University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for UBC?

UBC asks for PTE Academic 65 overall with at least 60 in reading, listening, writing and speaking, for both undergraduate and graduate admission at the Vancouver campus. Minimums must come from a single sitting. Graduate admissions state that PTE Home and PTE Online are not accepted, and some graduate programmes set higher scores than the university minimum.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

UBC PTE minimums by level

From UBC's undergraduate English language competency page and the graduate English language test page.

Programme or levelPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate (Vancouver)6560 in reading, listening, writing and speaking
Graduate (Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)6560 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
Graduate programmes with higher standardsSet by the programmeCheck the programme website

Test rules and how to send your score

The undergraduate page says you must reach the minimums in a single sitting, and applicants for the 2027/2028 Winter Session must submit scores from tests taken on or after 1 January 2025. It does not mention PTE Academic Online or PTE Core. The graduate page is explicit: PTE Home and PTE Online are not accepted for UBC Vancouver, and the test must be the Academic, not the General, version.

To send scores, the undergraduate page says some testing agencies can send results electronically, and you will receive an email from UBC if you need to submit proof. Graduate applicants should email graduate.apply@ubc.ca when a PTE score is ready for download. On the same pages IELTS Academic needs 6.5 with no part below 6.0, matching the PTE level of 65 with 60s.

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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

UBC's undergraduate page lists a UBC Certificate in English Language (CEL), earned by completing Levels 600 and 650 of the UBC English Language Institute's English for Academic Purposes programme on the Vancouver campus, as one of nine ways to meet the standard. The graduate page accepts a 75% in each component of the EAP 600 level. Neither page gives a PTE entry score for these courses.

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

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does UBC need?+

PTE Academic 65 overall with at least 60 in each of reading, listening, writing and speaking, for both undergraduate and graduate admission.

Does UBC accept PTE Academic Online?+

Graduate admissions say PTE Home and PTE Online are not accepted for UBC Vancouver. The undergraduate page does not mention the online test.

Can I combine PTE scores from two sittings for UBC?+

No. The undergraduate page says the minimums must be achieved in a single sitting.

How old can my PTE score be for UBC undergraduate entry?+

For the 2027/2028 Winter Session, scores must be from tests taken on or after 1 January 2025.

Keep reading

Related

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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