Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
KU PTE minimums by level
From the undergraduate English proficiency page and the graduate English requirements page.
| Programme or band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate: full-time degree coursework | 53 | 48 |
| Graduate: full proficiency | 60 | 55 |
| Graduate: admission proficiency (AEC coursework) | 42 | 35 |
Test rules and how to send your score
Graduate scores must be sent to KU Graduate Admissions and be less than two years old when the application is processed. For PTE, email the score sheet showing the Score Report Code and Registration ID to graduateadm@ku.edu for verification. Undergraduate scores must also be less than two years old. Neither page mentions PTE Core.
For comparison, graduate IELTS is 6.5 with no part below 6.0 for full proficiency, and undergraduate IELTS is 6.5 with a 6.0 minimum subscore.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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If you fall short
KU states that full English proficiency is not a requirement of undergraduate admission: you may be admitted and then take English coursework before or alongside degree courses. Graduate applicants at admission proficiency take Applied English Center coursework, and the page notes different rules for online degree applicants.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your KU 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 Kansas need?+
PTE Academic 53 with 48 subscores for undergraduates, and 60 with no part below 55 for graduate full proficiency.
Does KU accept PTE taken at home?+
Yes. The graduate page accepts PTE Academic taken at a test centre or online at home.
How do I send PTE scores to KU graduate admissions?+
Email the score sheet with the Score Report Code and Registration ID to graduateadm@ku.edu.
Can I be admitted to KU with a lower PTE?+
Graduate admission proficiency starts at 42 with no part below 35, with Applied English Center coursework.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Kansas IELTS requirement
- University of Missouri PTE requirement
- PTE for the USA: scores by university
- PTE score report explained
- 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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