PTE, like IELTS and TOEFL, tests students for their Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading skills. Test-takers receive a score between 10-90, with 90 being the highest and equivalent to the IELTS band 9.0.
The minimum PTE score for Canada depends on various factors, including the course type and the advanced level. Typically, courses with complex information, such as Literature, Engineering, and Medicine, require a high English proficiency and, in turn, a high PTE score.
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Courses such as Psychology and Law also demand good English language skills because these courses lead to professions that require plenty of human interaction.
In this blog, we’ll discover the minimum PTE score required to study in Canada and a list of universities that accept the test.
PTE Exam Overview
| Exam pattern | -Reading and Writing Skills (54 – 67 minutes) -Listening Skills (29 – 30 minutes) -Speaking Skills (30 – 43 minutes) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Mode of test | Computer based at designated test centres |
| Score range | 10-90 points |
| Test Result | Within 2-3 days |
| Score validity | 2 years |
Canada PTE Score Requirements for Admission in 2024
The minimum PTE score for Canada is between 58-73. Below is the score requirement for various levels of degree.
| Level of study | IELTS Score Requirement |
| Diploma | 45 Overall (Min. 36 in each module) |
| Undergraduate | 50 Overall (Min 45 in each module) |
| Post-graduate | 65 Overall (Min 50 in each module) |
If your score is in the range of 85-90, you can call yourself a pro at English. With such a score, it’s possible to land any course, considering you’ve met other requirements set by the university. However, no university or government demands a score in this range.
A score in the range of 76-84 is still exceptional and indicates that you’re a natural at English. With this score range, you can attend advanced-level courses and top-ranked universities. Usually, undergraduate courses don’t ask for a score this high. This score is equivalent to bands 7-8 in IELTS.
If your PTE score for Canada is in the range of 59-75, you’ll be able to apply to the majority of the universities in Canada, as well as most undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
A score less than 55-58 might make it difficult for you to get admission.
| PTE Score | Availability of Universities based on Ranking |
| 70-79 | Majority of universities, with most ranking in the top 50-100 |
| 60-69 | Mid to High ranked universities, typically ranking in the top 80-200 |
| 50-59 | A selective number of universities, mostly ranking within the top 300-800+ |
| 40-49 | A limited number of universities, typically ranking above 400 |
Also read: PTE score for UK
List of Universities/Colleges with Minimum PTE Score for Canada
In Canada, there are many prestigious institutions which accept the PTE score for admissions. You can get admission in various different course and guess what the minimum score required is 50-60 for taking admission.
Universities with their minimum PTE score requirements for 2024:
| Name of University | Minimum PTE score for Canada |
| St. Thomas University | 50 |
| University of Ottawa | 52-55 |
| Brock University | 55 |
| University Canada West | 58 |
| Nipissing University | 58 |
| Western University | 58 |
| University of Calgary | 59 |
| Mcmaster University | 60 |
| York University | 60-65 |
| University of Waterloo | 60-68 |
| McGill University | 65 |
| Dalhousie University | 61-65 |
| Simon Fraser University | 61-65 |
| University of Alberta | 61 – 68 |
| University of British Columbia | 65- 72 |
Now that we’ve covered the universities that accept minimum PTE scores in Canada, let’s broaden our search to include colleges with similar score requirements. This wider search will empower you to pinpoint the ideal institution offering the courses you aspire to pursue.
List of Colleges with Minimum PTE Score for Canada
| Name of College | Minimum PTE score for Canada |
| Niagara College | 51 |
| Douglas College | 56 |
| Conestoga College | 58 |
| Alexander College | 60 |
| Algonquin College | 60 |
| Georgian College | 60 |
| Centennial College | 60 |
| Humber College | 60 |
| George Brown College | 60 |
| Seneca College | 60 |
The above were some of the well known universities where you can take admission in 2024. However, there might be more eligibility requirements too. Like some universities can also ask for academic scores GPA of 3.5 – 4.0. Hence, please visit the official websites to check these requirements.
You can also talk to our counsellors for a full list of universities/colleges and minimum PTE scores for Canada. Our experts can help you find the best university and course for your score range.
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Didn’t get your Ideal PTE Score for Canada? Here’s the fix!
First off, PTE and other English proficiency tests can be highly challenging, so give yourself a pat on the back for attempting it in the first place.
If your score is different from what you had in mind, don’t worry. Here are some ways to inch closer to your dream PTE score for Canada.
- Retake PTE: The most obvious choice is retaking the exam. The good news is PTE can be taken as often as you’d like but with a gap of 5 days. So, take a moment, analyse what went wrong, work on those areas and try again tomorrow.
- Consider alternate universities: Another option is to explore universities that accept your current PTE score or to research alternative courses that provide similar or greater value in the subject you are interested in.
If you need help looking for a university that accepts your score, talk to our experts and get a list in minutes.
- Consider alternate English proficiency tests: Though Canada happily accepts PTE, many universities prefer IELTS. IELTS is internationally recognised and has plenty more learning resources available online. Further, IELTS is accepted widely for PR and employment purposes in Canada.
The reason why you didn’t do well in the first go could be because the exam isn’t right for you. Research enough about other English tests and settle on one that fits you well.
At Leap, We help students choose the proper English language test; if IELTS is your test of choice, we’ll help you ace it! Talk to us today.
How to get a good PTE Score for Canada?
It all comes down to this: How to get a good score? The answer is simple: Prepare.
The best way to prep for your PTE exam depends on your learning abilities and the areas you lack. Before you start, perform a simple SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis on your language skills. Dedicate extra time to improve on your weaknesses and enough time to perfect your strengths.
Here’s what else you can do:
- Take plenty of mock tests! Pay enough time to familiarise yourself with the test pattern.
