University English requirements

What PTE score do you need for UNSW?

UNSW Sydney asks for PTE Academic 64 overall with at least 54 in each subtest for most programs in engineering, science, medicine and health, arts and UNSW Canberra. Business and law ask for 65 with 54 in each subtest at undergraduate and coursework level. Teaching and education degrees need 73, with 79 in listening and speaking.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • PTE

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

UNSW PTE minimums by faculty

From UNSW's English language requirements page, PTE tab. For a cross-faculty double degree, the higher requirement applies.

Programme or bandPTE overallMinimum per skill
Engineering, Science, UNSW Canberra (all levels)6454
Arts, Design & Architecture (undergraduate and coursework)6454
Medicine & Health (most programs)6454
Business (undergraduate and coursework)6554
Business, research degrees6558
Law & Justice (undergraduate and coursework)6554
Bachelor of Social Work and its listed double degrees6565
Nutrition/Dietetics, Vision Science, Clinical Optometry6565
Education (Primary/Secondary), Master of Teaching73Writing and reading 65, listening and speaking 79

PTE rules at UNSW

UNSW lists PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic) as an accepted test. Results must be from a test taken no more than two years before your intended start date, counted from 1 January for Term 1, 1 May for Term 2 and 1 August for Term 3. The page states that the IELTS online version is not accepted but says nothing about PTE Academic Online, so confirm with UNSW before relying on it.

Against IELTS on the same page, the 64 (54) PTE level sits where most faculties ask IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each subtest, and the 65 (54) business and law level sits where they ask IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in each subtest.

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Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.

If your PTE falls short

If you hold a Conditional Offer from UNSW Sydney, you can meet the English requirement through UNSW College's University English Entry Course (UEEC) at the grade your program sets. The course must be completed no more than two years before your start date, and cross-faculty double degrees have higher English requirements.

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

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does UNSW need?+

64 with 54 in each subtest for most programs; 65 with 54 for business and law; 73 for teaching degrees.

What PTE does UNSW Business School need?+

65 overall with 54 in each subtest for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, and 65 with 58 for research degrees.

How old can my PTE be for UNSW?+

No more than two years before your intended start date, counted from the start of your term.

Can I use UEEC instead of PTE at UNSW?+

Yes, if you have a Conditional Offer, by completing UNSW College's UEEC at the grade your program requires.

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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