You’ve decided on Australia for your higher education—fantastic choice! You’ve probably also heard that the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic is a popular, fast, and convenient English test for your student visa. But then comes the big, confusing question: What PTE score do I need?
You might see one score mentioned on a university website, another on an immigration forum, and a third on a friend’s blog. This confusion can be stressful, as your English test score is a non-negotiable part of both your university admission and your visa approval.
This guide will end that confusion for good. We will break down the two different PTE score requirements you need to know about: the absolute minimum for the visa and the (usually higher) score you need for university admission. We’ll show you the official numbers, what top universities expect, and how to determine the single target score that will get you both your admission and your visa without any last-minute stress.
The Two PTE Scores You Need to Know: Visa vs. University
The number one reason for confusion about PTE scores is that there isn’t just one magic number. There are two separate requirements you must meet, and you need to aim for the higher of the two.
Requirement #1: The Minimum Visa Score (Your Entry Ticket)
This score is set by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. It is the absolute minimum you must achieve to be eligible to even apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500). Think of this as the base-level entry ticket just to get in the game.
Requirement #2: The University Admission Score (Your Real Target)
This score is set by the specific Australian university you are applying to, for your chosen course. This requirement is almost always higher than the government’s minimum visa score. Universities set their standards to ensure you can cope with the academic demands of their programs.
The Golden Rule of PTE Scores for Australia
It’s simple: Your real target score is the one your university asks for. If you meet your university’s requirements, you will automatically meet the minimum visa requirement. Focusing only on the government’s minimum score is a common mistake that can lead to your university application being rejected.
Breaking Down the Minimum Visa Requirement for 2026
Let’s look at the absolute minimum scores the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
|
Type of Course |
Minimum Overall PTE Score |
Minimum Score in Each Section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
|
Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
50 |
36 |
|
Foundation or Pathway Programs |
42 |
30 |
|
English Language Course (ELICOS) |
36 |
N/A |
What this means for you: If you are applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you need an overall PTE score of at least 50, and you cannot score less than 36 in any of the four sections.
Important Note: While a score of 50 might get you the visa, it will not get you into most reputable Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. This brings us to the following, more critical requirement.
What Australian Universities Ask For
This is the score you need to focus on. Australian universities set their PTE requirements based on the academic level and rigor of the course.
Also Read: Is a Migration Certificate Necessary for College Admission?
For Diploma & Pathway Programs
These programs are designed to build your skills before you enter a full degree. The requirements are therefore more accessible.
- Typical Overall PTE Score: 50 – 58
For Bachelor’s Degrees
For undergraduate degrees, universities expect a solid command of English to handle lectures, assignments, and tutorials.
- Typical Overall PTE Score: 58 – 65
For Master’s Degrees & PhDs
This is where the requirements are the highest. Postgraduate study involves advanced research, critical analysis, and writing complex papers.
- Typical Overall PTE Score: 65+
- Minimum Sectional Scores: Most will also require a minimum of 58 to 65 in each of the four sections.
- Competitive Programs: Be aware that highly competitive programs like Nursing, Law, Medicine, and sometimes even Business (MBA), may ask for scores as high as 73+.
Example PTE Requirements by University and Course Level
|
University Tier |
Course Level |
Typical Overall PTE Score Required |
|
Group of Eight University (e.g., University of Melbourne, ANU) |
Master’s Degree |
65 – 73 (with min. 65 in all sections) |
|
Mid-Tier University (e.g., RMIT, Macquarie University) |
Bachelor’s Degree |
58 – 65 (with min. 50 in all sections) |
|
TAFE / College |
Diploma Program |
50 – 58 (with min. 42 in all sections) |
Also Read: How Much Bank Balance for an Australian Student Visa?
PTE vs. IELTS: A Quick Comparison for Australia
Both PTE and IELTS are equally and universally accepted across Australia for both university admission and visa purposes. The choice often comes down to personal preference. A key part of your planning is understanding how the scores compare.
|
IELTS Band Score |
Equivalent PTE Academic Score (Approx.) |
What it means |
|
6.0 |
50 |
Minimum level for most Diplomas & some Bachelor’s. Meets the visa requirement. |
|
6.5 |
58 |
Standard requirement for most Bachelor’s & many Master’s degrees. |
|
7.0 |
65 |
Strong score required for most Master’s degrees and competitive Bachelor’s programs. |
|
7.5 |
73 |
Excellent score needed for highly competitive programs (e.g., Health, Law). |
Many Indian students prefer PTE for Australia because of its fast results and objective, AI-based scoring for the speaking section.
Your PTE Score is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Achieving your target PTE score is a huge victory, but it’s crucial to remember that it is just one part of your student visa application. A high PTE score can strengthen your profile, but it cannot save an application that is weak in other critical areas. The Australian government will also rigorously assess:
- Your Genuine Student (GS) Test Answers: You must clearly and convincingly prove that your primary intention for coming to Australia is to study.
- Your Proof of Funds: You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs.
- Your Academic History: Your previous grades and qualifications must be satisfactory.
Think of it like a team game. Your PTE score is your star player, but you need your financial and GS test players to be strong as well to win the game.
Your Target Score for a Confident Application
So, after all this, what is the final answer? How many PTE scores are required?
The simple answer is:
The score that your chosen university and course require.
Forget the minimum visa score of 50. Look at your dream university’s website, find the specific PTE requirement for your Master’s or Bachelor’s program, and make that your target.
GlocalED Expert Tip:
We always advise our students to aim 5-7 points higher than the minimum requirement listed by the university. If your course needs a 65, aim for a 70-72. This not only makes your application more competitive but also gives you a buffer in case one section’s score is slightly lower. A strong English score is a powerful signal to both admissions officers and visa officers that you are a high-quality, dedicated student.
Feeling unsure about what PTE score you need for your dream course in Australia? This is where expert guidance is invaluable. The counsellors at GlocalED can assess your profile, help you shortlist the right universities, and create a clear test preparation strategy to ensure you get the score you need.
Book your free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
So, is a PTE score of 50 enough for Australia?
A PTE score of 50 is enough to meet the minimum requirement for the student visa. However, it is not enough for admission into most Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at reputable Australian universities, which typically require scores of 58 or higher.
How long is the PTE score valid for an Australian student visa?
Your PTE Academic score is valid for two years from the date you took the test. You must ensure your score is valid at the time you submit your visa application.
Can I submit my visa application with an old PTE score and provide a new one later?
No. You must have a valid English language test score that meets the requirements at the time you lodge your visa application. You cannot update it later in the process.
Do I need a PTE score for an Australian PR (Permanent Residency) later on?
Yes. English proficiency is a critical component of the points test for Australian PR. The PTE score requirement for PR is often higher than for a student visa. For example, a PTE score of 65+ (Proficient English) or 79+ (Superior English) can give you significantly more points, greatly increasing your chances of getting an invitation for PR.