Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
MSU PTE minimums by level
From the undergraduate language requirements page and the Graduate School English language competency page.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate: regular admission | 53 | 48 |
| Undergraduate: provisional admission | Average of at least 46 | Not stated |
| Graduate: regular admission | 53 | 51 reading, listening and speaking; 59 writing |
| Graduate: provisional admission | Average of at least 48 | Not stated |
Test rules and how to send your score
The graduate page asks applicants to have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University, and says most testing authorities can send electronically. Neither page mentions PTE Academic Online, PTE Core or a PTE validity period.
For comparison, both pages set IELTS regular admission at 6.5, and the graduate page adds no IELTS subscore below 6.0. The graduate PTE writing floor of 59 is the detail most applicants miss.
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If you fall short
Provisionally admitted graduate students take the MSU English Language Test on arrival. Its result decides whether they take full-time academic courses, full-time English Language Center courses or a mix of both, and the provisional status lasts until the regular admission level is met.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your MSU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE score does Michigan State need?+
PTE Academic 53 overall for both undergraduate and graduate regular admission, with different subscore rules.
What are MSU's graduate PTE subscores?+
No reading, listening or speaking subscore below 51 and no writing subscore below 59.
Can I get into MSU with a lower PTE score?+
Provisional admission is listed from an average overall score of 46 for undergraduates and 48 for graduate applicants.
How do I send PTE scores to MSU?+
The graduate page asks for scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University.
Keep reading
Related
- Michigan State University IELTS requirement
- Indiana University PTE requirement
- PTE for the USA: scores by university
- PTE score calculator
- All 4937 guides
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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