Where to take PTE in Saudi Arabia and what it costs
Pearson's price finder lists seven centres in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and a fee of USD 410 for PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Core (checked 25 September 2026). Test centres are small, usually ten seats or fewer, and next-day bookings are often possible.
The score each destination needs
| Route | PTE | IELTS equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom: Skilled Worker, degree-level study | PTE Academic UKVI 59 each | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 each (B2) |
| Australia: Competent English (skilled visa eligibility) | PTE 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 (L/R/W/S) | IELTS 6.0 each |
| Australia: Proficient English (+10 points) | PTE 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | IELTS 7.0 each |
| Canada: Express Entry CLB 7 | PTE Core L60 · R60 · W69 · S68 | IELTS General 6.0 each |
Australia's thresholds are per skill for tests from 7 August 2025: Competent 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing, 54 speaking; Proficient 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 for 10 points; Superior 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 for 20. Canada does not accept PTE Academic for Express Entry: PTE Core CLB 7 is listening 60, reading 60, writing 69, speaking 68. UK visas need 59 in each skill for B2.
| Registration | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|
| UK nurse registration (NMC) | IELTS Academic L7 · R7 · W6.5 · S7, or OET; two sittings within 12 months may be combined | PTE not accepted by the NMC |
| Australia nurse registration (Ahpra), tests from 23 Apr 2026 | IELTS Academic 7 overall, 7 in L/R/S, 6.5 in W | PTE Academic 63 overall with component minimums; OET also accepted |
PTE or IELTS in Saudi Arabia?
Both are accepted for UK visas, Australian visas and most universities abroad. IELTS has more cities, including paper tests outside the three big cities. PTE is scored by software, returns results in about two days and has no human speaking examiner. It is not accepted by the UK NMC for nurse registration. Book whichever you score higher on in a scored mock.
Check your target, then practise
Official sources
Reviewed 25 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
- Pearson: PTE centres approved for UK SELT, including Saudi Arabia (July 2021)
- Pearson: test centres and fees
- Pearson: new Home Affairs requirements for PTE Academic (7 Aug 2025)
- British Council Saudi Arabia: test dates, fees and locations
- gov.uk: Skilled Worker knowledge of English
- Home Affairs: Competent English
- IRCC: language testing for Express Entry
- NMC: accepted English language tests
- Ahpra: accepted English language tests (effective 23 Apr 2026)
BandLadder pricing in SAR for Saudi Arabia
One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | SAR 23.99 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | SAR 38.99 |
| Boost | 30 days | SAR 69.00 |
| Ascent | 60 days | SAR 109.00 |
| Elite | 90 days | SAR 149.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a PTE exam centre in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Pearson lists seven centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran. Book through Pearson's site.
Can I take PTE UKVI in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Pearson's PTE Academic UKVI centres in Saudi Arabia have been approved for UK visa applications since July 2021.
How much is the PTE exam fee in Saudi Arabia?
USD 410 for PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Core, per Pearson's price finder on 25 September 2026. IELTS on computer at the British Council costs SAR 1,636.
Does Canada accept PTE from Saudi Arabia?
For Express Entry, only PTE Core. CLB 7 is listening 60, reading 60, writing 69 and speaking 68.
Start preparing for Saudi Arabia
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