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.
Planning to study in Canada?
Get a personalised university shortlist with courses, costs and career outcomes.
More PTE questions
- How can I manage the English language requirement for studying in Canada or abroad?
- Which payment methods can I use to pay my PTE exam fee in India?
- What is the minimum PTE score required for a Canada student visa?
- Can I request a rescore of my PTE Academic result, and which parts are rescored?
- What is the passing score for PTE Academic, and how is it scored?
- When should I plan to take the PTE exam in New Zealand for a Master's?
- What documents are required for PhD applications, including academic transcripts, work experience letters, IELTS/PTE scores, and letters of recommendation in Ireland?
- How Much Does PTE Coaching Cost, and Is Pearson's Official Practice Enough on Its Own?
More Canada questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- Which Sociology master's options in Canada suit a Sociology graduate with IELTS 7.5 for the January 2027 intake?