Who sets the score?
Your institution sets the PTE Academic requirement, not IRCC. Universities and colleges accept PTE Academic as proof of English for admission, and each program lists its own minimum overall score, sometimes with a floor in each section. Your job is to meet the exact number your program requires.
Typical ranges
As a rough guide, many undergraduate and diploma programs look for an overall score in the high 50s to mid 60s. Competitive or postgraduate programs often ask for 65 or higher, and some set a minimum in each of the four skills. Treat these as general ranges only, because the real target is your program page.
Admission is only the first step
Meeting the English requirement gets you admission, which leads to your letter of acceptance. Your study permit then relies on that admission. For how PTE Academic fits into the study permit process, and why the Student Direct Stream ending changed things, see our guide on PTE Academic for a Canadian study permit.
Hitting your target
Once you know your number, measure your four skills and focus on the weakest one. A short, targeted plan usually beats broad practice. See our PTE Academic study plan to get there.
PTE Academic coaching for your target band
PTEfy is online PTE Academic and PTE Core coaching built around the exact band your program asks for. We target the skills that move your score.
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