PTE score for University of Otago
University of Otago asks for a PTE Academic score of 50 overall (no skill below 42) for bachelor's degrees and 58 overall (no skill below 50) for master's degrees. These figures were checked against the university's official pages on 13 October 2026; requirements vary by course and intake, so confirm yours on the programme page before you apply.
- Checked 13 Oct 2026
- 2 sourced requirements
- Dunedin, New Zealand
Otago PTE Academic requirements by level
Scores are on the PTE 10 to 90 scale. "Each skill at least" means Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing must each reach that figure, as well as the overall score. Where a row shows a figure for each skill, those are the minimums for that skill. Scroll sideways on a small screen.
| Level or programme | Overall | Each skill at least | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor'sUndergraduate requirement for applicants whose first language is not English (standard programmes)Page states the same table applies to domestic and international applicants. | 50 | 42 | otago.ac.nzread 13 Oct 2026 |
| Master'sPostgraduate requirement (standard programmes); the page does not separate coursework from research degreesProgrammes in section 7 (social work, postgraduate law and PhD in the law faculty, dentistry) state higher IELTS/TOEFL figures with no PTE figure. | 58 | 50 | otago.ac.nzread 13 Oct 2026 |
Where each figure comes from
Open a row to read the exact line from the official page. Only rows we could match to an official page are shown; they were re-read independently on 13 October 2026.
Evidence: Bachelor's (50 overall, no skill below 42)
“Overall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42”
From otago.ac.nz, read on 13 Oct 2026. If the live page now says something different, the live page wins.
Evidence: Master's (58 overall, no skill below 50)
“Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50”
From otago.ac.nz, read on 13 Oct 2026. If the live page now says something different, the live page wins.
Does your score qualify?
Type the scores from your PTE Academic score report. You will see, row by row, whether you meet Otago's figure and by how many points you miss it.
Enter the scores from your PTE Academic score report. Nothing is sent anywhere; the check runs in your browser.
Enter your scores to see which Otago rows you meet.
Comparing several universities? Use the eligibility checker.
Waivers and English pathways
Ways Otago says you may not need to submit a PTE score, or may reach the requirement another way.
Prior tertiary study taught in English in listed countries (India included, if taught in English and the awarding institution is on Otago's list) may be accepted: at least one year of degree-level study for undergraduate entry, a completed degree for postgraduate entry, within two years of starting study.
Official wording
“India (if the degree has been taught in English, and the awarding institution is on this list )”
From otago.ac.nz, read on 13 Oct 2026.
For undergraduate study, Indian Grade 12 English can satisfy the requirement: 70% in English for CBSE, CISCE or specified state boards, 85% for all other Higher Secondary State Boards (study within two years of starting).
Official wording
“Grade 12 English from all other Higher Secondary State Boards 85% in English”
From otago.ac.nz, read on 13 Oct 2026.
Foundation English pathways are accepted, for example Otago Language Centre English for Undergraduate/Postgraduate Academic Purposes (Grade C or higher) and the Otago Foundation Studies Certificate.
Official wording
“English for Undergraduate Academic Purposes – Grade C or higher”
From otago.ac.nz, read on 13 Oct 2026.
Good to know before you apply
- Test must have been taken no more than two years before the start of study; this may be extended to five years case by case with evidence of continued immersion in an English-speaking environment.
What to practise for Otago
Every skill carries the same highest minimum on this page: 50, set by the Master's row. No single skill stands out, so start with your lowest skill score on your latest score report.
Which PTE test, and how long a score lasts
| PTE Academic | Accepted |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic UKVI | Not stated on the pages we checked |
| PTE Core | Not accepted |
| Score validity noted | 2 years |
PTE Academic is listed among accepted English proficiency tests. The page does not mention PTE Core, PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Academic Online. The higher-requirement programme groups on the page (social work, law postgraduate, dentistry) list only IELTS and TOEFL figures, and teaching refers to the Teaching Council, so no PTE rows are recorded for them.
Pearson's own rules on validity are in our PTE score validity guide. Compare tests in PTE Academic vs Core vs UKVI.
Confirm on the programme page before you book or apply
English requirements can differ by course, faculty and intake, and universities change them. These figures are what Otago's pages said when we checked on 13 October 2026. A requirement that is not on this page may still exist for your course. The official pages we used:
- English language requirements (otago.ac.nz)
Independent study site, not affiliated with University of Otago or Pearson. See how we check requirements.
Other universities in New Zealand
- University of AucklandFrom 50 overall (Bachelor's) · checked 13 Oct 2026
- University of CanterburyFrom 42 overall (Foundation) · checked 13 Oct 2026
- Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of WellingtonFrom 50 overall (Bachelor's) · checked 13 Oct 2026
- Auckland University of TechnologyFrom 42 overall (Diploma) · checked 13 Oct 2026
- University of WaikatoFrom 42 overall (Foundation) · checked 13 Oct 2026
Visa and route guides for New Zealand
The university score and the visa score are separate requirements. These guides cover the visa side.