TOEFL and PTE for UK and Ireland Universities
A practical guide to using TOEFL iBT (ETS) and PTE Academic (Pearson) for university applications in the United Kingdom and Ireland — what each test is, how acceptance varies by university, and why you should confirm scores on the official course page.
Last updated
Key facts
- TOEFL iBT
- Run by ETS (four skills, overall + section scores)
- PTE Academic
- Run by Pearson (computer-based, overall + section scores)
- Acceptance
- Widely accepted but not universal — check each course
- Required scores
- Set per university/course — verify on the official page
Two widely used alternatives to IELTS
IELTS is not the only English test UK and Irish universities accept. TOEFL iBT, run by ETS, and PTE Academic, run by Pearson, are two other tests that many universities recognise for admission.
Both assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking and report an overall score plus section scores. They differ in format and scoring scale from IELTS and from each other, so a score on one test does not translate directly to another.
TOEFL iBT (ETS)
TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test of academic English delivered by ETS. It produces an overall score together with section scores, and is accepted by many universities in the UK and Ireland for admission.
The required overall and section scores vary by university and course, so this guide does not state numbers. Check the official ETS website for the current test format, dates, fees, and results timing, and confirm the score your chosen course requires on its official page — verify on the official source.
PTE Academic (Pearson)
PTE Academic is a computer-based English test from Pearson that reports an overall score and section scores. It is also accepted by many UK and Irish universities for admission.
As with TOEFL, acceptance and the required scores vary by institution and course. Use the official Pearson PTE website for format, availability, and fees, and confirm the exact required score on the university course page — verify on the official source.
Acceptance varies — always confirm
While both tests are widely recognised, acceptance is not universal. Some universities or specific programmes accept only certain tests, and a few professional or clinical courses may have narrower lists or higher requirements. Never assume a test is accepted because it is popular.
The reliable approach is to read the English-language requirements on the official page for each course you are applying to, see which of TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic it lists, and note the required overall and section scores before booking.
Tests for a visa
If you need a UK Student visa or Irish study permission, check separately whether your TOEFL or PTE result can be used to meet the official immigration English requirement, as that is governed by the government, not the university. For some UK applicants the university can assess English directly.
The immigration rules differ by country and route and can change, so confirm on the official GOV.UK guidance for the UK, or the official Irish immigration source for Ireland, and verify on the official source. This is general information, not immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are TOEFL and PTE accepted in the UK and Ireland?
Many universities in the UK and Ireland accept TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic for admission, but acceptance is not universal and the required scores vary by university and course. Check the official course page for the accepted test list and required scores, and verify on the official source.
Can I use TOEFL or PTE for a UK Student visa?
Whether a particular result meets the official immigration English requirement depends on your route, and for some applicants the university assesses English directly. The rules are set by the UK government and can change, so check the official GOV.UK Student visa guidance. This is general information, not immigration advice.
Which is better, TOEFL or PTE?
Neither is universally better — they use different formats and scoring scales, and the right choice depends on which test your target universities accept and what suits you. Compare the official ETS and Pearson pages and your course's accepted list before deciding.
How do I find the score my course needs?
Read the official English-language requirements page for your specific university and course. It lists the accepted tests and the minimum overall and section scores, which can change between intakes — so verify on the official source before booking.
Official sources
This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Verified against: ETS — TOEFL official site; Pearson — PTE Academic official site; GOV.UK — Student visa.
Last verified: 14 June 2026.
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