# PTE and IELTS scores for Australian visas (2026): the component-based levels

> Since 7 August 2025, Australia sets PTE Academic minimums per skill instead of one flat score. The Competent, Proficient and Superior thresholds for PTE and IELTS, and what they're worth in points.
- **Author**: Testmigo
- **Published**: 2026-09-19
- **Category**: Visa & scores
- **URL**: https://testmigo.com/blog/pte-score-australia-pr

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## The short answer

For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Australia sets a different minimum for each skill. Proficient English, the level most skilled migrants aim for, now needs at least 58 in listening, 59 in reading, 69 in writing and 76 in speaking. IELTS is unchanged: 7 in every component for Proficient.

## Minimum scores by level

| Level | IELTS (each of L / R / W / S) | PTE Academic (L / R / W / S) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vocational | 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 | 33 / 36 / 29 / 24 |
| Competent | 6 / 6 / 6 / 6 | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 |
| Proficient | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 |
| Superior | 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 |

*For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. From the Department of Home Affairs English-language pages, checked 19 September 2026. At-home and online tests, including IELTS Online, aren't accepted.*

## What changed in August 2025

Before 7 August 2025, PTE thresholds were a flat score in every skill: 50 for Competent, 65 for Proficient and 79 for Superior. Those numbers are still quoted widely, but they only apply to tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. Results from those older tests can still be used until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa.

The new PTE minimums are much higher for speaking and writing than for listening and reading. If you're aiming for Proficient, a 76 in speaking is usually the hardest part, so practise speaking tasks under real timing early. Australia accepts IELTS results that include a One Skill Retake for eligible visas.

## Points for the skilled visa points test

| English level | Points |
| --- | --- |
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 10 |
| Superior | 20 |

*From the Subclass 189 points table on the Department of Home Affairs site.*

Moving from Proficient to Superior is worth 10 extra points, which can make a real difference to an invitation. Testmigo's [free PTE mock](/pte) scores all four skills on the 10-90 scale, so you can see which one is keeping you below your target level. To compare IELTS and PTE, see the [official score conversion](/blog/ielts-to-pte-score-conversion).

## Common questions

### What PTE score do I need for Proficient English in Australia?

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: at least 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking.

### Is PTE 65 still Proficient English?

Only for PTE tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. Newer tests use the component-based minimums of 58, 59, 69 and 76.

### What PTE score is Superior English?

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: at least 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking. Superior English is worth 20 points in the skilled points test.

### Did the IELTS requirements change?

No. IELTS still needs 6 in each component for Competent, 7 for Proficient and 8 for Superior.

**Sources**
- [Department of Home Affairs: English language requirements (checked 19 September 2026)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Vocational English](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/vocational-english)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Competent English](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Proficient English](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/proficient-english)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Superior English](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/superior-english)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Subclass 189 points table](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table)

## Related guides

- [IELTS to PTE score conversion (2026): Pearson's official concordance](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-to-pte-score-conversion)
- [PTE Academic format (2026): all 22 task types explained](https://testmigo.com/blog/pte-academic-22-task-types)
- [IELTS One Skill Retake (2026): the rules, and who should use it](https://testmigo.com/blog/ielts-one-skill-retake)

[Practise with a free PTE Academic mock](https://testmigo.com/pte)
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