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Indian students planning to study in Australia should have a proof of English proficiency. The PTE test scores are widely accepted in Australia for admission in top universities, visas and Permanent Residency.
The minimum PTE scores required for admission in Australia are:
| Course Level | Minimum PTE Score | Each Section Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 50-58 | 42+ |
| Postgraduate | 58-65 | 50+ |
| Research or PhD | 65+ | 58+ |
PTE Scores For Australian Universities 2026
PTE scores are widely accepted in Australia for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. Applicants can visit the official website for program-specific PTE score requirements for Australian universities.
Here’s the overview of the required PTE scores for top Australian universities:
| University | QS World Ranking 2027 | PTE Scores Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #=22 | 64-78 overall, with 60-76 in each subtest |
| University of Sydney | #=28 | 72 overall and with 60 in each subtest |
| University of New South Wales | #=19 | 64 overall with 54 in each subtest |
| University of Sydney | #=25 | 61 overall with 54 in each subsection |
| Australian National University | #=29 | 64 overall with 55 in each subtest |
| Monash University | #=31 | 65 overall with 58 in each subtest |
| University of Queensland | #=40 | 64 overall with 60 in each subtest |
| University of Western Australia | #=77 | 64 overall with 54-59 in each subtest |
| University of Adelaide | #=79 | 59-64 overall with 50-58 in each subtest |
| University of Technology Sydney | #=87 | 73-78 with 79 -65 in each subtest |
| RMIT University | #=119 | 50 overall |
Also read: How to Send PTE Scores to Universities 2026: Step by Step Guide, Fees & Tips
PTE Scores for Australian Student Visa 2026
The PTE scores are not required for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) according to the Australian Home Affairs Department. If the applicant has a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the university enrolled in, they need not give any English proficiency proof.
In case any applicants need to give English proficiency proof for a student visa application, PTE Academic scores are accepted by the Australian Home Affairs Department. Only PTE Academic tests taken at authorised Pearson test centres are accepted, while online or remote-proctored PTE tests are not valid for Australian visa applications.
Also read: Australia Student Visa Cost for Indian Students 2026
PTE Scores for PR in Australia 2026
English proficiency test scores, such as PTE, are a major requirement for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia and work visas. Australia follows a “Competent English” score system, which is the minimum English language proficiency level recognized by the Australian Government for many skilled migration visas.
For PR in Australia and skilled migration visas, such as subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, and Subclass 491 Provisional Visa, English proficiency is a primary factor in the points-tested system.
The PTE test scores determine which visa subclass the applicant is eligible under the Competent English points system. Here are the required scores for the visa subclass:
| English Level | Points Awarded | Minimum PTE Scores Required in Each Sub-Test |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 | Listening: 50, Reading: 50, Writing: 50, Speaking: 50 |
| Proficient | 10 | Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76 |
| Superior | 20 | Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88 |
Note: Older test versions, taken before 7 August 2025, have different thresholds and remain valid for use until 6 August 2028 depending on the visa. Check the official website for visa-specific requirements.
PTE or IELTS: Which One to Choose for Australia?
Indian students planning to study in Australia have multiple options, such as PTE, to appear for an English proficiency test. However, they need to select the English language test according to their liability and requirements.
You can choose the PTE test if:
- You’re comfortable with computers
- You prefer objective AI scoring
- You need to take the test multiple times, which has more test dates
- You’re good at typing
Choose IELTS if:
- You prefer a face-to-face speaking test
- You’re more comfortable with paper-based tests
- Your university specifically prefers IELTS
PTE Scores Equivalent to IELTS Scores
| PTE Score | IELTS Equivalent | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 86-90 | 9.0 | C2 |
| 83-85 | 8.5 | C2 |
| 79-82 | 8.0 | C1 |
| 73-78 | 7.5 | C1 |
| 65-72 | 7.0 | C1 |
| 59-64 | 6.5 | B2 |
| 50-58 | 6.0 | B2 |
| 42-49 | 5.5 | B2 |
| 36-41 | 5.0 | B1 |
How to Improve PTE Scores in 2026
Indian students preparing for the PTE test to take admission in Australia or for migration purposes should follow these tips and suggestions to improve their PTE scores. Here are some tips and suggestions:
- Focus on fluency, pronunciation, content relevance, and structure in the PTE Writing and Speaking sections. Avoid memorising answers from AI or other sources, as they are easily identifiable. Practice clear and natural delivery of words and pronunciation.
- Improve skimming, scanning, and vocabulary for the PTE Reading section. Work on fill-in-the-blanks and multiple-choice tasks to build strong roots.
- Enhance note-taking and comprehension of accents and fast speech for PTE Listening. Summarise spoken content accurately with speed and with good vocabulary.
- Strengthen grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and writing skills. This will help in effective growth and improvement in all the other sections and skills.
- Start with a mock test to identify weak areas.
- Practice daily for a minimum of 30- 40 minutes across all 4 skills.
- Review mistakes thoroughly after every practice session.
Also read: How to Score 90 in PTE Speaking & Listening
PTE score requirements in Australia vary by purpose, ranging from 50–58 for most undergraduate programs, 58–65 for postgraduate courses, and 65+ for research programs. For skilled migration, applicants must achieve the required score in each communicative skill to qualify for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English. Since universities and visa authorities have different eligibility criteria, candidates should always verify the latest score requirements on the official websites before applying.
FAQs
Ques. Is PTE Academic accepted in Australia for student visas?
Ans. Yes. The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic as evidence of English language proficiency for visa categories that require an English test. However, not every Student (Subclass 500) visa applicant is required to submit an English test score, as the requirement depends on individual circumstances.
Ques. Is PTE Academic Online accepted for Australian visas?
Ans. No. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept PTE Academic Online or any other remotely proctored English language tests for Australian migration purposes. Only tests taken at authorised Pearson test centres are accepted.
Ques. How long is a PTE Academic score valid?
Ans. PTE Academic score is valid for 2 years from the test date for study purposes. After this period, the score expires and cannot be used for new university applications.
Ques. How can I send my PTE scores to Australian universities?
Ans. You can send your scores through your myPTE account by selecting the institution from the "Send Scores" option. Pearson allows candidates to send scores to an unlimited number of institutions free of charge, and institutions can usually access the scores within 48 hours.
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