University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for CU Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder asks for PTE Academic 58 for undergraduate admission and for most graduate programmes. Some graduate programmes ask for more, for example 66 for Architectural Engineering and 75 for Applied Mathematics. Graduate PTE scores are valid for two years, and the exam date must fall within two years of your intended admission term.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

CU Boulder PTE minimums by level

From the undergraduate English proficiency page and the Graduate School English proficiency page.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate58Not stated
Graduate: all programmes except those listed58Not stated
Graduate: Architectural Engineering, Asian Languages and Civilizations66Not stated
Graduate: Advertising, PR and Media Design; Applied Mathematics75Not stated

Test rules and how to send your score

Graduate applicants first upload a score report showing their name, Score Report Code, date of birth and test date. If CU Boulder cannot verify it, you may need to send official scores from your myPTE account to the University of Colorado Boulder with Department set to Graduate School; Leeds MBA and MS applicants choose the Leeds department instead. Undergraduate results older than two years must be retaken. The pages do not mention PTE Academic Online or PTE Core.

For comparison, both pages set IELTS at 6.5 for the standard level.

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

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Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.

If you fall short

The graduate page says enrolment in an English language programme does not meet the requirement, and medium of instruction letters are not accepted. The College of Music does not accept the degree-based exemptions and requires test scores.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CU Boulder programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does CU Boulder need?+

PTE Academic 58 for undergraduate admission and most graduate programmes.

Which CU Boulder graduate programmes need PTE 75?+

The table lists Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design and Applied Mathematics at 75.

How do I send PTE scores to CU Boulder graduate school?+

Send them from myPTE to the University of Colorado Boulder, Department = Graduate School, if your uploaded report cannot be verified.

How old can my PTE score be?+

The exam date must be within two years of your intended admission term for graduate study.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 1 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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