If Canada or the United States is your study destination, the first question is simple: will they take my PTE score? For the vast majority of universities, the answer is yes, and the list of names grows every year. Here is where PTE Academic stands across both countries in 2026, and what scores to aim for.
Is PTE accepted in Canada and the USA?
Yes. PTE Academic is accepted by the majority of Canadian universities and by more than 1,000 institutions in the United States. Across both countries, it has moved from a newer alternative to a mainstream choice, sitting alongside IELTS and TOEFL for admissions.
PTE Academic is now accepted by over 3,500 institutions worldwide, including names students recognise instantly. The trend is one-directional: acceptance keeps widening, not narrowing.
PTE accepted universities in Canada
PTE Academic is recognised by most Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University. Many colleges, including those in the applied arts and technology system, also accept it as proof of English proficiency for admission.
There is one important distinction for Canada. For university admission, PTE Academic is what institutions ask for. For Canadian economic immigration, however, the relevant test is PTE Core, accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If your plan is study now and immigration later, you will likely encounter both at different stages.
PTE accepted universities in the USA
In the United States, more than 1,000 institutions accept PTE scores, and the number keeps climbing. Acceptance now reaches across the spectrum, from large public universities to highly selective private institutions.
US score requirements vary widely by university and programme. As a general guide, many institutions look for a PTE Academic score of around 60 or higher, with competitive and graduate programmes setting the bar higher. Because there is no single national standard, the only reliable number is the one on your specific programme’s admissions page.
What PTE score do you need?
There is no universal cut-off for Canada or the USA, because each university sets its own. As a practical planning range, aim for an overall PTE Academic score of 60 or above for a wide set of options, and higher for selective programmes. Always confirm against your target university’s published requirement before you book.
One PTE feature helps here more than students expect. You can send your score to as many universities as you like at no extra cost, so applying broadly across Canadian and US institutions does not multiply your fees.
Why PTE suits North America applications
PTE Academic is fully computer-based and returns results in about 48 hours, which is a real advantage when you are coordinating applications across multiple universities and time zones. Fast, shareable scores keep your application timeline tight when deadlines stack up.
Book your PTE for Canada or the USA and save
Whether you are applying to Toronto, UBC or a US university, you only need a strong PTE Academic score once. Use the official code PTECIALFO10 at Pearson’s checkout to save a flat 10%, bringing PTE Academic from ₹18,900 to ₹17,010. Get your PTE discount code here.
FAQ
Yes. More than 1,000 US institutions accept PTE scores, and the number keeps growing.
Yes. Most Canadian universities accept PTE Academic, including Toronto, UBC and McGill.
It varies by university, but many look for around 60 or higher. Check your specific programme’s admissions page
PTE Academic for university admission. PTE Core is for Canadian economic immigration, accepted by IRCC.
