University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University asks international first-year applicants for PTE Academic 53, submitted as an official score report. Stony Brook is test optional for admission, but international students are still expected to show English proficiency. Applicants from native English-speaking countries or English-medium schools are exempt. The lower conditional route to intensive English lists TOEFL, IELTS and DET scores, not PTE.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

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

Stony Brook PTE minimum

From Stony Brook's first-year international admissions page.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
First-year undergraduate53Not stated
Conditional admission to the Intensive English Center onlyNot listedTOEFL, IELTS or DET only

Test rules and how to send your score

PTE Academic counts as proof of English through an official score report. The page gives codes for SAT, TOEFL and ACT but none for PTE, and it does not mention PTE Academic Online, PTE Core or a validity period.

For comparison, the same table sets IELTS at 6.5 and Duolingo at 105.

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

Students who meet the academic criteria but not the English level may be considered for the University Preparation Program at the Intensive English Center, combining English study with one or two academic classes. The page says exams other than TOEFL, IELTS and DET will not be considered for the separate English-only conditional route, so PTE takers should aim for 53.

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

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does Stony Brook need?+

PTE Academic 53 for first-year international applicants.

Is Stony Brook test optional for international students?+

It is test optional, but international students are still expected to submit proof of English proficiency.

Can PTE be used for Stony Brook conditional admission?+

The English-only conditional route lists TOEFL, IELTS and DET minimums and excludes other exams.

Who is exempt from English tests at Stony Brook?+

Applicants from native English-speaking countries and international applicants at English-medium schools.

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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