PTE Academic for Australia: Score Requirements & PR Guide

PTE Academic has become increasingly popular for Australian immigration. It's computer-based, quick to deliver results, and accepted for all Australian visa types requiring English proficiency.

Why PTE Academic for Australia?

Advantages:

Fast results: 2 days (vs. 13+ for paper IELTS)

Frequent test dates: Book within days

100% computer-based: No human examiner bias

Unlimited score sends: To DIBP/institutions

Accepted for all visa classes: Including PR

Australian Visa English Requirements

Skilled Visa Points (189, 190, 491)

Proficiency LevelPTE ScorePoints Superior79+ each20 points Proficient65-78 each10 points Competent50-64 each0 points*

*Competent is minimum requirement, but earns no points

Points Breakdown:

For maximum points (20), you need 79+ in ALL four sections:

Speaking: 79+

Writing: 79+

Reading: 79+

Listening: 79+

Even ONE section below 79 drops you to 10 points (Proficient level).

Specific Visa Requirements:

Skilled Independent (189):

Minimum: Competent (PTE 50+)

Recommended: Superior (PTE 79+) for competitive EOI

Skilled Nominated (190):

Minimum: Competent (PTE 50+)

State requirements may vary

Skilled Work Regional (491):

Minimum: Competent (PTE 50+)

Regional sponsors may have preferences

PTE vs IELTS Score Comparison

PTE AcademicIELTS 79+8.0+ 65-787.0-7.5 50-646.0-6.5 36-495.0-5.5

PTE Academic Test Structure

Speaking & Writing (77-93 minutes):

Personal Introduction (not scored)

Read Aloud

Repeat Sentence

Describe Image

Re-tell Lecture

Answer Short Question

Summarize Written Text

Essay

Reading (32-41 minutes):

Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice (Multiple/Single)

Re-order Paragraphs

Fill in the Blanks

Listening (45-57 minutes):

Summarize Spoken Text

Multiple Choice

Fill in the Blanks

Highlight Correct Summary

Select Missing Word

Highlight Incorrect Words

Write from Dictation

How to Achieve 79+ Score

Key Strategies:

Speaking (Hardest for Most):

1. Speak clearly at natural pace - not too fast

2. Don't pause mid-sentence - fluency matters

3. Pronounce word endings clearly - "worked" not "work"

4. Practice oral fluency daily - read aloud, shadow native speakers

Writing:

1. Essay template - use a consistent structure

2. Summarize Written Text - practice 30-40 word summaries

3. Grammar and spelling - use complex sentences correctly

4. Time management - don't overspend on any section

Reading:

1. Collocation awareness - know common word pairs

2. Skim and scan - don't read every word

3. Re-order paragraphs - find topic sentences first

4. Fill in blanks - grammar + context clues

Listening:

1. Note-taking skills - essential for summarize spoken text

2. Write from Dictation - worth highest points, practice daily

3. Concentrate fully - you hear audio only once

4. Spelling matters - even in listening section

Score Boosting Tips:

1. Write from Dictation is CRUCIAL

- Worth significant points - Practice daily - Develop shorthand for note-taking

2. Read Aloud feeds multiple scores

- Affects speaking AND reading - Practice with timer - Clear pronunciation > speed

3. Repeat Sentence

- Don't try to memorize every word - Focus on structure and key content words - Speak immediately after audio ends

4. Summarize Spoken Text

- Must be 50-70 words - Include main points only - Practice note-taking structure

Timeline for PR Application

Recommended Preparation:

8-12 weeks for target 65+

12-16 weeks for target 79+

Daily practice (1-2 hours minimum)

Test Booking:

Book 2-3 weeks in advance

Have backup date planned

Results in 2 business days

After Results:

Link PTE account to SkillSelect

Scores automatically verified

Valid for 3 years for immigration

PTE vs IELTS for Australia

Choose PTE If:

✅ You want faster results

✅ You prefer computer-based tests

✅ You're comfortable with AI scoring

✅ You need flexible test dates

Choose IELTS If:

✅ You prefer human examiner for speaking

✅ You're more comfortable with IELTS format

✅ You have significant IELTS prep already

Both Are Equally Accepted:

Department of Home Affairs accepts both equally. Choose the test that plays to your strengths.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating speaking - practice oral fluency daily

2. Poor time management - especially in writing

3. Ignoring Write from Dictation - huge point earner

4. Not doing mock tests - simulate real test conditions

5. Rushing through - accuracy beats speed

Conclusion

PTE Academic is an excellent choice for Australian immigration, offering quick results and flexible booking. For maximum points (20), target 79+ in all sections.

Key success factors:

Daily consistent practice

Focus on high-value question types

Multiple full practice tests

Strong oral fluency skills

Pro Tip: Even if you score 65-78 (Proficient), you still get 10 points. If 79+ is proving difficult after multiple attempts, consider whether other aspects of your EOI can be strengthened instead.