PTE Accepting Countries and Universities

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is now recognised by thousands of universities, professional bodies, and government agencies worldwide for study, work, and immigration purposes. From Australia and New Zealand to the UK, the USA, Canada, and Europe, more destinations are adding PTE to their list of approved English tests each year.

Understanding the latest PTE-accepting countries helps students, professionals, and immigrants choose the right test, whether it's PTE Academic for educational purposes or PTE Core for immigration programs, such as Canada's PR program.

PTE Accepted Countries: Academic vs Core Recognition

PTE Academic Accepting Countries

The PTE Academic is one of the most trusted English language proficiency tests for international education and skilled Migration. It is accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, and professional bodies worldwide, as well as several government agencies that issue student visas and work permits.
Because it is computer-based, AI-scored, and delivers results within 48 hours, it has become a popular alternative to IELTS and TOEFL among students and professionals. It is accepted in over 74 countries worldwide.

The top countries where PTE Academic is widely recognised.

Australia

Australia is one of the biggest supporters of PTE Academic.

• Accepted for:
• All Australian universities and most private colleges.
• Department of Home Affairs for student visas, skilled Migration, and work visas.
• Why it matters: PTE Academic is now considered equally valid as IELTS for PR and study purposes. Many applicants prefer it for its faster results and unbiased AI scoring.

New Zealand

New Zealand recognises the PTE Academic for both study and skilled migration purposes. Additionally, if you are exploring PTE-accepted countries for nurses, this is a country you can consider.

• Accepted for:
• All major universities, such as the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington, among others.
• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for work visas and permanent residency pathways.
• Why it matters: Ideal for students and skilled workers looking for an alternative to IELTS with faster results.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK has significantly expanded its acceptance of the PTE Academic.

• Accepted for:
• UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) for study visas (Student Route) and certain work visas.
• Most UK universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, King's College London, etc.
• Why it matters: PTE Academic (UKVI version) is specifically designed to meet visa requirements, making it a convenient choice for students.

United States (USA)

While IELTS and TOEFL are more traditional in the US, PTE Academic acceptance is growing rapidly.

• Accepted for:
• Over 1200 US institutions, including Yale University, NYU, Columbia University, Harvard Extension School, and more.
• Professional certifications in certain states (e.g., nursing, teaching).
• Why it matters: Students looking for a modern, computer-based test with fast results can confidently choose PTE Academic for US admissions.

Canada

Canada primarily uses the IELTS General Training and the PTE Core for immigration purposes, but the PTE Academic is widely accepted for academic studies.

• Accepted for:
• Many colleges and universities (e.g., University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Toronto, and many others).
• Some professional licensing bodies.
• Why it matters: Ideal for international students applying to Canadian institutions who prefer a digital test with AI scoring.

Ireland

Ireland has fully approved the PTE Academic as an accepted English language test for higher education and student visas.

• Accepted for:
• All Irish universities (e.g., Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork).
• Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for study visas.
• Why it matters: This makes Ireland an attractive destination for students seeking a fast and reliable test.

Germany

Germany is gradually increasing its acceptance of PTE Academic.

• Accepted for:
• Several public and private universities (especially for Master's and English-taught programs).
• Professional licensing bodies in selected fields.
• Why it matters: While the IELTS remains a common option, the PTE Academic is a good alternative for students seeking a faster and fully digital test experience.

Singapore, UAE & Other Popular Study Destinations

• Singapore: Recognised by many universities, such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU).
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Accepted by leading institutions and licensing authorities for professionals.
• Other countries: PTE Academic is gaining acceptance in Hong Kong, South Africa, Spain, Italy, France, and more.

To know how to book for the PTE exam- PTE Academic Exam Booking

PTE Core Accepting Countries 

The PTE Core exam is the latest version of the Pearson Test of English, specifically designed to assess general and workplace English skills. Unlike PTE Academic, which focuses on academic English for study abroad, PTE Core is immigration-focused and ideal for people applying for permanent residency, work permits, or professional licensing.

The top countries where PTE Core is widely recognised.

Note: Exploratory: Being considered but not officially accepted yet; Pilot stage: Limited trial use before full approval.

Canada

Canada has become the first major country to officially approve the PTE Core for immigration purposes.

• Approved by: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Accepted for:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Express Entry programs, including:
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) language requirements vary by province, but most follow the CLB levels.
• Why it matters: Canada's immigration system uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to measure English proficiency. The PTE Core → CLB conversion chart is now officially published, making PTE Core a valid and trusted alternative to IELTS General Training and CELPIP for those applying for Canada PR.

Other Potential Uses

Although Canada is currently the primary country accepting PTE Core, the test is gaining global attention among immigration authorities and professional licensing boards.

• Professional licensing: Some bodies in healthcare, engineering, and regulated professions are exploring PTE Core for English assessment, though recognition varies.
• Employer acceptance: Some international employers may consider PTE Core scores for internal hiring and job placements, particularly in roles that require English communication.
• Future adoption: Pearson continues to expand its partnerships with governments and professional boards, enabling more countries to add PTE Core to their list of approved English language tests for immigration purposes in the years to come.

Why Knowing PTE Accepting Countries Matters?

Choosing the right version of the PTE is crucial for anyone planning to study, work, or immigrate abroad. Understanding where PTE Academic and PTE Core are accepted helps you avoid delays, retakes, and additional costs.

Knowing acceptance policies allows students to apply confidently to universities that recognise PTE Academic. For immigration or professional licensing, it ensures applicants select PTE Core when required, such as for Canada PR and Express Entry.

Global rules and recognition policies change over time. Canada officially added PTE Core for permanent residency in 2023, and more countries continue to expand acceptance of PTE Academic each year. Staying updated protects your plans and helps you meet the exact language requirements for your chosen destination.

How to Select the Right Country for Your PTE Journey

1. Define Your Main Goal: Study, Work, or Immigration

• Study Abroad:
  If your focus is higher education, most global universities accept PTE Academic. Countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand are highly PTE-friendly for international students.
• Immigration & PR:
  If you're migrating for permanent residency or skilled Migration, check which countries accept the PTE Core or PTE Academic for visa purposes.
  • Canada: Accepts PTE Core for Express Entry, FSW, CEC, and most PNPs.
  • Australia & New Zealand: Accept PTE Academic Skilled Migration.
• Professional Licensing:
  Some licensing bodies (especially in healthcare and engineering) accept PTE Academic to prove English proficiency.

2. Check Which PTE Version the Country Accepts

3. Review Minimum Score Requirements

Each country sets its own minimum score thresholds for visas or universities:

• Canada PR: At least CLB 7 (PTE Core: L 60–70, R 60–68, S 68–75, W 69–78).
• Australia skilled migration: Typically, a PTE Academic score of 65+ (higher scores earn more points).
• UK universities: Varies by program; top universities may require 65 79+.

4. Consider Future Opportunities

• If you plan to study first and later apply for PR, choose a country where both study and immigration pathways accept PTE (e.g., Australia or Canada).
• If your primary goal is permanent residency, focus on countries with clear immigration policies (e.g., Canada with the PTE Core).

5. Check Policy Updates Regularly

Language test acceptance policies change often:

• Canada officially added the PTE Core in 2023 for immigration purposes, and it remains valid until 2025.
• Universities worldwide continue adding PTE Academic every year.
• Always confirm the latest requirements on official government or university websites before booking your test.

PTE Accepting Universities

 The PTE Academic test is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide. Some of the most popular include:

• Australia: University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland, UNSW Sydney, Australian National University.

• United Kingdom (UK): University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow.

• United States (USA): Harvard Extension School, Yale University, Columbia University, New York University (NYU), University of Chicago, Duke University.

• Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Waterloo, McMaster University, York University.

• New Zealand: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Massey University.

• Ireland: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork, Dublin City University, National University of Ireland Galway.

• Germany: Technical University of Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen University, University of Stuttgart, University of Freiburg, University of Hamburg.

• Singapore: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU).

Muse Read PTE Resources:

• PTE Academic Exam Fee
• PTE Academic Exam Dates

Conclusion

Understanding what PTE accepted countries are essential before booking your exam, as each destination has its own rules regarding which version of PTE Academic or PTE Core it recognises and for what purpose. Students planning to study abroad can rely on PTE Academic, which is accepted by thousands of universities across Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia, while professionals and immigrants aiming for Canada PR should choose PTE Core.