Score requirements
PTE scores for Australian skilled migration
Three English levels, each setting its own minimum in each of the four skills. Your overall band is not used.
Per-skill thresholds
| Level | Points | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | IELTS equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior English | 20 | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 | 8 |
| Proficient English | 10 | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 7 |
| Competent English | 0 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 6 |
There is no averaging. An applicant with L90 R90 W90 S60 scores zero English points: three near-perfect skills reach Superior on their own, but Speaking clears only Competent, which carries no points.
Australia PR Points CalculatorTypical university entry bands
| English level | PTE |
|---|---|
| Foundation and pathway programmes | 36–50 |
| Undergraduate | 51–60 |
| Postgraduate | 57–67 |
| Competitive and selective programmes | 70–90 |
Ranges are indicative. Always confirm the requirement for your specific programme — thresholds vary widely even within one institution.
Frequently asked questions
No. Australian skilled migration assesses each of the four skills against its own minimum, and always has. Your overall band is irrelevant to the English points test — an applicant averaging 80 with one skill below its threshold receives zero English points.
Related pages
- Australia PR Points CalculatorCalculate your Australian skilled migration English points from your four PTE scores. Each skill is checked against its own minimum under the post-August 2025 rules.
- PTE Score for Superior EnglishSuperior English is worth 20 points on the skilled migration points test. See the exact PTE score required in each of the four skills.
- PTE Score for Proficient EnglishProficient English is worth 10 points on the skilled migration points test. See the exact PTE score required in each of the four skills.
- PTE Score for Competent EnglishCompetent English is the minimum to apply for a skilled visa and is worth 0 points. See the exact PTE score required in each of the four skills.
- PTE Score for the 189 VisaEnglish requirements and points for the subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, with the PTE score needed in each skill under the current rules.