# PTE 79 to IELTS

A PTE Academic overall score of 79 is equal to IELTS 8.0 on Pearson's concordance. Pearson's range for IELTS 8.0 is PTE 79-85.

## 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, 7 more points (PTE 86) reaches IELTS 8.5.

| Skill | PTE 79 is about | Next IELTS band | Australian level | Next level |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Listening | IELTS 8.5 | 9.0 at 81 (+2) | Superior | Top level |
| Reading | IELTS 8.5 | 9.0 at 81 (+2) | Superior | Top level |
| Writing | IELTS 7.5 | 8.0 at 85 (+6) | Proficient | Superior at 85 (+6) |
| Speaking | IELTS 7.0 | 7.5 at 83 (+4) | Proficient | Superior at 88 (+9) |

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

## Questions about this score

### Is PTE 79 enough for IELTS 8.0?

As an overall score, yes: PTE 79 sits in Pearson's range for IELTS 8.0. A university or visa may also set minimums per skill, so check each skill in the table.

### What does PTE 79 mean for an Australian visa?

Australia checks each skill against its own minimum. With 79 in every skill you'd reach Superior or Proficient 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)