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 band | PTE overall | Minimum per skill |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Science, UNSW Canberra (all levels) | 64 | 54 |
| Arts, Design & Architecture (undergraduate and coursework) | 64 | 54 |
| Medicine & Health (most programs) | 64 | 54 |
| Business (undergraduate and coursework) | 65 | 54 |
| Business, research degrees | 65 | 58 |
| Law & Justice (undergraduate and coursework) | 65 | 54 |
| Bachelor of Social Work and its listed double degrees | 65 | 65 |
| Nutrition/Dietetics, Vision Science, Clinical Optometry | 65 | 65 |
| Education (Primary/Secondary), Master of Teaching | 73 | Writing 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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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
- UNSW IELTS requirement
- University of Sydney PTE requirement
- UTS PTE requirement
- PTE for Australia: scores by university and visa
- All 3605 guides
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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