If you are planning to apply for Australian permanent residency, your English test score can make a real difference. The Pearson Test of English Academic, or PTE Academic, is one of the English tests accepted for Australian skilled migration.
However, getting a good overall score is not the only thing that matters. Australia looks at your individual scores in all four sections, namely, listening, reading, writing and speaking when assessing your English level. The required scores also changed on 7 August 2025, so older information found online may no longer apply to new test results.
Here is a simple guide to help you understand what your PTE Academic score means for Australian PR.
What PTE score do you need for Australia PR
The score you need depends on the English level you want to claim and the visa you are applying for.
For points tested skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491, you need at least Competent English at the time of invitation. You can then claim additional points if you achieve Proficient or Superior English.
The current PTE Academic requirements for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are as follows.
Competent English
To meet the Competent English level, you need at least:
- Listening 47
- Reading 48
- Writing 51
- Speaking 54
You need to meet the minimum score in each of the four components. A high score in one section cannot make up for a lower score in another.
Competent English gives you 0 points under the points test, but you still need it for eligible points tested skilled visas.
Proficient English
If you want to claim 10 points for Proficient English, you need at least:
- Listening 58
- Reading 59
- Writing 69
- Speaking 76
Again, you must meet the required score in every section.
This is an important point for PTE candidates. You cannot simply aim for an overall score and assume that it will be enough. Your individual skill scores matter.
Superior English
Superior English can give you 20 points under the points test. For PTE Academic, the current minimum scores are:
- Listening 69
- Reading 70
- Writing 85
- Speaking 88
These are considerably higher than the Proficient English requirements, particularly for writing and speaking.
If you are trying to improve your overall migration points, Superior English can be worth the extra preparation time.
Why individual PTE scores matter
It is easy to focus on the overall PTE score when you first see your result. However, Australian migration rules work differently.
For skilled migration, the English category depends on your performance across the four test components. For example, someone may perform very well in listening and reading but fall short in speaking. That lower speaking score could prevent them from meeting the required English level.
This is why your preparation should cover all four skills instead of focusing only on the areas you find easy.
PTE scores and Australian PR points
English is one part of the wider points system used for skilled migration. Age, skilled employment, education and other factors can also contribute to your total score.
Under the current points table, Competent English gives 0 points, Proficient English gives 10 points and Superior English gives 20 points.
The minimum points threshold for submitting an expression of interest for points tested skilled visas is 65. However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation.
This is why improving your PTE score can be useful. If you move from Competent to Proficient or Superior English, you may increase your overall points and improve your position in the skilled migration process.
Do older PTE scores still count
The change introduced on 7 August 2025 is important for anyone comparing old PTE score requirements with the current rules.
PTE Academic has the same name as before, but the test and score requirements are different. Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be accepted for English proficiency for some visa purposes, depending on the visa and its validity rules.
For this reason, always check the requirements that apply to your test date and visa subclass before relying on an older score table.
How to prepare for your target PTE score
Start by deciding which English level you actually need. If you only need Competent English, your preparation target will be different from someone aiming for Superior English and 20 additional points.
Once you know your target, take a practice test and check your performance in all four skills. This gives you a clearer idea of where you currently stand.
Regular practice can also help you become familiar with the question types, timing and scoring expectations. PTE is a computer based test, so getting comfortable with the test format matters just as much as improving your English.
Try to track your scores after each practice session. If your speaking score keeps falling below your target, spend more time on speaking tasks instead of repeatedly practising areas where you already perform well.
Final thoughts
Your PTE Academic score can play an important role in your Australian PR journey. The current requirements are based on individual scores in listening, reading, writing and speaking, so looking only at your overall score can give you the wrong picture.
At EnglishWise, we understand that every PTE candidate has different strengths and areas that need improvement. We help students prepare with focused practice, useful strategies and regular feedback so they know where to improve and how to approach the test.
Once you know the score you need, build your preparation around that target. Use regular PTE practice tests to identify weak areas, monitor your progress and work towards a score that supports your Australian migration goals.
Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before submitting an application, as visa rules and English test requirements can change.
