PTE, or Pearson Test of English, is an exemplary provider of secure language tests for study applications worldwide. It is also a test used for visa applications and migration in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

If you plan to study in Canada, read this blog to understand the accepted PTE scores for Canadian colleges and universities.

The Significance of PTE and How It Helps

PTE is a language test that examines ‘international’ English, not just American or British English. Its scoring system is automated, which means that you get accurate, quick, and objective scores. PTE supports students with countless practice tests to ensure maximum confidence on the test day.

The PTE is conducted on six test dates per week and is offered even on last-minute availability. Each centre where the test is conducted has no more than 10 seats. It is a two-hour test that provides results within 48 hours of taking the test. It is accepted and trusted by the Australian, the UK, New Zealand, and the Canadian Government, and more than 1000 universities worldwide.

PTE scores are accepted by more than 90% of Canadian colleges and universities, including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Western Ontario. Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also recognises PTE Core for visa applications and work.

The English Language Test is a significant requirement for international students who wish to study in Canada. PTE is one of the most popular tests. It is approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) for SDS (Student Direct Stream) applications. The PTE Academic test assesses all 4 skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking in the English language. As the test is conducted in two hours and results are obtained within 48 hours, it proves to expedite the SDS application. Also, there are over 400 test centres in more than 110 countries, so you can take the test at a convenient location.

Accepted PTE Scores for Canadian Colleges and Universities

Let us explore the PTE scores accepted by Colleges and Universities in Canada. Please note that these accepted PTE Scores mentioned below are accurate at the time of writing this blog but may change in the future.

	Canada College / University	Tests Accepted	Program Type	Minimum PTE Scores
1	University Canada West	PTE Academic or Online	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	61
2	Cape Breton University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate	59
3	Thompson Rivers University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate	58+ with no band below 62
4	Nipissing University	PTE Academic	Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate	58
5	Crandall University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate	56
6	Acadia University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	61
7	Mount Allison University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate	60
8	Saint Mary’s University	PTE Academic PTE Academic Online	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	58
9	Yorkville University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	58
10	University of Toronto	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate	65
11	The University of British Columbia	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate	65
12	University of New Brunswick	PTE Academic	Undergraduate	58
13	University of Alberta	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Undergraduate	62
14	North Island College	PTE Academic	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	54
15	Vancouver Island University	PTE Academic	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	60
17	Durham College	PTE Academic	Undergraduate	58-64
18	Loyalist College	PTE Academic	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	54 for Certificate/Diploma Programs/Advanced Diploma 60 Post-Graduate Programs/Fast-Track
19	Fleming College	PTE Academic	NA	46+ for Certificates and Diplomas 56+ for Graduates
20	Niagara College	PTE Academic	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	58 for Undergraduate Programs 60+ for Graduate Programs
22	Capilano University	PTE Academic & PTE Academic Online	Doctoral/PhD Post Graduate/Graduate Undergraduate Associates Degree Diploma Certificate Non-Award	56

How to prepare for the PTE Exam

Like any exam, the PTE exam also involves a methodical way of preparing for it. Here is a guideline you can use to prepare for this exam.

• Define your target PTE Score: Before getting right off the bat with studying the English vocabulary, begin with defining the score you wish to obtain. This will be based on the college or university where you wish to study in Canada. For instance, you must achieve a score of 56+ points in PTE Academic if you want to obtain admission and graduate from Fleming College, Central Ontario. Similarly, you must achieve a score of 60 points in PTE Academic if you want to a specific program type (Doctoral/PhD, Post Graduate/Graduate, Undergraduate, Associate Degree, Diploma, Certificate, or Non-Award) from Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada.
  
• Learn about the format of the exam: The PTE exam is divided into different sections, mainly – reading, writing, speaking and listening. The type of questions asked in each section are also unique. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the sections so you know what to expect, including the time limit given to each section.

• Download exam papers from official resources: PTE’s official website provides resources like mock tests and sample questions to study and prepare productively. You can download various resources from their site by enrolling in the PTE preparation course as well.

• Work on your English vocabulary: Read different sources in English, from newspapers to documentaries, listening to podcasts, watching English programs, lectures, interviews, conversations, etc.

• Work on your English Grammar Skills: Like any language, English too has a specific grammatical structure to follow while speaking or writing. You can learn from online grammar courses or through the use of English Grammar textbooks.

• Think and speak in English: Focus on the language of your thoughts. Even the personal conversations had with oneself may be in a native language. Try converting your thoughts into English, including your pronunciation and sound natural.

• Do a section-specific practice: You can learn English based on the format of each section. This involves practising your reading speed and accuracy, learning to skim and scan for important information, and identifying the core idea of the text. In the case of writing, work on different types of essays and summaries while paying attention to organisation, vocabulary, and clarity.

While practising speaking, record yourself and analyse the way you pronounce each word. Practise by answering several speaking prompts. Lastly, for the listening test, you can take notes while listening to audio recordings and then work on summarising key points.

We recommend you join a PTE preparation course to provide you with the guidance you need. Manage your time to study effectively and focus mainly on your practice sessions to gain confidence and minimise the stress associated with learning a new language.

At Expert Education, we can help you prepare for PTE exams, and help you achieve your dream of studying in Canada.

FAQs

• Is PTE an accepted score in Canada?

Yes, several educational institutes accept PTE scores which are assessed for the admissions process.

• Are PTE scores also accepted for permanent residence in Canada?

Yes, PTE scores are accepted and recognised by the Canadian government (IRCC) for migration, work, or citizenship visas. For this, one must check availability and apply for PTE Core. 

• What is the minimum PTE score required for a Canadian Student Visa?

You could expect to score a minimum of 50 to 60, but this depends on the level of study, program type, and university where you apply to study in Canada. Hence, before considering this score, you must first select the institute where you wish to study and apply for admission.