PTE for Australia: PTE for Australia: Score Requirements, Visa, PR & Study
Planning to study, work, migrate or apply for permanent residency in Australia? PTE Academic can be used to demonstrate English proficiency for eligible Australian visa pathways and is accepted by Australian universities. However, the score you need depends on your visa pathway, institution, course, profession or migration requirements.
Is PTE Accepted in Australia?
Yes. PTE Academic is accepted for Australian visa purposes, subject to the requirements of the specific visa pathway. The Australian Department of Home Affairs lists PTE Academic among the approved English language tests for relevant visa applications.
The English test requirements changed on 7 August 2025. This means older PTE score charts may no longer reflect the requirements for tests taken from that date onward. Always check the current requirement for your specific visa before booking your test.
PTE Academic is also used for university applications in Australia. However, university and course admission requirements can differ from Australian visa requirements.
Important: Do not use an old PTE Australia score chart without checking its test-date rules. The Department of Home Affairs introduced different English test scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
What Can You Use PTE Academic for in Australia?
Depending on the requirements that apply to you, PTE Academic may be relevant for several Australian study, visa and migration purposes.
Study in Australia
Australian universities and other education providers may accept PTE Academic as evidence of English proficiency. The required score can vary by institution, course and level of study.
Australian Student Visa
PTE Academic is one of the approved English tests for Australian visa purposes. You should check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements that apply to your visa before registering for the test.
Skilled Migration and Permanent Residency
English proficiency can form part of the requirements for Australian skilled migration pathways. The required English level depends on the visa and the circumstances of the applicant.
Work and Professional Registration
English requirements can also apply to employment or professional registration. These requirements may be separate from visa requirements, so check the relevant employer, registration authority or professional body where applicable.
PTE Score Requirements for Australian Visas
There is no single PTE score that applies to every Australian visa. The Department of Home Affairs uses different English proficiency levels, and the required PTE scores can depend on the visa pathway and test date.
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the current Department of Home Affairs English-level pages list the following PTE requirements:
| English Level | PTE Academic Requirement |
|---|---|
| Functional English | Overall score of at least 0 |
| Vocational English |
Listening0
Reading0
Writing0
Speaking0
|
| Competent English |
Listening0
Reading0
Writing0
Speaking0
|
| Proficient English |
Listening0
Reading0
Writing0
Speaking0
|
| Superior English |
Listening0
Reading0
Writing0
Speaking0
|
These English levels should not be treated as universal visa scores. Some visa subclasses have additional requirements or allow other forms of evidence. Check the relevant visa page before relying on a particular English level.
You can also use the PTE Score Calculator to review your PTE scores and understand your current performance while planning your preparation.
PTE Score for Australian PR & Skilled Migration
If you are preparing for Australian permanent residency or skilled migration, your required English level depends on the visa pathway you are applying for.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the current PTE Academic component requirements listed by the Department of Home Affairs include:
The English level you need should be determined from the requirements of your specific migration pathway. Do not assume that achieving one general PTE score automatically meets every Australian PR requirement.
Planning your PR preparation?
First identify the visa pathway you are targeting. Then check the applicable English requirement and set your PTE preparation target around that requirement.
PTE for Australian Student Visa
PTE Academic can be used as an approved English test for Australian visa purposes where the relevant visa requirements allow it.
Your university or education provider may also have an English-language requirement for admission. The admission requirement and visa requirement are not necessarily the same.
Before booking your test, check both:
The current Department of Home Affairs requirement for your visa.
The English requirement for your university, course or education provider.
PTE Academic Requirements for Australian Universities and Work
| Area | What It Means | What To Check |
|---|---|---|
| PTE for Australian Universities | PTE Academic is accepted by Australian universities, but the exact minimum score can vary depending on the institution, course and level of study. This means you should not rely on one general "PTE score for Australian universities." Instead, check the current English-language requirement for your chosen course. | Before applying: Check the university's current course page for the accepted English test, minimum overall score and any minimum score requirements for individual skills. |
| PTE for Work in Australia | English proficiency requirements can vary across Australian employment and professional settings. A PTE score that meets one purpose does not automatically satisfy every professional or registration requirement. | If your occupation is regulated, check the relevant registration authority before choosing your test and target score. |
PTE Academic Test Format for Australia
PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test covering Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. The test uses integrated tasks, meaning some questions can contribute to more than one communicative skill.
If you are preparing by skill, use these PTEHub guides:
PTE Academic vs PTE Core for Australia
Make sure you select the correct PTE test before booking.
PTE Academic is the PTE test relevant to Australian study and Australian visa purposes where PTE is accepted. PTE Core is designed for different purposes, including Canadian immigration-related pathways.
If your goal is Australia, confirm that your application specifically requires or accepts PTE Academic before you book an exam.
Do not book the wrong test: Check the exact test name required by your Australian visa, university or other organisation before paying for an exam.
PTE Practice for Australia
Effective online PTE practice is more than answering a large number of questions. You should use practice to understand your performance, identify weaknesses and measure improvement.
A simple preparation cycle is:
Start with PTE Practice Online to work on individual tasks and skills. As you progress, use a PTE Practice Test to assess your performance under timed conditions.
PTE Speaking FAQ
PTE Listening Preparation FAQs
Is PTE accepted for Australia?
Yes. PTE Academic is an approved English language test for relevant Australian visa purposes and is accepted by Australian universities, subject to their individual requirements.
What PTE score is required for Australia?
There is no single PTE score for all Australian purposes. The required score depends on your visa, university, course, profession or other pathway.
What PTE score is required for Australian PR?
The required English level depends on the specific migration pathway. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the current Competent, Proficient and Superior PTE requirements use different minimum scores across the four components.
Is PTE Academic accepted for an Australian student visa?
PTE Academic is an approved English test for relevant Australian visa purposes. You should check the current requirements that apply to your specific visa application.
Is PTE accepted by Australian universities?
Yes. PTE Academic is accepted by Australian universities, but each institution and course can set its own English-language admission requirements.
Is PTE Core accepted for Australia?
If your Australian pathway requires PTE Academic, you should not substitute PTE Core. Always confirm the exact PTE test named in the requirement before booking.
Can I take PTE online for an Australian visa?
No. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept completely online, remote-proctored or at-home English tests as evidence for Australian visa purposes. Approved tests must be taken at a secure test centre.
Does PTE give points for Australian PR?
English proficiency can be relevant to Australian skilled migration requirements, including where English ability affects eligibility or points. The applicable rules depend on the visa pathway, so check the current requirements for your specific application.
How should I prepare for PTE Australia?
Start by identifying your required English level, take diagnostic practice, work on weak skills and question types, review your mistakes, and use timed mock tests as your exam approaches.
