Pearson Test of English

Find information about the minimum PTE scores you'll need to meet the English language requirements for University of Plymouth and PUIC
Pearson Test of English

To be accepted onto a degree course with us you must have a suitable English language qualification. The tables below show the minimum English language requirements for standard courses at NQF 6 (degree level) and above.

If you don't meet these requirements you may be able to join one of our pre-sessional English language courses. Please note that UKVI require a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for Tier 4 visa holders to study on pre-sessional English language courses; no other English language qualification is valid for such a course.

The only SELT available worldwide that is accepted by University of Plymouth (including UPIC) is the UKVI approved IELTS academic test. We therefore strongly recommend that applicants register to take this test, at a UKVI approved test centre, if they feel there is the possibility they will need to study on a pre-sessional programme. Visit the English Language Centre pages for more information on our pre-sessional courses.

Some courses have English language requirements that are higher than those shown below, please check the relevant course page for more details.

University of Plymouth requirement – Pearson Test of English (PTE academic) Score must be sent to UKVI online

Undergraduate programmes Postgraduate programmes Minimum component scores
53 61 51 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)

PUIC requirement​ – Pearson Test of English (PTE academic) Score must be sent to UKVI online

Undergraduate programmes Postgraduate programmes Minimum component scores
51​ (53 for integrated programmes) 53 51 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)


Further guidance on English language requirements

On our Further guidance on English language requirements page you will find a complete list of notes and clarifications across all qualifications for applying to the University of Plymouth.

Validity period of qualifications accepted

Degrees awarded in the UK or in majority English language speaking countries (as defined by UKVI) will be accepted as meeting our standard English language entry requirements, where they have been awarded no more than three years prior to your course start date at Plymouth.

IELTS academic tests (non SELTS) should also have been taken no more than three years prior to your course start date at Plymouth.

IELTS academic tests (SELTS, taken at UKVI approved test centres) should have been taken within two years of the date your CAS is issued for studies at Plymouth. This is a UKVI requirement.