Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
UC PTE minimums by level
From the first-year international requirements page, the graduate requirements page and the CEAS graduate FAQ.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, all colleges listed | 53 | Not stated |
| Graduate (university minimum) | 54 | Not stated |
| Engineering and Applied Science graduate | 54 | Not stated |
Test rules and how to send your score
Undergraduates should ask Pearson to send the score report electronically to the University of Cincinnati and also email a copy of the results to international.admissions@uc.edu, without sending scores to the Graduate School or a department. For graduate applications, UC accepts only official scores sent directly from the testing agency, and asks you to use the same email address for the test and the application. Neither page mentions PTE Academic Online, PTE Core or a validity period.
For comparison, undergraduate IELTS is 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and speaking and 5.5 in the other sections, and graduate IELTS is 6.5 overall.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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If you fall short
The undergraduate international admissions site links to a separate conditional admission page; check it for current options. The graduate page says scores below the minimum qualifying scores will not complete an application.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UC 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 Cincinnati need?+
PTE 53 for first-year undergraduate admission and 54 for graduate admission.
How do I send PTE scores to UC as an undergraduate?+
Have Pearson send the report electronically to UC and email a copy to international.admissions@uc.edu.
Can I self-report PTE for UC graduate admission?+
No. Self-reported scores will not complete the graduate application; official scores must come from the testing agency.
Does UC engineering need a higher PTE?+
The CEAS graduate FAQ lists Pearson at a minimum of 54, the same as the university minimum.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Cincinnati IELTS requirement
- Case Western Reserve University PTE requirement
- PTE for the USA: scores by university
- PTE score calculator
- All 4937 guides
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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