Score High in PTE. Study Globally with Vibedu.
Boost your SAT score with expert guidance from Vibedu. Our personalized prep programs help you stand out in global university admissions and turn your study abroad dream into reality.
Master the PTE: Your Complete Guide to Success
Everything you need to know about the Pearson Test of English
What is PTE
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language test accepted by universities, colleges and governments around the world. The PTE Academic test assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers who want to study or work in English-speaking environments.
PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of academic programs worldwide and approved by the Australian and New Zealand governments for visa applications. The test takes approximately 2 hours to complete and assesses real-life English skills through 20 different task types that reflect how language is used in academic environments.
PTE Test Structure
The PTE Academic test has three main parts: Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes), Reading (29-30 minutes), and Listening (30-43 minutes). The Speaking section includes tasks like reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, and answering short questions. The Writing section includes summarizing written text and writing an essay.
The Reading section includes multiple-choice questions, re-ordering paragraphs, and filling in the blanks. The Listening section includes summarizing spoken text, multiple-choice questions, filling in the blanks, and writing from dictation. All sections are computer-based and use automated scoring for objective assessment.
PTE Scoring System
PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10-90 points, with 10 being the lowest and 90 being the highest. Scores are based on performance across all test items, with each item contributing to the overall score as well as to relevant communicative skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing).
Results are typically available within 2 business days. The test uses automated scoring which ensures unbiased and consistent results. Most universities require scores between 50-65 for undergraduate programs and 60-75 for postgraduate programs. The scoring system provides a detailed breakdown of language skills to help identify strengths and weaknesses.
Test Dates & Locations
PTE Academic tests are available year-round at authorized test centers in over 50 countries worldwide. Tests can be scheduled as little as 24 hours in advance, though it's recommended to book at least 2-3 weeks before your desired test date to ensure availability.
The test fee varies by country but typically ranges from $150-$210 USD. Test takers can reschedule or cancel their test up to 14 days before their appointment for a partial refund. There's no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must wait at least 5 days between attempts. Results are valid for 2 years.
PTE Preparation Tips
Effective PTE preparation should focus on all four language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Begin by taking an official practice test to identify your current level. Focus on improving your pronunciation, fluency, and time management as these are crucial for the computer-based format.
Use official PTE preparation materials and practice with the question types you'll encounter. Record yourself speaking to improve pronunciation and fluency. For writing, practice summarizing texts and writing essays within the time limit. On test day, arrive early, bring valid identification, and speak clearly into the microphone during the speaking section.
Why Choose Our PTE Program?
The Complete Solution for PTE Academic Success
Proven Results
Our students achieve an average score increase of 15-25 points, with many improving by 30+ points. 92% of our students reach their target score within 2 months of preparation.
Expert Instructors
Learn from PTE specialists with 10+ years of teaching experience. Our instructors have helped thousands of students achieve scores for visas, universities, and immigration.
Comprehensive Materials
Access to 2,500+ PTE practice questions, 15 full-length mock tests, 120+ video lessons, and AI-powered scoring for speaking and writing practice.
AI-Powered Feedback
Our platform analyzes your speaking and writing responses with AI, providing instant scoring and detailed feedback to help you improve faster.
Test Strategies
Master proven templates for Describe Image, Retell Lecture, and Essay tasks that help you maximize scores even under time pressure.
Dedicated Support
24/7 access to instructors via chat, weekly speaking practice sessions, and detailed performance analytics after every practice test.
PTE Academic Preparation
Comprehensive preparation program with proven strategies to help you achieve your target score for university admissions, visas, and career advancement
Fast Results & Recognition
Get your scores typically within 48 hours, with results accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide.
Quick Turnaround
Results in 1-2 business days, ideal for tight application deadlines
Global Recognition
Accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and more
Unbiased Computer Scoring
AI-based scoring provides consistent, objective evaluation of your English skills.
Fair Assessment
No human bias in scoring speaking and writing sections
Detailed Feedback
Score report includes performance breakdown by skill
Flexible Testing Options
Test centers open 363 days a year with last-minute booking available.
Multiple Test Dates
Morning, afternoon and evening slots available worldwide
Convenient Locations
Over 250 test centers in 50+ countries
PTE Academic Test Format
The 3-part computer-based test assesses your English language skills in an academic environment through integrated tasks
Speaking (77-93 minutes)
- Personal Introduction: Unscored but sent to institutions (55 sec)
- Read Aloud: Read a text aloud (30-40 sec preparation)
- Repeat Sentence: Repeat sentences you hear (3-9 sec audio)
- Describe Image: Describe graphs/charts/diagrams (40 sec)
- Re-tell Lecture: Summarize a lecture (90 sec audio, 40 sec response)
- Answer Short Question: Respond to questions in 1-3 words (3-9 sec audio)
Writing (45-60 minutes)
- Summarize Written Text: Write 1-sentence summary of passage (10 mins)
- Write Essay: 200-300 word essay on given topic (20 mins)
This integrated section assesses academic English production skills. Speaking is recorded and writing is typed.
