For many international graduates, the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is the bridge between completing studies and building a long-term future in Australia. It gives you the chance to gain local work experience, explore career opportunities, and potentially move toward permanent residency later on. But before you can apply, you must prove your English proficiency, something most students choose to do through the PTE Academic test.
If you’re preparing to apply for the 485 visa, understanding exactly what PTE score you need, how the English levels differ, and what the Department of Home Affairs actually expects can save you time, money, and stress. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why the 485 Visa Requires an English Test
The Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for people who have studied in Australia but want to extend their stay to work or gain professional experience. Because you’re stepping into an English-speaking workforce, the Department of Home Affairs needs to know that you can communicate safely, confidently and independently.
While a number of English tests are accepted, the PTE Academic is especially appealing to students because:
- you don’t have to speak to an examiner
- results are usually ready in 48 hours
- bookings are flexible
- the computer-based scoring feels more predictable for many
This makes it a practical choice when your student visa is close to expiring and you wish to continue your stay in Australia.
The Exact PTE Score You Need for the 485 Visa
The Department of Home Affairs uses a few different English levels for different visa types, but for the 485 visa, the requirement is very clear: you must demonstrate “Competent English.”
For PTE Academic, “Competent English” means a minimum of 50 in each of the four PTE skills, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It’s important to understand that this is not based on your overall score. Even if your total score is high, missing the mark in just one skill can make the test invalid for your visa.
A score of 50 in each band is considered a fair and achievable benchmark. It shows you can understand instructions, participate in general conversations and handle workplace communication without major difficulty.
Is the PTE Requirement the Same in All 485 Streams?
Yes. The 485 visa has two primary streams:
- 1. Graduate Work Stream: For students who completed studies related to an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- 2. Post-Study Work Stream: For students who completed a higher education degree, be it Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Australia.
Regardless of which stream you apply for, the English requirement stays the same, i.e., 50 in each skill. This consistency takes a bit of pressure off because you don’t have to worry about different benchmarks depending on your study pathway.
How Long Your PTE Result Stays Valid
Your PTE Academic test result remains valid for two years for migration purposes. This is important for students who took the test earlier in their course. To apply for the 485 visa, your result just needs to be valid at the time you lodge the visa application, not at the time of grant. This is a detail many students get wrong and end up retaking the test unnecessarily.
Who Doesn’t Need to Take the PTE?
You may be exempt from taking the PTE if you hold a passport from:
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
These countries are automatically recognised as English-speaking for visa purposes.
If One Skill Falls Below 50
Even if three of the four scores are strong but the speaking score is less than 50, it means the test result does not satisfy visa requirements. If this happens, it simply means you’ll need to take the test again. The PTE allows unlimited attempts, and with quick result turnaround, most students can re-sit the test within the same week.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting PTE 50+
For most students, achieving 50 in each band is very realistic. The challenge is often not the English level itself but the format of the test. A few practical strategies can make a noticeable difference:
Get comfortable with the test style
The PTE is unique as tasks like “Repeat Sentence,” “Describe Image” and “Summarise Written Text” don’t appear in traditional English exams. Knowing the rhythm and timing of each section helps massively.
Focus on clarity in speaking
The test does not judge your accent. It focuses on clarity, fluency and consistent pacing. Many students lose marks because they speak too fast, hesitate between words or drop their voice at the end of a sentence.
Learn how PTE scores writing
In tasks like essays or summaries, structure matters more than fancy vocabulary. Clear sentences, logical flow and correct punctuation often score well.
Use official practice materials
Pearson’s mock tests are the closest thing to the real exam. They help you identify which skills need attention.
Develop academic listening and reading habits
Listening to general podcasts, reading articles or watching English news can improve comprehension in a natural, steady way.
With steady preparation and familiarity with the system, most students reach the 50+ level without needing long-term study.
When Should You Take the PTE for the 485 Visa?
Timing is crucial when taking PTE for the 485 Via. Students often underestimate how busy the end of a course can be with final exams, work shifts, graduation paperwork and planning the visa application itself.
Because PTE results arrive quickly, a good guideline is to sit the test at least 1–3 months before applying for the 485 visa. This gives you breathing room if you need to re-sit the exam.
If your student visa is close to expiring, taking the test earlier can prevent stressful last-minute complications.
Why Understanding the PTE Requirement Matters
For many graduates, the 485 visa is the stepping stone that leads to:
- Australian work experience
- Skilled migration eligibility
- A pathway to permanent residency
- Stronger employment options
- Time to prepare for the next stage of life
Understanding the PTE requirement early ensures you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to lodge your visa. It also gives you enough time to sharpen your skills and sit the test with confidence rather than pressure.
Final Thoughts
The PTE score requirement for the 485 visa is straightforward: a minimum of 50 in each skill area. While the requirement itself isn’t complicated, good preparation, smart timing and an understanding of the test structure can make the entire process easier.
If you keep track of your visa deadlines, plan your test dates wisely and give yourself time to prepare, meeting the PTE requirement becomes much more manageable. For many graduates, this step is the final hurdle before stepping into their career journey in Australia and with the right preparation, you can clear it with confidence. So, if you are looking for a PTE course that can help you prepare for this next milestone, explore study options with us at Englishwise.
