PTE Exam for Australian Visa
PTE for Australia visa: check current PTE Academic scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior English, test requirements and skilled migration points.
PTE for Australia visa: check current PTE Academic scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior English, test requirements and skilled migration points.
PTE Academic is one of the English language tests accepted for Australian visa purposes. If you are planning to use PTE for an Australian visa, the required score depends on the English level specified by your visa subclass and your individual circumstances. The Australian Department of Home Affairs currently accepts PTE Academic results from tests taken at a secure testing centre.
The PTE requirements for Australia visa applications changed on 7 August 2025. PTE Academic retained the same test name, but the test and score requirements changed. This means applicants should be careful when using older information about PTE score requirements for Australia. Results from tests taken before 7 August 2025 may continue to be accepted for certain visa purposes for specified periods, depending on the visa subclass.
There is no single PTE score required for Australia for every visa. The required score depends on whether you need Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient or Superior English. Some visas may also allow other forms of evidence instead of a PTE test. You should therefore check the English requirement for the specific visa before booking your PTE Academic test.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs uses individual scores for listening, reading, writing and speaking for several English proficiency levels. The following table shows the current PTE Academic scores for common English categories used in Australian immigration.
| English Level | PTE Listening | PTE Reading | PTE Writing | PTE Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient English | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior English | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
These scores apply to the current PTE Academic test requirements for the respective English levels. The applicable level depends on your visa pathway. For example, higher English levels can be relevant to points-tested skilled migration and may provide additional points where the visa's points test applies.
Speak directly with registered migration professionals to evaluate your visa pathways.
PTE Academic can be used to demonstrate English proficiency for a range of Australian visa pathways. For skilled migration, the level of English you achieve can affect both eligibility and, where applicable, your points score. Competent English can satisfy the English requirement for certain skilled visas, while Proficient and Superior English can provide additional points under the skilled migration points test.
Applicants should also understand that the Department of Home Affairs does not accept PTE tests delivered completely online or remotely from home for Australian visa purposes. Your PTE Academic test must be undertaken through an accepted secure testing arrangement. The PTE result also needs to meet the relevant validity and evidence requirements for your visa.
Before booking your PTE test for Australian immigration, identify the exact visa subclass you are considering and determine the English level required. You should then check whether PTE Academic is accepted for that visa and whether you need a particular score in each test component. This is especially important because achieving a high overall PTE score does not necessarily satisfy a requirement if the visa specifies minimum scores for individual components.
For skilled migration, English is only one part of the assessment. Applicants may also need to meet occupation, skills assessment, age, qualification, employment and other visa requirements. A PTE result by itself does not establish eligibility for an Australian skilled visa or guarantee an invitation.
Australian Immigration Consultants can help you understand which English level may apply to your intended visa pathway and how your PTE result may fit into your overall application. Reviewing the requirements before taking the test can help you prepare for the appropriate score requirements.
Discuss your PTE requirements and potential Australian visa pathway with Australian Immigration Consultants.
For the latest PTE Academic requirements, visit the official Department of Home Affairs English language requirements page before booking your test.
1. Is PTE Academic accepted for Australian visas?
Yes. PTE Academic is an approved English language test for Australian visa purposes when the test is taken through an accepted secure testing arrangement and the result meets the requirements of the relevant visa.
2. What PTE score is required for an Australian visa?
There is no single PTE score for every Australian visa. The required score depends on the English level and visa subclass. For tests taken from 7 August 2025, Competent English requires at least 47 Listening, 48 Reading, 51 Writing and 54 Speaking.
3. What PTE score is required for Australian PR?
For points-tested skilled migration, Competent, Proficient or Superior English may be relevant depending on the visa and applicant's circumstances. Under the current PTE requirements, Proficient English requires at least 58 Listening, 59 Reading, 69 Writing and 76 Speaking, while Superior English requires at least 69 Listening, 70 Reading, 85 Writing and 88 Speaking.
4. Can I take PTE online for an Australian visa?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept English tests delivered completely online or remotely from home for Australian visa purposes. PTE should be taken through an accepted secure testing arrangement.
5. Does a higher PTE score give more points for Australian immigration?
For applicable points-tested skilled visas, achieving Proficient or Superior English can provide additional points. English points are only one part of the overall skilled migration points assessment.