Reading (32-41 minutes)
- Multiple Choice (Single Answer): Choose 1 correct answer (300 words text)
- Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Select all correct options (300 words)
- Re-order Paragraphs: Arrange text boxes in correct order (150 words)
- Reading: Fill in the Blanks: Drag words to complete passage (80 words)
- Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: Select words from dropdown (300 words)
The Reading section evaluates comprehension of academic English texts. Time management is crucial as you can't return to previous questions.
Pro Tip
Practice skimming techniques to quickly identify key information in texts
Listening (45-57 minutes)
- Summarize Spoken Text: Write 50-70 word summary (60-90 sec audio)
- Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers): Select all correct options (40-90 sec)
- Fill in the Blanks: Type missing words from transcript (30-60 sec)
- Highlight Correct Summary: Choose best summary of audio (30-90 sec)
- Select Missing Word: Identify last word in recording (20-70 sec)
- Highlight Incorrect Words: Identify transcript errors (15-50 sec)
- Write from Dictation: Type sentence you hear (3-5 sec)
The Listening section assesses comprehension of academic English lectures and conversations. Audio plays automatically once.
Pro Tip
Develop note-taking strategies to capture key points during audio clips
PTE Score Requirements by Country
Minimum PTE Academic scores required for universities and visa programs worldwide
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
United States
New Zealand
Ireland
| Country | Student Visa | PR Visa | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 50-58 | 65+ | UNSW: 64, Melbourne: 58 |
| Canada | 60+ | CLB 7-9 (60-78) | UofT: 60, UBC: 65 |
| UK | 51-73 | N/A | Oxford: 66, Imperial: 62 |
| USA | 53-80 | N/A | Harvard: 70, Stanford: 68 |
| New Zealand | 50-58 | 65+ | Auckland: 58, Otago: 64 |
PTE Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities available for students with excellent PTE Academic scores
Australia Awards Scholarships
Up to $30,000 for international students
Minimum PTE: 65 overall
Covers tuition, living expenses for undergraduate/postgraduate studies
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship
$10,000-$40,000 per year
Minimum PTE: 68 overall
For students from Commonwealth countries pursuing Masters/PhD
UK Global Excellence Scholarship
£5,000-£20,000 tuition reduction
Minimum PTE: 70 overall
Available at 30+ UK universities for high-achieving students
Top Universities Accepting PTE
PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide including these top-ranked universities
Harvard University
USA | PTE Requirement: 70 | QS Rank: 5
University of Toronto
Canada | PTE Requirement: 60 | QS Rank: 26
University of Melbourne
Australia | PTE Requirement: 58 | QS Rank: 33
Imperial College London
UK | PTE Requirement: 62 | QS Rank: 7
UC Berkeley
USA | PTE Requirement: 68 | QS Rank: 27
University of Sydney
Australia | PTE Requirement: 61 | QS Rank: 41
Our Success Stories
Hear from students who achieved their dream scores with our PTE preparation program
PTE Preparation Options
Choose the study plan that fits your learning style and schedule
Self-Study Course
Perfect for disciplined learners who prefer to study at their own pace
- Full access to all practice materials
- 8 full-length mock tests with detailed analytics
- 200+ video lessons covering all question types
- Automated scoring for speaking/writing responses
- Email support from PTE experts
- Score predictor and progress tracking
Live Online Classes
Structured learning with expert instructors and peer interaction
- 30 hours of live instruction with PTE specialists
- Small class sizes (max 12 students)
- Weekly mock tests with personalized feedback
- Customized study plan based on initial assessment
- Access to all self-study materials
- Speaking practice with instant feedback
Private Tutoring
One-on-one coaching for maximum personalization and fast results
- Customized curriculum targeting your weak areas
- Flexible scheduling (including weekends)
- Targeted feedback on speaking/writing tasks
- Unlimited email support between sessions
- Priority mock test evaluation (24h turnaround)
- Exam strategy and time management coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about PTE Academic
PTE Academic differs from other English tests in several key ways:
- Faster results: Typically within 48 hours vs 13 days for IELTS
- Computer-based scoring: Eliminates human bias in speaking/writing evaluation
- More test dates: Available 363 days a year with last-minute booking
- Integrated skills: Tests reflect real academic situations where skills combine
- Single test session: Completed in 3 hours vs IELTS split over 2 days
- Global recognition: Accepted by 3000+ institutions worldwide
PTE Academic scores are valid for two years from your test date. This is standard for most English proficiency tests and aligns with visa and university admission requirements. After two years, you would need to retake the test if required for your application.
To excel in PTE Speaking:
- Practice speaking into a microphone: Get comfortable with the test format and recording your voice
- Work on fluency over accent: Focus on clear, continuous speech rather than perfect pronunciation
- Master the templates: Especially for Describe Image and Retell Lecture tasks
- Time your responses: Learn to complete answers within strict time limits
- Use proper intonation: Sound natural with appropriate stress and rhythm
- Build academic vocabulary: Especially for describing trends and data
PTE Academic is accepted for student visas in many countries including:
- Australia: Accepted by DHA for all student visa categories
- UK: Approved by UKVI for Student Route visas
- Canada: Accepted by IRCC for SDS and non-SDS applications
- New Zealand: Approved by INZ for student visa applications
- USA: Accepted by 1000+ universities including Ivy League
- Germany: Accepted for university admission and visa
- Ireland: Accepted by all universities and INIS
