a visa to live in a country, doesn’t mean you have the right to work full-time.

    Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work. For example, in Australia students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. In the UK, students are able to work 20 hours per week during the semester. And in Malaysia, students can also work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks longer than eight days.

    If you’re not on a student visa, it is likely you’ll have permission to work full-time. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

    In Canada, for example, permanent and temporary residents need to apply for a social insurance number after they land in the country, and it can take about 20 days to arrive.

    3. Create a budget

    Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you’re moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

    Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it’s important to have money put away to help you settle in.

    If you’re a student planning to move to Canada or the UK, we’ve put together some detailed guides that outline the living costs in each country: 

    Many governments offer cost of living calculators online, which can be a great resource for new immigrants. Take a look at New Zealand’s cost of living tool, for example.

    When you arrive, you’ll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history. 

    4. Search for housing 

    Looking for accommodation can be one of the most exciting parts of moving abroad. Once you find a place to call home, you’re able to really imagine what your new life will be like – you get to explore Google Maps from afar, check out neighborhood restaurants online, and plan where you might socialize with friends.

    If you’re moving with a work visa, your new workplace might be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Likewise, if you’re moving abroad to study, your institution should offer housing options for international students – such as on-campus apartments or other homestay partnerships. It’s also a great idea to join local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rentals.

    You might be interested in: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

    5. Discover transportation options

    Once you know where you’ll live, you can figure out how you’ll get around. Is your apartment close to public transportation? Or have you opted to live outside a city center, and will need to get around by car?

    You could be able to drive with an international driver’s license right after landing abroad. But after a few months, lots of countries will require you to apply for a local driver’s license instead. If you’re moving to a country where it snows, it might also be a good idea to invest in driving lessons to learn how to drive safely on icy roads.

    6. Apply for healthcare or insurance

    You might not be automatically eligible for health coverage in your destination country, even if it offers universal healthcare to citizens.

    In Canada, for example, each province administers its own publicly-funded healthcare. That means, if you’re a student, your eligibility for healthcare will depend on where you study. If you’re not eligible, your university should offer you insurance.

    On the other hand, if you’re on a work visa or permanent resident visa, you may be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. But, there might be a waiting period before you’re able to have access – so it’s important to buy insurance to make sure you’re covered beforehand.

    Always check with the local government in your destination country to see what your rights are regarding healthcare. It’s also important to research the mental health services that may be available once you arrive. If you’re a student, your university may offer counseling services on campus.  

    7. Keep up to date with travel regulations

    Travel regulations change quickly, so it’s essential to keep up to date on what you’ll need to do before – and after – arriving at your destination country.

    Always consult the health authorities in the country you’re traveling to ensure you follow public health guidelines – and you’ll be allowed to enter the country. 

    8. Don’t forget about the little things 

    When moving abroad, we tend to focus on the big things – like housing, work, and healthcare. But there are lots of little things to think about, too! Remember to:

    • Close your utility accounts – like internet and hydro – before leaving home (and do it before the cut-off date, so you don’t get charged extra)

    • Unlock your mobile phone so you’ll be able to use a local SIM card, and get a power plug adapter for your charger if you need one.

    • Bring a few things that remind you of home and that you won’t be able to buy abroad. Something as simple as packing your favorite face wash or snack food can make a big difference when just starting to settle in.

    Overall, getting a head-start on your travel preparations will help you to reduce stress and hit the ground running when you arrive.

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    How are PTE and IELTS different? Here’s what you need to know
    By PTE Author

    Read Time: 6 minutes

    PTE Academic is a real-world English test. This means it uses authentic source materials and a range of accents to assess natural real-world English proficiency. The test format is clearly structured, but students still need to understand the tasks in each section and know what they have to do to succeed on test day. 

    The good news is that if you’re already used to preparing candidates for IELTS Academic, you’ll easily be able to adapt to help prepare them for their PTE Academic test. 

    Let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between both tests and explore how you can adapt your test preparation classes for success in PTE Academic. 

    The structure of the tests

    The structure of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic is broadly similar. Both tests assess students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The biggest difference in structure is that for PTE Academic there is just one two-hour computed-based test for all four skills. Whereas with IELTS Academic you need to book a separate face-to-face speaking test. More on that below. The order that skills are tested in, and the way the tasks are timed and organized, is also different: