Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
SOAS PTE Academic minimums
From SOAS's English language requirements, which covers undergraduate and postgraduate on-campus applicants. Doctoral, online and foundation applicants have separate pages.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Direct entry | 65 | 60 in all subscores |
| With 4-week pre-sessional English | 62 | 60 in writing, 59 in the others |
| With 8-week pre-sessional English | 60 | 59 in all subscores |
Test rules and how PTE compares with IELTS at SOAS
SOAS says it does not accept Pearson Academic Online for taught programmes, and does not accept composite scores. For visa purposes the page recommends, where possible, an approved SELT, naming Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, and notes you may be asked for a SELT as part of your Student visa application. The page gives no Pearson institution code or PTE validity period.
Direct entry PTE 65 (60 each) sits beside IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in all subscores on the same table.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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If your PTE score falls short
If you do not meet the requirement in full, SOAS may offer a 4-week or 8-week summer pre-sessional English course, at the PTE levels above.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SOAS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE does SOAS need?+
65 overall with 60 in all subscores for direct entry.
Does SOAS accept PTE Academic Online?+
No. SOAS does not accept Pearson Academic Online for taught programmes.
Can I get into SOAS with PTE 60?+
Possibly with an 8-week pre-sessional course, which needs 60 with 59 in all subscores.
Does SOAS want PTE Academic UKVI?+
It recommends an approved SELT such as PTE Academic UKVI where possible, as a SELT may be requested for the visa.
Keep reading
Related
- SOAS IELTS requirement
- Royal Holloway PTE requirement
- PTE for the UK: universities and visa
- PTE vs IELTS for a UK visa
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 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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