Where to take PTE in the UAE and what it costs
Pearson-authorised centres operate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and Dubai has been an approved PTE UKVI location since 2020. Pearson's Middle East partner network (Business Bay, Burjuman, Al Nahda, Deira, Oud Metha, JLT, Sharjah) covers preparation and booking support. Fees are shown per centre in Pearson's price finder.
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.
PTE or IELTS in the UAE?
Both are accepted for the UK, Australia and New Zealand with identical outcomes. IELTS has 55 centres and a human examiner; PTE is scored by software and returns results in about two days. Book whichever you score higher on in a scored mock.
Check your target, then practise
Official sources
Reviewed 22 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a PTE exam centre in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai has Pearson-authorised PTE Academic centres and is an approved PTE UKVI location. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah also have centres. Book through Pearson's site.
How much is the PTE exam fee in the UAE?
Pearson shows the fee per centre in its price finder; confirm it when you book. IELTS on computer at IDP UAE is AED 1,470 for comparison.
What PTE score do I need for a UK visa from the UAE?
B2 for Skilled Worker and degree-level Student visas: PTE Academic UKVI 59 in each skill.
Does Canada accept PTE from the UAE?
For Express Entry, only PTE Core. CLB 7 is listening 60, reading 60, writing 69 and speaking 68.
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