University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for the University at Buffalo?

The University at Buffalo (SUNY) asks international first-year applicants for PTE Academic 50 and graduate applicants for PTE 55 out of 90. Both levels accept PTE Academic Online. Scores must be less than two years old and sent directly to UB by the testing agency, and graduate departments may require more than the university minimum.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

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

UB PTE minimums by level

From UB's first-year English proficiency page and the graduate admission requirements page.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate (first-year)50No per-skill minimum printed
Graduate (university minimum)55No per-skill minimum printed
Graduate departments with higher scoresSet by the departmentCheck the programme

Test rules and how to send your score

Both pages accept PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online. Undergraduate scores must be under two years old at the time of admission; self-reported scores can be used for initial review, but official scores must come directly from the testing agency. Graduate PTE scores must be dated within two years of when International Admissions reviews the application and sent directly by the testing agency. The pages do not mention PTE Core.

On the same pages, IELTS Academic needs 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for graduate study.

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

UB's graduate page points applicants who want or need to improve their English to the university's English Language Institute. In rare cases a UB department, not the applicant, can petition for a graduate English waiver. Undergraduates may be exempt as native speakers from listed countries educated entirely in English, or through US college coursework.

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

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does the University at Buffalo need?+

50 for undergraduates and 55 for graduate study.

Does UB accept PTE Academic Online?+

Yes, at both undergraduate and graduate level.

How old can my PTE score be for UB?+

Under two years old at admission (undergraduate) or at the time of graduate application review.

Can I self-report PTE to UB?+

Undergraduates can self-report for initial review, but official scores must be sent directly by the testing agency.

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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