University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for SAIC?

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago asks international undergraduates for PTE Academic 55. The BA in Art History asks for TOEFL iBT 5 or equivalent, without a PTE figure. The graduate application page lists only TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo, so PTE is not on the graduate list. No per-skill PTE minimum is given.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

SAIC PTE minimums by level

From SAIC's undergraduate international students page and the graduate application process page.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate55None stated
BA in Art HistoryNo PTE figure (TOEFL iBT 5 or equivalent)None stated
GraduateNot listed (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo)Not applicable

Test rules and how to send your score

The undergraduate page says scores may be sent directly by selecting SAIC's school codes when taking the test, and gives an email and postal address for scores. It prints ACT, SAT and TOEFL codes but no Pearson code, and does not mention PTE Academic Online, PTE Core or a validity period.

IELTS is 6.5 for undergraduates on the same page, so PTE 55 is the PTE route to that 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.

Take a free mock →

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

If you fall short

Undergraduates do not need a test if English is their first language, they attend a US-accredited high school abroad, they studied in an English-language school for 4 or more years, or they earned 12 or more semester hours at an English-language university. The page does not describe conditional admission or an ESL pathway.

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

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does SAIC need?+

PTE Academic 55 for undergraduate admission.

Does SAIC accept PTE for graduate programmes?+

The graduate page lists TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo only.

Is there a different rule for Art History?+

Yes. The BA in Art History asks for TOEFL iBT 5 or equivalent.

Who is exempt from the test at SAIC?+

Undergraduates with 4 or more years in an English-language school or 12 or more English-medium college credits, among others.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy