Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026
UTM PTE minimums by level
From UTM's English language requirements page, which applies to candidates joining from September 2023.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (all programmes except TESL) | 51 | None stated |
| Undergraduate TESL | 63 | None stated |
| Postgraduate (enrol at faculty) | 59 | None stated |
| Postgraduate TESL | 76 | None stated |
Test rules and the IELTS comparison
UTM names the test as "PTE Academic / PTE Academic Online", so both are accepted. The page says English test results are valid for two years only and expired results will not be accepted. It does not mention PTE Core or a Pearson institution code.
On the same page, undergraduate PTE 51 sits beside IELTS 5.5 and TOEFL iBT 46, and postgraduate PTE 59 beside IELTS 6.0 and TOEFL iBT 60. For TESL, PTE 63 is listed with IELTS 6.5 and PTE 76 with IELTS 7.0.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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If you fall short
A postgraduate PTE of 58 or lower means you must attend the Intensive English Programme (IEP) at UTM's Language Academy and reach the minimum score, or complete ELS CIEP Level 109. Undergraduates who fall short take the same IEP or complete CIEP Level 108.
UTM exempts candidates who completed high school or graduated in a long list of countries, which includes India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and the Philippines. Undergraduates from international schools, A-level and IB, or a Malaysian foundation programme, are also exempt.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UTM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Pearson has discontinued PTE Academic Online for new bookings, so plan on a test-centre PTE Academic sitting even where this page still lists the online version. See can you take PTE at home.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE score does UTM need for a master's or PhD?+
59 overall to enrol at the faculty. At 58 or below you must take UTM's Intensive English Programme or ELS CIEP first.
What PTE score does UTM need for undergraduates?+
51, or 63 for the TESL programme.
Does UTM accept PTE Academic Online?+
Yes. The page lists PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online together.
Do Indian or Pakistani students need PTE for UTM?+
India and Pakistan are on UTM's list of exempted countries for candidates who completed high school or graduated there.
Keep reading
Related
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia IELTS requirement
- UTAR PTE requirement
- UKM PTE requirement
- Free PTE mock test with AI scoring
- All 5495 guides
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.
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