# PTE 55 to IELTS

A PTE Academic overall score of 55 is equal to IELTS 6.5 on Pearson's concordance. Pearson's range for IELTS 6.5 is PTE 55-62.

## By skill

The same score means a different IELTS band in each skill, because each skill has its own range in Pearson's study. Overall, 8 more points (PTE 63) reaches IELTS 7.0.

| Skill | PTE 55 is about | Next IELTS band | Australian level | Next level |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Listening | IELTS 6.5 | 7.0 at 58 (+3) | Competent | Proficient at 58 (+3) |
| Reading | IELTS 6.5 | 7.0 at 59 (+4) | Competent | Proficient at 59 (+4) |
| Writing | IELTS 6.0 | 6.5 at 60 (+5) | Competent | Proficient at 69 (+14) |
| Speaking | IELTS 6.0 | 6.5 at 66 (+11) | Competent | Proficient at 76 (+21) |

*Pearson concordance (July 2025) - Home Affairs levels for tests from 7 Aug 2025*

## Questions about this score

### Is PTE 55 enough for IELTS 6.5?

As an overall score, yes: PTE 55 sits in Pearson's range for IELTS 6.5. A university or visa may also set minimums per skill, so check each skill in the table.

### What does PTE 55 mean for an Australian visa?

Australia checks each skill against its own minimum. With 55 in every skill you'd reach Competent depending on the skill: see the table for the points each skill still needs.

**Sources**
- [Pearson: PTE Academic concordance study summary, July 2025 (PDF), checked 25 September 2026](https://www.pearsonpte.com/content/dam/ELL/pte/pearsonpte/pdfs/Concordance-study-summary-pte-academic-july-2025.pdf)
- [Department of Home Affairs: English language requirements, checked 25 September 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language)
- [Department of Home Affairs: Subclass 189 points table, checked 25 September 2026](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table)