Planning to apply for Australian permanent residency through skilled migration? Your English test score can play an important role in your application. The Pearson Test of English Academic, commonly known as PTE Academic, can help you meet the English language requirement and, depending on your score, earn additional points under the skilled migration points test.
However, getting a good PTE score does not automatically guarantee Australian PR. You need to meet the requirements of your chosen visa and build enough points across factors such as age, work experience, education and English proficiency.
Understanding how PTE scores translate into points can help you plan your preparation more effectively.
How PTE scores contribute to Australian PR points
The points-based skilled migration system applies to visas such as the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491. These visas require applicants to meet or exceed the minimum points threshold of 65. However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
English language ability forms one part of this points calculation. The points system recognises different levels of English proficiency.
You can receive
- 0 points for competent English
- 10 points for proficient English
- 20 points for superior English
The higher your English proficiency, the more points you can add to your overall skilled migration score.
This makes your PTE preparation more than just a way to satisfy a visa requirement. A stronger result can also increase the number of points you claim in your Expression of Interest.
Also Read – PTE Exam Pattern 2026 Explained For High Score
What PTE score do you need for competent English?
Competent English generally helps you meet the basic English requirement for relevant skilled migration applications, but it does not provide additional points under the general points test.
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, you need to achieve at least
- 47 in Listening
- 48 in Reading
- 51 in Writing
- 54 in Speaking
You need to meet the required score in each of the four components. Simply achieving a high overall score does not replace the individual component requirements.
If you took your PTE test on or before 6 August 2025, different score requirements apply. The Department of Home Affairs states that eligible results from tests taken on or before this date may continue to be used for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa subclass.
How do you get 10 PTE points?
To claim 10 points for English, you need to demonstrate proficient English.
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the current minimum scores are
- 58 in Listening
- 59 in Reading
- 69 in Writing
- 76 in Speaking
You need to meet the required score in all four components. Reaching the proficient English level can add 10 points to your skilled migration points score.
For example, if your other factors give you 55 points, achieving proficient English could take your total to 65 points. You would still need to meet the other requirements of your visa and receive an invitation before you can proceed with the application.
Also Read – How to Master PTE Summarise Spoken Text
How do you get 20 PTE points?
If you want to claim the maximum English points under the general skilled migration points test, you need superior English.
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the required minimum scores are
- 69 in Listening
- 70 in Reading
- 85 in Writing
- 86 in Speaking
Meeting these scores can give you 20 points for superior English.
This means the difference between proficient and superior English can be worth 10 points. For applicants who are close to the points threshold, those additional points can form an important part of their overall points calculation.
Does your PTE overall score decide your PR points?
Not exactly.
For skilled migration purposes, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your English level based on the required scores across the relevant test components. You should therefore avoid focusing only on your overall PTE score.
For example, a candidate may perform strongly in Listening and Reading but fall short of the required Speaking score for their desired English category. In that situation, the candidate may not qualify for that higher English level.
This is why you should prepare for all four PTE sections and understand the exact score requirements before booking your test.
Also Read – PTE Reading Tips: Steps To Higher Reading Score
PTE requirements changed in 2025
One important point for PTE candidates is the change introduced on 7 August 2025. The Department of Home Affairs changed the English language tests and score requirements accepted for Australian visa purposes.
PTE Academic remains an approved test, but the score requirements for the different English levels changed. The newer PTE requirements apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025 onwards. Older eligible results may continue to have validity depending on the visa and the date you took the test.
You should always check the latest requirements before relying on an older PTE score.
How can you plan your PTE preparation?
Start by identifying the English level you need for your migration pathway. If you only need competent English, your preparation target will differ from someone trying to claim 20 points for superior English.
Once you know your target, check the minimum requirement for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You can then identify which sections need more practice.
Regular mock tests can help you understand your current performance. They can also help you manage your time and become familiar with the PTE test format.
Most importantly, do not choose a target score based only on the number of points you currently need. Your overall migration score also depends on other factors, and your circumstances may change before you receive an invitation.
Also Read – How to Prepare for PTE Academic in the Most Efficient Manner
Final thoughts
PTE can play two roles in your Australian PR journey. It can help you meet the English language requirement and can also help you earn additional points through proficient or superior English.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, proficient English requires PTE scores of 58 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 69 in Writing and 76 in Speaking. Superior English requires 69 in Listening, 70 in Reading, 85 in Writing and 88 in Speaking.
At EnglishWise, we help students understand these requirements and prepare with a clear target in mind. Our PTE courses focus on building skills across all four sections, so you can approach the test with greater confidence and work towards the score you need for your Australian PR plans.
Before you start preparing, check the requirements for your specific visa and set a realistic PTE target. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, you can work towards the English level that supports your overall skilled migration points calculation.
