PTE for Australia: what it is used for and the scores you need
PTE Academic is accepted right across Australia: by every university for course entry, and by the Department of Home Affairs for the visas that let you study, work and stay.
What a PTE score is used for in Australia
University & college admission
Accepted by Australian universities and most colleges as proof of English for entry.
Skilled migration visas
Recognised by the Department of Home Affairs for points-tested skilled visas. Higher scores earn more points.
Student & graduate visas
Meets the English requirement for student, temporary-graduate and temporary-work visa applications.
Professional registration
Used for overseas-qualified professionals by many licensing bodies: nursing, engineering, accounting and more.
The scores you need
Home Affairs recognises three levels of English for points-tested skilled visas. Each links to a score threshold that changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, so check the current thresholds on the Home Affairs page linked below.
The eligibility floor for most points-tested skilled visas. It earns no bonus points on its own, but you need it to qualify.
Home Affairs: English language visa requirementsTen points in the skilled-visa points test, above Competent.
Home Affairs: English language visa requirementsThe maximum English points available in the points test.
Home Affairs: English language visa requirementsBuilt for the exam Pearson runs today
PTE refreshed on 7 August 2025, and templates are penalised under the current algorithm. Kooroo's task list, scoring gates and mock exams are built around that exam, not the version still floating around older prep apps, so what you practise on Kooroo matches what you sit at the test centre.
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Questions people ask about PTE for Australia.
PTE for other destinations
Requirements are set by the relevant authority and change. Confirm the current numbers against the official source before you book a test or lodge an application.
Kooroo PTE is an independent practice tool. We do not provide immigration, visa or legal advice.