University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for the University of Alberta?

The University of Alberta asks for PTE Academic 61 overall with no less than 60 in each communicative skill, and the graduate faculty sets the same 61 with a band minimum of 60. Programmes that also need Spoken English Proficiency, such as Education and some health sciences including Nursing, list only TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo for that extra requirement.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

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

Alberta PTE minimums by level

From the undergraduate language requirements page and the Graduate Program Manual section 5.8.

Programme or levelPTE overallMinimum per skill
Undergraduate English Language Proficiency6160 in each communicative skill
Graduate (Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)6160 band minimum; departments may ask more
Spoken English Proficiency (Education, Nursing and others)Not listedPTE is not on the spoken English table

Test rules and how to send your score

Neither page mentions PTE Academic Online or PTE Core. The graduate manual says applicants who take PTE must request that the University be given access to their score, and that departments should receive results directly; it adds that scores more than two years old cannot be verified, so you would normally need to retest.

On the undergraduate page, IELTS Academic (in person or IELTS Online) needs 6.5 with no band below 6.0, which is the IELTS counterpart to PTE 61 with 60s. The spoken English table asks IELTS Speaking 7.5, TOEFL Speaking 5.0 or Duolingo 140, with no PTE option.

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If you fall short

Undergraduates can meet the requirement with six credits of transferable university English at B+ or better, or by completing the University's EAP 136 and INT D 137. For graduate study, a department may recommend conditional admission subject to passing EAP 500 at the Faculty of Extension before the programme starts. Neither route is tied to a PTE score on these pages.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Alberta 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 of Alberta need?+

PTE Academic 61 overall with at least 60 in each communicative skill, for undergraduate and graduate admission.

Can I use PTE for Nursing at the University of Alberta?+

PTE can meet the general English requirement, but the Spoken English Proficiency table, required for programmes such as Nursing and Education, lists only TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo.

How long is PTE valid for University of Alberta graduate admission?+

The graduate manual says scores more than two years old cannot be verified, so you would normally need to retake the test.

Does the University of Alberta accept PTE Online?+

Neither the undergraduate page nor the graduate manual mentions the online PTE. Ask admissions before you book it.

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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