English level
PTE Score for Competent English
Competent 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.
The score you need in each skill
Worth 0 points on the skilled migration points test
Listening
47
Reading
48
Writing
51
Speaking
54
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.
Typical 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
- PTE Score for Australia PRThe PTE scores Australia requires for Competent, Proficient and Superior English. Since August 2025 each level sets a different minimum per skill.
- 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.