PTE Academic Scores for Each Australian Migration Visa
PTE Academic is accepted by DHA for all Australian migration visas that require an English certificate. Importantly, PTE scores are counted per skill, not as an overall score.
PTE scores by English level
| English level | PTE score per skill |
|---|---|
| Competent | 50 |
| Proficient | 65 |
| Superior | 79 |
Four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking — all must reach the threshold.
PTE scores for visa 482 (TSS)
Most common requirement: Competent English — PTE 50 in each skill
However, some special cases apply:
- Citizens of English-speaking countries: may be exempt (see the article on English-speaking countries under DHA rules)
- Some special positions: may require a higher score
PTE scores for visa 186 (ENS)
Competent English: PTE 50 in each skill
For visa 186, some additional categories may have different English requirements depending on the stream.
PTE scores for Skilled Independent (189) and Skilled Nominated (190)
To lodge an EOI: Competent English (PTE 50) To earn English points in the EOI:
- PTE 50–64: 0 points
- PTE 65–78: 10 points (Proficient)
- PTE 79+: 20 points (Superior)
Important notes on PTE scores
Communicative Skills Score vs Enabling Skills: PTE reports scores in two categories. To meet the DHA requirement, only Communicative Skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) are counted, not Enabling Skills (Grammar, Oral Fluency, etc.).
No combining sittings: You cannot take the Listening score from one sitting and the Writing score from another. You must reach all four skills in one sitting.
Valid for 3 years: PTE scores are usually valid for 3 years from the test date for Australian migration purposes.