PTEUnited Kingdom

PTE for the UK — UKVI scores for work, study and settlement

PTE Academic UKVI is an approved Secure English Language Test for every UK route. B2, the level for Skilled Worker and degree-level study since 8 January 2026, is 59 in each of the four skills; B1 is 43 in each.

Skilled Worker
B2 · 59 each
Student, degree
B2 · 59 each
Student, below degree
B1 · 43 each
Results
About 48 hours

PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home

Pearson offers two approved tests. PTE Academic UKVI is the four-skill test for work, study and B1-or-higher settlement routes. PTE Home is a speaking and listening test for A1, A2 and B1 family and settlement routes. The standard PTE Academic is accepted for degree-level study when the university assesses your English itself.

Results typically arrive within 48 hours and are valid for two years from the test date.

PTE score by visa route

RouteCEFR levelPTE score
Skilled Worker (new applicants from 8 Jan 2026)B2PTE Academic UKVI 59 in each skill
Skilled Worker extension, visa held before 8 Jan 2026B1PTE Academic UKVI 43 in each skill
Student visa, degree level or aboveB2PTE Academic UKVI 59 in each skill, or a test your university sets if it assesses English itself
Student visa, below degree levelB1PTE Academic UKVI 43 in each skill
Partner or spouse, first applicationA1PTE Home pass (speaking and listening)
Partner extension after 2.5 yearsA2PTE Home pass (speaking and listening)
Settlement or citizenshipB1 or higherPTE Academic UKVI 43 in each skill
Pearson's CEFR mapping for PTE Academic: B1 is 43 to 58, B2 is 59 to 75, C1 is 76 to 84. The visa rule applies the threshold to each skill, not the overall.

What UK universities ask for

Pearson states PTE Academic is accepted by 99% of UK universities. Degree-level entry needs B2, and Pearson's published examples (from 2021, so confirm with the course) range from 56 to 62 at Imperial, 58 to 65 at LSE, 59 to 70 at Glasgow and 60 to 75 at Warwick, usually with a per-skill minimum.

Score requirements change and vary by program and institution. Always confirm the current requirement with UK Visas and Immigration and your university's admissions office before you set a target.

Cost

Pearson publishes PTE fees only through its price finder by test centre, so there is no single UK price to quote. Check the fee for your centre when you book; UKVI sessions can cost more than standard PTE Academic.

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.

BandLadder pricing in GBP for United Kingdom

One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.

PlanAccessPrice
Sprint Pass7 daysGBP 4.99
Quick Pass15 daysGBP 7.99
Boost30 daysGBP 14.99
Ascent60 daysGBP 23.99
Elite90 daysGBP 31.99
See everything each plan includes

Frequently asked questions

What PTE score is B2 for a UK visa?

59 or higher in each of the four sections of PTE Academic UKVI. B2 is the level for Skilled Worker and degree-level Student visas.

What PTE score is B1?

43 or higher in each section. B1 applies to Student visas below degree level and to settlement or citizenship, where PTE Home can also be used for the speaking and listening requirement.

Is standard PTE Academic accepted for a UK Student visa?

For degree-level courses, yes, when your university assesses your English itself. Otherwise book PTE Academic UKVI.

How long are PTE UKVI results valid?

Two years from the test date.

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