Everything You Need to Know About PTE in the UAE

If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate abroad from the UAE, especially to English-speaking countries like Australia, the UK, or Canada, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic might be your ideal language proficiency exam. In the UAE, the popularity of PTE is growing steadily, with more students and professionals choosing it over other English tests like IELTS and TOEFL. In this blog, we’ll explore how PTE training in the UAE is uniquely designed, the common challenges test- takers face, and which universities in the UAE accept PTE scores.

What Is PTE Academic?

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test that evaluates your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The test is known for its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for scoring, which helps reduce human bias and provides quicker results usually within 1 to 5 days.

The test duration is about two hours, and it is taken in one sitting. It’s globally accepted by thousands of universities and governments for student visas, work permits, and migration.

PTE Exam Fee in the UAE

Understanding the cost of taking the PTE is important for planning your test and preparation. As of now, here’s a breakdown of the costs of PTE exams in the UAE:

Test Type	Test Name	Fee (AED)	Notes
PTE Academic	PTE Academic	1350	Price includes 5% tax
PTE Core	PTE Core	1350	Price includes 5% tax
UK Visa & Immigration	PTE Academic UKVI	1350	Price includes 5% tax
	PTE Home A1	1145	Price includes 5% tax
	PTE Home A2	1145	Price includes 5% tax
	PTE Home B1	1145	Price includes 5% tax

PTE Training in the UAE

PTE training in the UAE is designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of students, from high school graduates applying to foreign universities to working professionals.

Features of UAE-Based PTE Coaching:

• Flexible Schedules: Many institutes offer weekend and evening batches to suit the needs of working individuals and students.

• Practice-Oriented Curriculum: Courses are focused on real exam practice. You’ll find mock tests that simulate the actual PTE format, giving you experience with time pressure and computer-based testing.

• AI-Powered Evaluation: Some platforms offer AI to give instant feedback on your test performance, helping you improve faster.

• Personalized Learning: Many PTE training centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah offer 1- on-1 coaching or small group sessions tailored to your weak areas, like pronunciation or grammar.

Challenges Faced by PTE Test-Takers in the UAE

Despite good training options, some students in the UAE face specific challenges when preparing for the PTE:

1.  Lack of Familiarity with the Format

Many test-takers are new to computer-based tests. Getting used to speaking into a microphone or typing essays on-screen within strict time limits can be stressful without practice.

2.  Time Management Issues

PTE is a fast-paced test. Each section is timed, and students often struggle to complete tasks within the given time, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections.

3.  Pronunciation and Fluency

Non-native English speakers may find it difficult to score high in the Speaking section due to strong accents or unclear pronunciation. Practicing with AI tools or real-time coaching can help with this.

4.  Test Anxiety

For many, it’s their first English proficiency test. The pressure to perform well, especially if it affects university admissions or visa applications, can cause nervousness and reduce performance.

Universities in the UAE That Accept PTE Scores

Several well-known universities in the country accept PTE Academic scores for admission across a wide range of academic levels.

Program types that accept PTE:

• Doctoral / PhD

• Post Graduate / Graduate

• Undergraduate

• Associate Degrees

• Diploma Programs

Here are some of the top institutions in the UAE where you can apply with your PTE scores:

• Al Dar University College

• Al Ghurair University

• Al Shabaka Technical Institute

• American University of the Emirates

• Canadian University of Dubai

• Amity University Dubai

• Curtin University Dubai

• Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls

• Emirates College for Management and Information Technology

• Global Banking School (GBS) Dubai

• Hamdan Bin Mohamed Smart University (HBMSU)

• Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

• Institute of Management Technology Dubai

• Middlesex University Dubai

• QE2 Hospitality Academy FZE

• Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

• Strathclyde Business School UAE

• Svarna Training Institute

These institutions cover fields such as business, IT, health sciences, engineering, education, and hospitality, offering plenty of opportunities for students with different academic goals.