PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic is one of the accepted English language tests for Australian visa and migration applications. Learn about the test format, scoring, and what scores you need.
What is PTE Academic?
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based English language proficiency test developed by Pearson. It assesses your ability in speaking, writing, reading, and listening through a single integrated test session.
The test is fully AI-scored, with no human examiner involvement. This means results are objective and consistent, and are typically available within 48 hours of sitting the test.
For Australian visa applicants, PTE Academic is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as evidence of English language proficiency across all visa categories — including skilled migration, student, employer-sponsored, and family visas.
Important: Only in-person PTE Academic is accepted for Australian visa purposes. PTE Academic Online (at-home / remote-proctored) is not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
Test Structure
The PTE Academic test runs for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes in a single session with no breaks, covering all four language skills.
Speaking & Writing
76–84 minutes · 10 task types
Personal Introduction
Unscored — for test centre records only
Read Aloud
Speaking + Reading
Repeat Sentence
Speaking + Listening
Describe Image
Speaking
Re-tell Lecture
Speaking + Listening
Answer Short Question
Speaking + Listening
Summarize Group Discussion
Speaking — new task (Aug 2025)
Respond to a Situation
Speaking — new task (Aug 2025)
Summarize Written Text
Writing + Reading
Write Essay
Writing
Reading
23–30 minutes · 5 task types
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Reading + Writing
Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answer
Negative marking applies
Reorder Paragraphs
Reading
Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Reading
Multiple-Choice, Single Answer
No negative marking
Listening
29–36 minutes · 8 task types
Summarize Spoken Text
Listening + Writing
Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answer
Negative marking applies
Fill in the Blanks
Listening + Writing
Highlight Correct Summary
Listening + Reading
Multiple-Choice, Single Answer
No negative marking
Select Missing Word
Listening
Highlight Incorrect Words
Listening + Reading
Write from Dictation
Listening + Writing
Integrated task scoring
These tasks contribute to more than one skill score simultaneously — mastering them gives the highest ROI:
Read Aloud
Scores Speaking + Reading
Write from Dictation
Scores Listening + Writing
Repeat Sentence
Scores Speaking + Listening
Summarize Written Text
Scores Reading + Writing
How Scoring Works
PTE Academic scores are entirely AI-generated — no human examiner is involved at any point.
Each of the four communicative skills is scored separately on a scale of 10 to 90. You also receive an overall score.
Pearson's AI evaluates grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, written discourse, and content accuracy.
Score reports are typically available within 48 hours. Results go to your myPTE account and nominated institutions.
Negative marking: Only Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answer questions in Reading and Listening carry negative marking. Always attempt every other question.
Test Cost & Booking
PTE Academic is booked and paid for directly through Pearson's myPTE portal. Prices vary slightly by test centre and date.
AUD for a standard sitting. Prices may vary by location and date.
Up to 48 hours before your test. Changes within 48 hours incur a fee.
Unlimited free score sends to institutions via your myPTE account.
Check before you book: Fees are set by Pearson and subject to change. Always confirm the current price on the Pearson PTE website before registering.
Score Requirements for Australian Visas
The requirements below apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Each component score must individually meet its threshold — an average or overall score is not sufficient.
Source: Department of Home Affairs — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
| English Level | Points | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English Minimum to apply | 0 pts | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient English Recommended target | +10 pts | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior English Maximum points available | +20 pts | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
Every component counts. You must meet the minimum score in each of the four individual components. A high score in one component cannot compensate for a score below the threshold in another.
Score requirements by visa subclass
Skilled — Independent
English proficiency is assessed using the points test. Competent English is the minimum to lodge an EOI. Superior English earns the maximum 20 points.
Skilled — Nominated
Same English points test as subclass 189. State nomination adds 5 points on top, making English proficiency an important lever in your overall score.
Skilled — Regional (Provisional)
Same points test applies. Regional nomination provides 15 points, but strong English is still essential to reach the minimum invitation threshold.
Temporary Graduate
Requires Competent English as a minimum. There is no points test for this visa — you only need to meet the Competent threshold.
Temporary Skill Shortage
Competent English is required as a minimum. Some streams and occupations may have higher requirements — check with your migration agent.
Student Visa
No minimum DHA PTE score is set for the student visa itself, but your enrolled institution will set its own PTE Academic entry requirements.
Key Rules for Australian Visa Applications
Single Sitting
All four component scores must be achieved in a single test sitting. You cannot combine scores from multiple attempts or different test dates.
3-Year Validity
PTE Academic results are valid for three years from the date you sat the test. Plan your test timing to ensure your results are still valid when you lodge.
No Online Tests
PTE Academic Online (at-home / remote-proctored) is not accepted by the DHA. You must sit the in-person test at an authorised Pearson test centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PTE Academic score do I need for a subclass 189 visa?
The minimum is Competent English (Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54), but this earns 0 points in the points test. To maximise your score, aim for Superior English (Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88), which is worth 20 points.
My PTE test was taken before 7 August 2025. Do the old scores still apply?
Yes. If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, the previous score thresholds may remain valid for up to three years from your test date (i.e. until 6 August 2028). However, you should verify your specific situation with your migration agent or on the DHA website.
How many times can I sit PTE Academic?
There is no official limit on how many times you can sit PTE Academic. However, each attempt costs a fee, and you must meet the single-sitting rule — all component scores used for your visa application must come from the same test day.
Is PTE Academic harder than IELTS?
This varies by individual. PTE Academic is fully AI-scored, which some test takers find more predictable and less subjective than IELTS. The integrated task format means a strong performance on a high-weight task like Repeat Sentence or Write from Dictation can lift multiple component scores simultaneously.
How do I send my PTE Academic results to the Department of Home Affairs?
You can share your PTE Academic results directly from your myPTE account. When submitting your visa application through ImmiAccount, you will be asked to provide your PTE Academic registration number and test date.
Ready to prepare for PTE?
Read our expert preparation guide with section-by-section tips, high-weight task strategies, and test-day advice to help you hit your target score.