The Australian Government accepts PTE Academic as proof of English language proficiency for visa applications.

Up to the present, there are a total of 40 universities across the country that recognize the PTE scores.

If you want to get a student or work visa, your minimum PTE score must be 50.

The PTE for Australia requires different points, depending on your purpose.

In this guide, PTE Magic will help you navigate through all the things you need to know about the PTE exam in Australia.

Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Government accepts PTE Academic as proof of English language proficiency for visa applications.
• Applying for an Australian student visa is 50 points, while a PTE score of 36 is enough for an Australian work visa.
• A few Australian universities are accepting the PTE point of 50. See the full exception list below.

Related:

• Tips for achieving high scores with your next PTE test

PTE for Australia: Score Requirement

You must pass the PTE exam before becoming an Australian student or citizen. Applying for an Australian student visa is 50 points, while a PTE score of 36 is enough for an Australian work visa. Knowing the exact PTE scores is necessary to plan to study properly.  

For An Australian Student Visa

To study at Australian universities, the government requires candidates to reach the minimum scores in the English language tests, typically the PTE.

The minimum points for student visa applications are 50. In case of joining at least 10 weeks of ELICOS—English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, a candidate with a score of 36 can meet the requirement. Those international students who completed 20 weeks of ELICOS only achieved 30 scores in the PTE Academic, which is also acceptable. 

For An Australian Work Visa

The Australian government has set the English language requirements for those who want to work in this country. The PTE exam is one of the forced conditions. With the different occupations and various requirements of employers, the PTE score for work visa application is not the same. 

How many PTE points for an Australian work visa must you achieve? You can refer to the below table:

Superior English	79 scores
Proficient English	Within 65-79 scores
Competent	Within 50-65 scores
Vocational English	36 scores
Functional English	30 scores

Note: Not all employers and occupations require the minimum PTE scores for Australia as above. It’s best to check a registered migration agency as well as prospective employers to know exactly the specific PTE score requirements.

For Australian PR

Similar to applying for a student or work visa in Australia, you must meet this country’s English language requirements to get a permanent residency (PR) visa. It is necessary to prove your English ability through the PTE Academic. Based on the visa subclass and the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs, the PTE score for Australian PR varies. 

For foreign workers or students in Australia, getting PR brings many benefits, such as access to optimal education, overview healthcare, and more employment chances. 

We will help you summarize the visas available for PR applications in Australia. You can consider:

Types of Visa	Subclass
Skilled Nominated Type	190
Skilled Independent Type	186
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme	187
Employer Nomination Scheme	186

Note: To become an Australian permanent resident, you must complete the PTE exam with 65 scores or more and a minimum subclass score of 189-190 points.

Universities in Australia Accepting PTE 50 Score 

International students desiring to study at Australian universities need to reach 65-70 scores on the PTE exam. Few universities are accepting the PTE point of 50; however, here is a full exception list:

Universities	Minimum Australia PTE Score Requirement
TAFE Western Australia	36-42
TAFE South Australia	42
IIBIT (International Institute of Business & Information Technology)	42
Canberra Institute of Technology	42
Box Hill Institute of TAFE	42
Australian Ideal College AIC	42
ETEA (Education Training & Employment Australia)	42
Pacific Training Group	42

Useful Tips For Optimizing PTE Score for Australia

Let’s pocket our tips and tricks to optimize your PTE score for visa applications:

• Prepare and learn about the structure and format of the PTE Academic
• Strengthen grammar skills and vocabulary
• Practice writing, reading, speaking, and listening in English frequently
• Utilize study documents and online materials to support your preparation
• Do mock tests to determine the drawbacks to improve
• Pay attention to the time (it’s best to set the timer while taking the tests) throughout the test
• Concentrate on the test during the practicing time
• Recheck the answers before submitting your test

Ensure that you’ll get the optimal PTE scores and the opportunity to study and work in Australia once you prepare everything well and follow these strategies.

FAQs 

What Exceptions Require the PTE Score for Australia Student Visas? 

There are some exceptions to the Australia PTE score requirement in Australia. Candidates won’t have to take the PTE Academic if they:

• Complete secondary education in countries where English is the official language
• Achieve at least a 6-score IELTS in all skills
• Achieve at least 650-score TOEFL iBT

You still need to check the DHA to determine whether you have enough conditions to be exempt.

How Long Does PTE Test Result Value for Australia Student Visa Applications?

The PTE validity for Australia has lasted three years since the test date. It means you can entirely apply your PTE scores as long as they are valuable by the deadline. 

Can You Take the PTE Test For Your Australia Student Visa Application More Than Once?

Yes. Don’t limit the PTE test times if you plan to apply for an Australian student visa. However, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will take your most recent result to decide on your application.

Final Thought 

Your dream of studying and working in Australia only with a 50-score PTE is feasible. Some universities still accept that point level. But, you must consider and learn about other requirements, such as cutoff scores or extra admission standards. 

You’d better monitor the updated PTE for Australia and the newest admissions policies. Remember to practice the exercises regularly and contact the relevant universities.