PTE Score for UK Visa 2026: Student Route, Skilled Worker & SELT Requirements

PTE Academic is now an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK visas — a major development that gives Indian students and professionals a computer-based, AI-scored alternative to IELTS for United Kingdom immigration. Whether you are applying for the Student Route, Skilled Worker visa, Spouse visa, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), PTE Academic is accepted by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) when taken at an approved SELT centre. This guide covers every PTE score requirement for UK visa categories.

PTE Academic Is SELT-Approved for UK

The UK Home Office approved PTE Academic as a Secure English Language Test (SELT), joining IELTS SELT (by IELTS for UKVI) and Trinity SELT as accepted tests for UK visa applications. This means PTE Academic scores are now valid for Student Route, Skilled Worker, family visas, and settlement applications.

In India, approved SELT centres are available in major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Check the Pearson website for the current list of approved SELT centres near you. EEC counsellors can help you identify the nearest approved centre.

PTE Scores by UK Visa Type

UK visa English requirements are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). PTE scores translate to CEFR levels as follows: PTE 30 = A1, PTE 43 = B1, PTE 59 = B2, PTE 76 = C1. Each visa category has a minimum CEFR level requirement.

Student Route — PTE Requirements

The UK Student Route requires CEFR B2 (PTE 59+) as the minimum English proficiency. However, individual universities often set higher thresholds — Russell Group universities like UCL, Imperial College, and Edinburgh may require PTE 65-76 for competitive programmes.

Important: If your university requires a higher PTE score than the visa minimum, you must meet the university's requirement for your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which is then used for your visa application. The visa application itself requires proof of the CAS and your PTE score meeting the university's stated minimum.

Skilled Worker Visa — PTE Requirements

The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) requires CEFR B1 (PTE 43+) in each of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. This is a relatively accessible threshold — most students who are preparing for PTE will achieve 43+ with basic preparation. The Skilled Worker visa is for professionals with a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence.

Some health and care visa applicants may need higher English scores depending on the professional registration body requirements. For example, nurses and doctors registering with the NMC or GMC may need to demonstrate higher English proficiency (typically B2 or above) for professional registration, even though the visa itself requires only B1.

Spouse & ILR/Settlement — PTE Requirements

Spouse/Partner Visa (initial): CEFR A1 (PTE 30+). This is the lowest English requirement and applies to initial family visa applications for partners of British citizens or settled persons.

ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) / Settlement: CEFR B1 (PTE 43+). After living in the UK on a qualifying visa (usually 5 years), you must demonstrate B1 English for settlement. PTE Academic at 43+ satisfies this requirement.

UK Citizenship: CEFR B1 (PTE 43+) plus passing the Life in the UK test. The English requirement is the same as ILR.

PTE vs IELTS for UK Visas

Both PTE Academic (SELT) and IELTS for UKVI are accepted for all UK visa categories. The choice depends on personal preference:

Choose PTE if: You prefer AI-scored speaking (no human examiner), want faster results (48 hours vs 13 days), are comfortable with computer-based testing, and want unlimited free score reports.

Choose IELTS if: You prefer face-to-face speaking, want the One Skill Retake option, or are more familiar with the IELTS format through school or previous attempts.

EEC coaches both PTE and IELTS at ₹7,500 each. If you are undecided, visit an EEC centre for a free diagnostic assessment to determine which format suits your strengths.

EEC PTE Coaching + UK Study Abroad Counselling

Every EEC PTE student targeting the UK receives FREE study abroad counselling — including university shortlisting, personal statement guidance, CAS application, visa filing, and pre-departure support. EEC works with 100+ UK universities and has placed thousands of Gujarat students in UK programmes. Visit any EEC centre or join online.

“UK visa applicants often overlook PTE Academic as an option, but it is accepted for Student Route (UK student) visas and Skilled Worker visas at scores that are achievable with 4-6 weeks of focused preparation.”

— Vikram Patel, EEC PTE Trainer

Related Resources & Further Reading

Ready to begin? Register for a free demo class. PTE is also accepted for study in New Zealand. Planning Canada? See our study in Canada options. Read our PTE Academic complete guide. Read our PTE fee structure in India. Read our PTE Academic vs PTE Core. Read our PTE scores for Australia PR. Read our PTE vs IELTS comparison. Read our PTE preparation tips for 79+. Also explore our IELTS complete guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PTE for UK visas: