By Thanh Tran, co-founder and PTE instructor
Updated
On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs changed the PTE scores it needs for visas and the list of tests it accepts. IELTS scores did not change.
The new PTE scores for each English level
PTE now has a different minimum score for each skill, and speaking and writing need the highest scores. The IELTS scores and the points for each level did not change.
You must reach the minimum in every skill. Your overall score does not count, so your weakest skill decides your level.
English levels for Australian visas, for tests taken from 7 August 2025
Competent
- PTE Academic
- Listening 47, reading 48, writing 51, speaking 54
- IELTS
- 6 in each skill
- Points
- 0
Proficient
- PTE Academic
- Listening 58, reading 59, writing 69, speaking 76
- IELTS
- 7 in each skill
- Points
- 10
Superior
- PTE Academic
- Listening 69, reading 70, writing 85, speaking 88
- IELTS
- 8 in each skill
- Points
- 20
| Level | PTE Academic | IELTS | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | Listening 47, reading 48, writing 51, speaking 54 | 6 in each skill | 0 |
| Proficient | Listening 58, reading 59, writing 69, speaking 76 | 7 in each skill | 10 |
| Superior | Listening 69, reading 70, writing 85, speaking 88 | 8 in each skill | 20 |
- English score checker
See every visa, registration and skills assessment your PTE or IELTS scores meet.
- English scores for the 485 visa
The 485 visa has its own table, with an overall score.
- Victorian Points Test calculator
Victoria gives up to 200 points for English when it ranks 190 and 491 applicants.
If you took the test before 7 August 2025
You can still use your result. It is checked against the old scores. For PTE, the old scores were 50 in each skill for Competent, 65 for Proficient and 79 for Superior.
You can use it until 6 August 2028 at the latest. Some visas need a more recent test, so check the page for your visa before you apply.
- English scores for the 186 visa
Competent English, from results issued in the 3 years before you apply.
- English scores for the 482 visa
Lower scores than Competent English, from a test in the last 3 years.
Which tests are accepted now?
Three tests were added to the list: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test. IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET are still accepted.
You must take the test at a test centre. Home Affairs does not accept tests taken at home, such as IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
