PTE score for Australia PR & visa (2026)
The exact PTE Academic score you need for Australian skilled migration and student visas — and how PTE maps to points.
PTE Academic is approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for skilled migration and student visas. Which PTE score you need depends on the visa and how many English points you want — this page maps both.
PTE scores and the points test
For skilled visas, English is scored in three bands. The score is your lowest of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing) — one weak skill caps your band.
| English level | PTE (each skill) | IELTS (each) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior | 79+ | 8 | 20 |
| Proficient | 65–78 | 7 | 10 |
| Competent | 50–64 | 6 | 0 (eligibility only) |
PTE score by visa
| Visa | Minimum PTE (each skill) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 189 / 190 / 491 (skilled) | 50 (Competent) | Higher scores add points toward the invitation cut-off |
| 482 / 494 (employer sponsored) | Varies (often 50, some streams higher) | Check the stream's requirement |
| 500 (student) | Typically 42–50+ | Depends on the course & provider |
| 485 (graduate) | 50 (Competent) | Overall Competent English |
How to reach 65 or 79
Because your band is set by your weakest skill, the fastest gains come from fixing the skill that is dragging you down — not polishing the one you are already good at. The highest-value, lowest-risk tasks:
- Write From Dictation and R/W Fill in the Blanks — big marks, no negative marking, quick to improve.
- Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence — feed both Speaking and (partly) other skills; steady fluency lifts them fast.
- Spelling and grammar in the writing tasks — separate traits you can drill directly.
Practice with scoring that shows the trait breakdown, so you know exactly which trait is costing the band.
Frequently asked questions
Is PTE Academic accepted for Australian PR?
Yes. PTE Academic is approved by the Department of Home Affairs for skilled migration and most visa subclasses. Always confirm the current requirement for your specific visa at homeaffairs.gov.au.
What PTE score gives 20 points?
A Superior result — 79 or above in every one of the four skills — gives 20 English points. 65+ in each gives 10 points.
How long is a PTE score valid for Australian migration?
PTE Academic results are generally valid for three years for skilled migration. Check the current rule for your visa.
Does the visa look at overall or each skill?
Each skill. Your English band is set by your lowest of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing — so one weak skill caps your points.
Related guides
- PTE vs IELTS (2026)
- PTE exam pattern & format
- PTE templates & task strategies
- Try a sample question free — no signup
See exactly why you scored what you scored.
Try one question free — no signup — or create a free account for 3 questions per task type.
Try free — no signup →Create free account