Visa subclass 491
PTE Score for the 491 Visa
English requirements and points for the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, with the PTE score needed in each individual skill.
What this subclass changes — and what it does not
Subclass 491 is the regional provisional visa: it is temporary, ties you to a designated regional area, and is a pathway to permanent residence rather than permanent residence itself. Its English thresholds are identical to the other skilled subclasses. Because 491 carries more points than the other nomination routes, applicants sometimes assume its English bar is lower. It is not.
The English points table is the same for subclasses 189, 190 and 491. Whichever you are applying for, the level you reach depends only on your four skill scores.
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
Related pages
- 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.
- PTE Score for the 190 VisaEnglish requirements and points for the subclass 190 State Nominated visa, with the PTE score needed in each individual skill.
- PTE Score for State NominationHow state and territory nomination works for the 190 and 491 visas, the PTE English thresholds that still apply, and where to check current criteria.