PTE scores: the 10–90 scale and what universities ask for
PTE Academic reports an overall score from 10 to 90, plus communicative skills for speaking, writing, reading and listening on the same scale. Results typically arrive within two days, and the report is valid for two years.
What the scale means
PTE scores sit on the Global Scale of English, which runs from 10 to 90. There is no pass or fail — each institution sets the score it requires.
| PTE score | Roughly equivalent IELTS band | Where it typically lands you |
|---|---|---|
| 79+ | 8.0+ | Comfortably above almost every requirement |
| 65–78 | 7.0–7.5 | Competitive and professional programmes |
| 58–64 | 6.5 | The common requirement for taught master's |
| 50–57 | 6.0 | Foundation and pathway programmes |
| 36–49 | 5.0–5.5 | Below most university requirements |
These equivalences are indicative and widely used, but they are not a universal conversion. The only number that matters for your application is the one the programme states on its own page — take it from there, not from a comparison table.
Section minimums, which fail more applications than totals
Most universities state an overall PTE score and a minimum in each communicative skill — commonly "58 overall with no skill below 50", or "65 with no less than 58". An applicant on 70 overall with 48 in writing does not meet a requirement of that shape, and it is the single most common way a good PTE result is rejected.
Check the section minimums before you decide you are finished, and check them on the programme's page rather than the university's general admissions page — they differ.
When results arrive, and what you get
- Results are typically available within two days, with an email when they are ready.
- The Score Report is digital, in your myPTE account.
- You can send it to as many institutions as you like, free. There is no per-report charge and no paper copy.
- Scores are valid for two years, though some institutions set shorter or longer periods — check before you apply.
If the score is short
PTE has no single-section retake: a second attempt is a full test at the full fee, bookable as soon as your previous scores are released — possibly the same month. Because the turnaround is so short, a retake three weeks before a deadline is realistic in a way it often is not on other tests.
Before rebooking, read the communicative skills rather than the overall. A 62 overall built on 75 reading and 48 speaking is a speaking problem, and another full attempt without addressing it will produce the same number.
PTE Academic results & scores — FAQs
5 questions
It depends on the programme. 58 to 64 covers the common taught master's requirement, 65 to 78 covers competitive and professional programmes, and 79 or above is comfortably beyond almost every requirement.
Typically two days after the test, with an email when the Score Report is ready in your myPTE account.
Two years from the test date, though individual institutions may set shorter or longer validity — check with yours before applying.
Roughly IELTS 7.0. These equivalences are indicative rather than official, so always use the score the programme itself states.
No. You can share your digital Score Report with unlimited institutions free of charge.
Sources
Checked on 25 September 2026 against the official pages below. Fees and formats change — the official page is always the final word.
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