What is the PTE exam score requirement for a Canadian study visa for a master's program?
Canada's study visa has no fixed PTE cutoff, but for a master's program you should generally aim for 60 to 65 overall, with no individual section below 50 to 55. Note that PTE only works for the Non-SDS route, since the faster Student Direct Stream still requires IELTS Academic scores.
Your Canadian study visa itself does not enforce one universal PTE score, since your real target depends on the Designated Learning Institution you are applying to. For a master's program, though, you should plan around an overall PTE Academic score of 60 to 65, with every section comfortably above 50.
Typical PTE Requirements by University
| University | Typical PTE Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 65 to 72 |
| McGill University | 65 and above |
| University of Waterloo | 60 to 68 |
| University of Alberta | 61 to 68 |
| York University | 60 to 65 |
Rules You Must Get Right
- Take PTE Academic for your university application, not PTE Core, which is reserved for permanent residency and work visas
- PTE Academic works only under the regular Non SDS application track
- If you want the faster Student Direct Stream, you need IELTS Academic instead of PTE
- Your PTE result stays valid for two years from your test date, so plan your timeline around that window
My Advice
Before you book your PTE, check your specific university's department page rather than relying on the general range, since Business and Engineering programs at the same school often demand a higher score than the university minimum. If you are even slightly unsure which stream fits you, confirm with your counsellor before choosing between PTE and IELTS.
More expert answers
You’ll typically need a PTE Academic score of 60 - 70 overall for admission to public health master’s programs in Canada, with no section below 50 - 60. For example, some universities require at least 60 in each component.
For the Canadian study permit (student visa), IRCC accepts the PTE score that meets your university’s admission criteria - there’s no separate minimum for the visa.
Aim for scores at the higher end of this range, as public health programs are competitive.
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