PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI?
Pearson's guidance (PTE Academic UKVI; PTE Academic FAQ). Always check gov.uk and your university before booking.
| Your plan | Test Pearson points you to |
|---|---|
| Degree-level study at a UK Higher Education Institution | PTE Academic (check the university accepts it) |
| Study below degree level, such as foundation or pathway courses | PTE Academic UKVI |
| Study at an institution that is not a Higher Education Institution | PTE Academic UKVI |
| Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder or Minister of Religion visa | PTE Academic UKVI |
| Sportsperson or Representative of an Overseas Business visa | PTE Home A1 |
| Family visas, settlement and citizenship | PTE Home A1, A2 or B1 (see our PTE Home guide) |
Format, results and validity
The test runs about two hours at a test centre in three parts: Speaking and Writing (76–84 minutes, 9 question types), Reading (23–30 minutes, 5 types) and Listening (31–39 minutes, 8 types). Scores are on the 10–90 scale with a breakdown by skill; Pearson's SELT page places it at CEFR levels B1, B2 and C1 (Pearson).
Most results arrive within two business days, sometimes up to five. The SELT URN on your Score Report goes on your visa application so the UK Government can verify your result, and the score is valid for two years from the test date (Pearson). Pearson also says PTE Academic UKVI cannot be taken at home.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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ID rules are stricter
UK SELT tests accept a passport anywhere. In the UK you can also use a UK eVisa through View and Prove, entering a share code starting with "S" when you book; the code lasts 90 days. Other accepted documents include a UK Biometric Residence Permit or Card (an expired one can be used for up to 24 months after expiry or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner), a convention travel document, a stateless persons travel document, an EEA identity card, and outside the UK a photographic national ID card in its issuing country. Emergency travel documents are not accepted (ID policy).
Full details are in PTE ID requirements.
Rescheduling and cancelling
Pearson's UKVI page: reschedule free up to 14 days before the test; within 14 days you must cancel and rebook, and fees apply. Cancel 14 or more days ahead for a full refund, between 13 and 8 days for 50%, and with fewer than 7 days for nothing, except in exceptional circumstances at Pearson's discretion (Pearson). More in PTE reschedule, cancel and refund rules.
Pearson updates its policies from time to time. Check the linked policy page before you act. This guide is general information, not official PTE advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is PTE Academic UKVI different from PTE Academic?+
Only in the Score Report: the content, format and scoring are the same, but UKVI adds a SELT URN for UK visas.
Do I need PTE Academic UKVI for a UK student visa?+
For degree-level study at a UK university, Pearson points to PTE Academic. For courses below degree level or at non-HEI providers, take PTE Academic UKVI.
Which PTE test is for the UK Skilled Worker visa?+
PTE Academic UKVI.
Can I take PTE Academic UKVI at home?+
No. Pearson says it is only taken at an authorised PTE test centre.
How long is a PTE Academic UKVI score valid?+
Two years from the test date.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE vs IELTS for UK visas
- PTE Home A1, A2, B1
- IELTS for UK Skilled Worker visa
- PTE ID requirements
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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