- Practice with a timer to understand how fast you need to work out the answers.
- Listen to podcasts, and note down your observations. This will help you polish your listening skills.
- There’s no better place to start reading than books and newspapers. Try to be attentive and note new words while you’re at it.
- Reading also greatly impacts the way you write. To improve your writing skills, practising is the only way. Find new prompts, and dedicate some minutes just to practice writing every day.
- To develop speaking skills, Practice speaking in English as much as possible, even if it’s just to yourself. Record yourself speaking and listen to it to identify areas where you need improvement.
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Minimum PTE Score for Canada Student Visa 2025
The minimum PTE score for a Canada student visa largely relies on the university you’re applying to. The Canadian government will allow you a student visa if you have a valid admission offer from the university.
Regarding permanent residency, Canada does not accept PTE scores yet. However, the country has recently announced that by the end of 2023, it will start accepting PTE scores for PR.
If you wish to begin your IELTS journey, talk to our experts and get started. Our IELTS courses have mock tests, live classes and a discussion forum to clarify all your queries and are taught by the best IELTS coaches in India. Book a free demo today. Until then, you can take IELTS to apply for a PR in Canada.
Final Thoughts
PTE is currently priced at ₹15,900 in India. Unlike other English proficiency tests, PTE is completely graded by AI, which reduces the possibility of grading errors. Another reason why students prefer PTE is that PTE exam results are available within just 48 hours of taking the test.
Overall, PTE is a great choice.
Are you planning to apply to universities in Canada? Talk to our experts and learn all about studying in Canada. Right from universities to scholarships, we’ll guide you through it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Is PTE accepted in Canada?
A. Yes, PTE Academic is accepted for all study routes – including for the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) route in Canada. The exam is recognized by most of the Canadian Designated Learning Institutes. PTE is the faster, simpler way of getting your letter of Acceptance.
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Q. What is PTE Academic?
A. PTE Academic is a computer-based English language proficiency exam designed to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers. The test evaluates a candidate’s ability to use English in an academic setting, with four sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening.
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Q. What is the duration of the PTE Academic exam?
A. The PTE Academic exam lasts about 2 hours. It includes speaking, writing, reading, and listening tasks, just like everyday language use. You can take a 10-minute break if needed. Managing your time well is important. This duration respects your time and helps evaluate your language skills effectively.
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Q. Is PTE accepted in Canada?
A. Yes, PTE Academic is accepted for study purposes in Canada. Many universities and colleges in Canada recognize it as proof of English proficiency for admission. Candidates applying for study programs should verify with their chosen institutions if they accept PTE Academic scores for admission purposes.
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Q. Can I retake the PTE Academic exam?
A. Yes, you can retake the PTE Academic exam if you want to improve your scores. There’s no limit to how many times you can retake it. Just remember, you need to wait at least five days between consecutive attempts. Before scheduling a retake, make sure you’ve prepared well and addressed any areas where you can improve to maximize your chances of getting the score you need.
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Q. What’s the minimum PTE score for Canada?
A. The minimum PTE score for Canadian study visa applications varies by institution and program. Generally, universities and colleges stipulate their own minimum score requirements, often ranging from 50 to 60 overall, with minimum scores in each testing section. Ensuring your score meets these requirements is crucial for admission. Always verify the specific criteria set by your chosen program and university to ensure accurate information and maximize your chances of success.
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Q. What is the PTE visa success rate in Canada?
A. The PTE visa success rate in Canada is high if your university has granted you admission based on your PTE score. The Canadian government will fully accept your PTE score in such cases. However, it’s important to note that a student visa isn’t solely determined by English proficiency tests. Other factors, such as financial stability and genuine intent to study, also play significant roles in the visa application process.
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Q. How much PTE score is required for Canada Student Visa?
A. For Canada Student Visa, the specific PTE score requirement varies depending on the institution and program. However, Canada has recently announced plans to accept PTE scores for Permanent Residency (PR) visas. Although this policy has not yet been implemented, the country aims to begin accepting PTE scores for PR by the end of 2023. Therefore, while PTE scores may not currently be directly required for student visas, they could become relevant for PR applications in the near future.
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Q. What is the minimum Canada PTE score requirement after 12th?
A. For admission to undergraduate programs in Canada after completing 12th grade, international students typically require a minimum overall score of 6.0 in the PTE Academic exam. Additionally, a minimum score of 5.5 is usually required for each individual module. Meeting these score requirements demonstrates proficiency in English and enhances eligibility for admission to Canadian universities and colleges.
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Q. How much PTE score is required for Canada after graduation?
A. For masters in Canada, the PTE score requirement can vary across universities and programs. However, similar to the IELTS requirements, a common benchmark is often a minimum overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual module. To ensure accurate information, prospective students should consult the official websites of their chosen universities for specific PTE score requirements as they may differ between institutions.
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Q. Is PTE 50 score accepted by universities in Canada for Masters’?
A. There are some of the PTE 50 scores accepted universities in Canada, like St. Thomas University and the University of Manitoba. However, admission requirements can vary between universities and programs. While some institutions may accept this score, others may have higher minimum requirements. It’s essential to research and confirm specific admission criteria for your desired universities to ensure eligibility for Masters’ programs in Canada.
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Q. Does Canada accept PTE for the student visa?
A. Yes, Canada accepts PTE for student visas, including the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) route. PTE Academic is recognized by most Canadian Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs), making it a widely accepted option for study permit applications.
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How much PTE score is required for Canada after 12th?
A. In Canada, the required PTE score after completing 12th grade varies depending on the university and program. Generally, universities expect an overall score ranging from 50 to 60 in the PTE Academic exam, with specific minimum scores in each section, including Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. It’s important to carefully review the precise score requirements outlined by your chosen university or program to ensure eligibility for admission.
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