PTE Cut Off 2025: Minimum Scores Required for Study Abroad and Visa

PTE Cut off score represents the minimum marks that are required by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities for admission or eligibility for visa. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic does not have a single, universal passing score. The PTE minimum score requirement is set independently by thousands of institutions and governments worldwide. This makes it very important for test-takers to know their specific target score.

PTE Cut Off 2025 Overview

PTE Academic exam is an online test that is set to assess the real-life English language ability which is required for academic and professional purposes. The overview table below mentions the features of the exam:

PTE Cut Off Score and Eligibility

The concept of a PTE cut off score works as a standard for proficiency in English Language. The PTE Academic exam is scored on a scale of 10 to 90 on the Global Scale of English (GSE). In order to secure marks above the specified cut-off determined by an institution is the primary criterion to fulfil the English language requirement of a program or visa.

As there is no single PTE exam cut off marks for all users, the required score depends on the applicant’s objective:

• Study Abroad: The cut-off is set by the individual university and the course (for example, engineering, business, or nursing).

• Visa/Immigration: The minimum score is set by the country's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for various visa subclasses (e.g., Australian Student Visa, UK Skilled Worker Visa).

PTE Cut Off for Study Abroad: University and Course Requirements

PTE cut off for study abroad differs depending on the course and the reputation of the institution. Generally, highly ranked universities and specialized programs like Nursing, Law, and Medicine tend to demand higher scores. The table below mentions the minimum score requirements for different course levels, followed by sample requirements for top global universities:

Sample PTE Cut Off Marks for Popular Universities

These cut-off scores help students understand the level of English proficiency which is needed for admissions. One needs to keep in mind that requirements may vary by course; therefore, always check the guidelines of the official university. Here is a quick overview of the minimum PTE scores required by some of the world’s leading universities. 

Note: The scores mentioned in this table are based on previous trends and general requirements. The official PTE Cut Off 2025 for your specific course may different. Always verify directly with the institution.

PTE Minimum Score Requirement for Visas and Immigration 

For immigration and visa purposes, government departments set fixed PTE score thresholds to decide different levels of English proficiency. These scores are important for visa applications like the Australian Subclass 500 (Student) or Skilled Migration. The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has updated its score requirements, which are effective from August 7, 2025.

Steps to Check Your Required PTE Cut Off Score

As the PTE cutoff is decided by the accepting institution, there are some steps candidates need to follow in order to find the exact score. Here are the steps one needs to check required PTE Cut off: 

• Visit the Official Institution Website: Go to the admissions or course page of University/college.

• Locate the English Language Requirements: Check for sections titled 'Admission Requirements,' 'International Students,' or 'English Language Proficiency.'

• Find the PTE Academic Score: The university will list the specific overall PTE score and often the minimum scores that are required for each communicative skill, including Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.

• Note Sectional Cut-offs: One should pay close attention, as many programs need not just a high score but also minimum scores in specific skills.

PTE Academic CEFR Levels and Score Equivalents

Candidates should possess a minimum level of English competency in order to be considered for the final merit list of any program. The PTE scores are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. CEFR Level B2 is the minimum standard to enter into most of the academic courses.

Factors Influencing PTE Cut Off Score

There are many factors which influence the determination of the PTE cut off each year. Having an understanding of these factors can provide insight into why the qualifying marks differ:

• University Ranking and Reputation: The High rank institutions set higher cut-offs to ensure a high standard of academic English.

• Course Level: Postgraduate (PG) programs that require research or extensive academic writing have higher PTE cut-offs than undergraduate (UG) programs.

• Program Type: Some specialized fields like Law, Journalism, Nursing, and education rely on strong communication skills. They have higher overall scores and stringent sectional requirements.

• Country and Visa Requirements: Immigration departments, such as Australia's DHA, set standardized minimum scores for various visa categories. These minimums must be met even if the university's requirement is slightly lower.

• Sectional Score Requirements: Many institutions require a minimum score in all four communicative skills. This means a high overall score may not be enough if one section falls below the sectional cut-off.