Canada — Montreal
PTE score for McGill University
McGill University accepts PTE Academic for undergraduate admissions. The standard requirement is 65 overall with per-skill minimums. PTE Academic is not accepted for graduate programs.
Last verified 2026-06-23. Source: English Proficiency — McGill University
PTE Academic score requirements
Undergraduate
65
overall minimum
Scores must be sent electronically by Pearson directly to McGill. All four communicative skills must be at least 60.
Postgraduate
Not accepted
PTE Academic is not accepted for graduate admission at McGill University. Use TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
PTE Academic is NOT accepted for graduate program admission at McGill University. Graduate applicants must use TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
Visa note: Canadian study permits accept PTE Academic as proof of English proficiency for admission. For Express Entry and other IRCC immigration programs, Canada requires PTE Core (not PTE Academic). Note: McGill is in Quebec, which has separate immigration rules (CAQ required before study permit).
Requirements are set by McGill University and can change. Always verify at the English Proficiency — McGill University before applying.
PTE requirements by program and faculty
McGill University sets different PTE score thresholds depending on your program. The table below lists the most common bands — always confirm the exact requirement for your intended course.
| Band / Level | Overall | Each skill | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard undergraduate | 65 | 60+ | All undergraduate programs across faculties |
To find the exact PTE requirement for your specific degree, use the McGill Undergraduate Admissions and select your intended program.
What if your score is below the requirement?
A PTE score that is 2 to 5 points below the requirement is almost always a single-skill problem. One weak skill — commonly Writing or Speaking — pulls the overall score below the threshold while the other three are already sufficient.
The fastest path to closing that gap is identifying which skill is the bottleneck, then drilling it specifically. A free 10-minute diagnostic on this site identifies your weakest skill from your response patterns — no guessing, no wasted prep time.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for undergraduate admissions. McGill University in Montreal, Canada accepts PTE Academic as proof of English proficiency for undergraduate programs. The minimum requirement is 65 overall with no skill below 60. However, PTE Academic is not accepted for graduate (masters/PhD) admissions. Graduate applicants should use TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
For undergraduate entry at McGill University, you need a PTE Academic overall score of 65 with no skill below 60. Scores must be sent electronically by Pearson directly to McGill. All four communicative skills must be at least 60. PTE Academic is not accepted for graduate programs at McGill University. Always confirm with McGill University directly, as individual faculties can set higher requirements.
Canadian study permits accept PTE Academic as proof of English proficiency for admission. For Express Entry and other IRCC immigration programs, Canada requires PTE Core (not PTE Academic). Note: McGill is in Quebec, which has separate immigration rules (CAQ required before study permit).
If your current PTE score is below the McGill University requirement, there are two realistic paths. First, resit PTE Academic after targeted preparation focusing on your weakest skill (one low skill can pull your overall score significantly below the threshold). Second, check whether McGill University offers a conditional admission pathway through an English language pathway program, which allows entry at a lower score followed by an on-campus English course before your degree starts. The free diagnostic on this site identifies exactly which skill is holding your score back.
McGill University accepts both PTE Academic and IELTS (for undergraduate programs). The tests measure the same skills but in different formats. PTE Academic is fully computer-delivered and AI-scored, which removes examiner variability from Speaking and Writing. Many candidates who find the IELTS Speaking interview stressful prefer PTE's recorded format. The best test for you depends on your strengths. Try a free PTE mock to see where you stand.
Ready to reach the McGill University requirement?
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