Preparing for the PTE Academic exam can be a demanding task, especially if you are aiming for a high score. Many students ask, How many hours should I study each day to do well on the PTE? While there is no universal answer, the right number of daily study hours depends on a few important factors: your current English level, your target score, and how much time you have before the exam. In this blog, we will break down the ideal daily study time for different types of learners and provide some practical tips to help you create a balanced and effective study routine.

1.  Understand Your Starting Point

The first step in planning your study schedule is assessing your current English skills. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user of English? You can use the Sumlingo Free PTE mock test online to understand where you stand.

Here’s a general guideline:

• Beginner (Below B1 Level): Needs more preparation time and daily commitment

• Intermediate (B1 to B2 Level): Requires moderate daily study hours with targeted practice

• Advanced (C1 and above): May need only review-based study and test strategies

2. Decide on Your Target Score

Your target score often depends on the university, college, or immigration requirement. For example:

• 50-58: Moderate English proficiency required for certain graduate or diploma courses

• 65+: Required for most undergraduate and graduate programs

• 79+: Needed for high-ranking universities or skilled migration pathways (like Australian PR)

The higher the target score, the more structured and consistent your study plan needs to be.

3. Determine Your Time Frame

How much time do you have before your test date? If you are starting preparation 3 months before the exam, your study plan will be different from someone who has only 4 weeks left.

Here are some general recommendations based on preparation time:

If You Have 3 Months

• Beginner: Study 3 to 4 hours daily, including 1 mock test every 2 weeks. Use the rest of the time for focused practice.

• Intermediate: Study 2 to 3 hours daily, with 1 mock test every week.

• Advanced: Study 1 to 2 hours daily, mainly on polishing skills, and take 1 or 2 mock tests every week before the exam.

If You Have 1 to 2 Months

• Beginner: Study 4 to 5 hours daily, including 1 mock test per week.

• Intermediate: Study 3 to 4 hours daily, with 1-2 mock tests every week.

• Advanced: Study 2 to 3 hours daily, with 2-3 mock tests every week

If You Have Less Than 1 Month

• Focus more on intensive practice and full-length mock tests

• Study for 4 to 6 hours daily, depending on your confidence and familiarity with the test format.

4. Quality Over Quantity

It is important to remember that effective studying is not just about the number of hours you spend, but how you spend them. Many students make the mistake of studying for long hours without a clear plan, which leads to burnout and minimal progress.

Here’s how to study smarter:

• Use a Study Plan: Break your day into sections. Dedicate time to each module: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

• Practice Daily: Even if you can only manage 2 hours, make sure your practice is consistent and includes different task types.

• Review Your Mistakes: Analyze errors from mock tests and practice questions to avoid repeating them.

• Simulate Exam Conditions: Do full-length tests once a week to build stamina and get used to time pressure.

5. Sample Daily Study Plan

Here is a sample breakdown if you can dedicate 3 hours a day:

Hour 1: Speaking and Writing

• Practice read aloud, repeat sentence, and describe image

• Do one or two writing tasks (summarize written text, essay writing)

Hour 2: Reading

• Focus on multiple-choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill in the blanks

• Analyze answers and vocabulary

Hour 3: Listening

• Practice dictation, highlight incorrect words, and summarize spoken text

• Review audio transcripts for difficult sections

You can adjust this schedule based on your weak areas and the modules that need more improvement.

6. Include Breaks and Rest

While it’s important to study consistently, overworking can lead to mental fatigue and poor retention. Always take short breaks between study sessions. A good rule is to study for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15- to 20-minute break.

Sleep and rest also play a vital role in memory and concentration. Make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, especially as the exam approaches.

7. Final Week Before the Exam

In the last 7 days before the test:

• Focus on mock tests and time management

• Don’t start learning new topics but focus on revision and strategy

• Review high-frequency vocabulary and practice your typing speed, which is crucial for the writing section

Regardless of your level, the key to success is not just the time you spend, but consistent, focused, and well-planned study sessions. With the right preparation, reaching your desired PTE score is entirely achievable.