The new English scores for Australian visas

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.

By Thanh Tran, PTE and IELTS coach
Updated

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

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.

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.

Thanh Tran

Written by

Thanh Tran, PTE and IELTS coach

Thanh scored 90 in all four skills on PTE Academic. As a PTE and IELTS coach, he has helped hundreds of international students get the score they need for a visa or to study abroad.

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