PTE Academic Vs PTE UKVI For UK Master Study Visas
Which test is better for a UK master study visa, PTE Academic or PTE academic UKVI? Many candidates are confused between these two tests and don’t know what to choose in their cases.
Basically, they are similar yet different in some details. LUME will explain their differences and advise which one you should take.
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Before deciding which one to choose between the PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI, we should know that all UKVI tests are important for UK visa applicants. This is to ensure that test-takers obtain the necessary ability to use English in different contexts.
Below are some reasons why the UKVI exam is required for UK visa applications:
Both PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI have the same test structure, including Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. They assess the test takers’ ability to use the four English language skills fluently. The same scoring is also applied on both tests.
However, there are 2 main differences between these two tests: purposes and a SELT Unique Reference Number (URN) for the visa process.
The PTE Academic is necessary for candidates to apply to universities and educational institutions (both inside and outside the UK). This standard PTE test version is considered a must for admission purposes if you want to study abroad.
On the other hand, the UK Home Office requires the PTE Academic UKVI for UK visa applications. It includes any purpose, such as study or immigration. It even has extra security measures to guarantee the accuracy of the test scores.
Unlike the PTE Academic, the PTE Academic UKVI includes a Unique Reference Number (URN). After finishing the test, you’ll receive a series of digits that are crucial to applying for a UK visa.
The answer depends on your purposes or the requirements of your institutions. For example, if you don’t want or need a UK visa, the PTE Academic test is the right choice for you.
You’d better choose PTE Academic if:
However, the PTE Academic will not be enough if you are asked to obtain a UK visa. The Unique Reference Number (URN) assigned with the PTE Academic UKVI will support your visa application process.
You should always check with your desired institutions to confirm which test is more suitable to take.
The PTE Academic UKVI is advisable when:
Student route visa, or the former name, the Tier 4 General student visa, requires the PTE Academic UKVI for pre-degree courses, undergraduate or below degree levels, such as foundation courses, professional English courses, and pathways. You can also take the test when applying for a place that does not belong to Higher Education Institutions.
The UK government regulations state that in order to apply for a degree or courses of higher levels, your PTE Academic UKVI test result should be 59 or above (and scoring at least 59 for each part). It’s equal to the CEFR B2 level.
Meanwhile, if your target courses are below degree level, you only need CEFR B1 level or the result of 43 with a minimum of 43 for each part.
The PTE Academic UKVI is also required when you want to come to the UK under certain types of visas, such as a start-up, skilled worker, innovator, or minister of religion.
So, which test is better for a UK master study visa, PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI? There’s no exact answer since it depends on your target. If you aim for higher education, you can take PTE Academic. However, PTE Academic UKVI is your choice for applying for below-degree courses or UK visas.
If you want to know more about different types of PTE tests or get more practice before the real exam, visit our site for more!
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