Getting a high score in a PTE exam for Australia depends on the type of visa you apply for. As an international student in Australia, you are likely already familiar with the PTE Academic exam. But do you know the minimum scores required for various Australian visas in 2025?
This blog breaks down the latest PTE score requirements for different visa categories, helping you plan your next steps toward staying in Australia.
What is the significance of a PTE exam for Australia?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a computer-based English language proficiency test assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. This test’s popularity stems from its computer-based format, which allows for self-assessment and quick results.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs recognises the PTE Academic for all visa categories requiring proof of English language proficiency. Its objective scoring system and rapid turnaround times have made it popular among test-takers.
Categories of English language proficiency and their PTE score required:
- Functional English – PTE score: 30
- Vocational English – PTE score: 36
- Competent English – PTE score: 50 (Test score to be submitted when applying for the following visas:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) subclass 188 (Entrepreneur stream)
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (Points-tested stream)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional (provisional) (subclass 489) (first provisional stream)
- Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)
- Proficient English – PTE score: 65
- Superior English – PTE score: 79
So, while you get to know more about PTE exams, let’s explore the minimum scores required for the varying Australian visas.
Minimum score requirements in the PTE exam for Australia
The PTE scores depend on the English language proficiency level you are trying to achieve. Furthermore, the score may also differ based on the type of Australian visa you hold.
English language proficiency level | Test component | PTE Academic minimum score |
Functional | Overall score | 30 |
Vocational | Listening | 36 |
Reading | 36 | |
Writing | 36 | |
Speaking | 36 | |
Competent | Listening | 50 |
Reading | 50 | |
Writing | 50 | |
Speaking | 50 | |
Proficient for points-tested skilled visas | Listening | 65 |
Reading | 65 | |
Writing | 65 | |
Speaking | 65 | |
Superior for points-tested skilled visas | Listening | 79 |
Reading | 79 | |
Writing | 79 | |
Speaking | 79 |
Undergraduate PTE Scores Based on Australian Universities
University | PTE Score | Undergraduate courses |
University of Melbourne | 64; No PTE communicative skills below 60 | |
University of New South Wales | 65 overall (min. 65 in each subtest) | Social Work |
64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | Engineering | |
65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | Business | |
Australian National University |
| |
Monash University |
| Nursing |
General requirements: 58+ Communicative score 50 | Engineering | |
| Information Technology | |
| Business programs |
Postgraduate PTE Scores Based on Australian Universities
Please note that every course’s PTE score may depend on the university and the specific level of degree of that course.
Course | University of Melbourne | University of New South Wales | Australian National University | Monash University |
Master of Nursing Science | 72+ The written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 72 | For postgraduate courses at this university Overall score: 70 Communicative Skills: Reading: 60 Writing: 60 Listening: 60 Speaking: 60 | 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 58, Reading 58, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 | |
Master of Social Work | 72 +
| 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 65 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 65, Reading 65, Speaking 65 and Writing 65 | |
Engineering & IT
| 64+
| 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | General requirements: 58+ ; communicative score 50 IT Master Degree: 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 | |
Executive Master of Business Communication Master of Business Analytics Master of Entrepreneurship | Overall score minimum of 72+; Writing skills of a minimum of 65 and no other communicative skill below 64 Overall score minimum of 72+, with writing skills of minimum 75 and no other communicative skill below 72 72 + | 65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest) | 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 |
Navigating the PTE score requirements for Australian visas in 2025 demands careful attention to both the desired English proficiency level and the specific visa category. As this blog has illustrated, from Functional English to Superior English, each level carries distinct PTE score benchmarks, directly impacting your visa eligibility. Moreover, university admissions for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Australia also rely heavily on PTE scores, with varying requirements across institutions and programs.
Therefore, it is crucial to meticulously research and understand the precise score criteria for your intended visa or academic pathway. By staying informed and adequately prepared for the PTE exam, you can significantly enhance your chances of achieving your Australian immigration or educational goals in 2025.
FAQs
Do I need to prepare for a PTE exam for Australia even though I am fluent in English?
Yes, the PTE exam has a specific format that tests your communicative and non-communicative English language. So, it is crucial to prepare for this exam so you know what to expect by practising on several mock exams prior.
What should I do next after appearing for my PTE exam?
You wait for your results once you have taken your PTE exam for Australia. You will get your results usually within 2 to 5 days via email. You will be able to view your overall score, including the individual scores of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You have to make sure that the scores meet the requirements of the university or visa application. If they do, you can use your scores through your PTE account to the universities you applied to for further studies.