PTE For Australia PR: All Requirements For an Immigrant Visa

PTE is one of the most versatile English examinations that can be accepted in many countries, including Australia. When moving to this country, whether for education, employment, or immigration, you must prove your English proficiency.

That’s why learning about how this  PTE exam is used for Australian PR purposes is essential.

However, many still don’t know the minimum PTE score for Australia to set the right target.

Earning adequate PTE scores can streamline your migration pathway. Therefore, PTE Magic has crafted this article to explain all the ins and outs and other important information about this test and the required score for each component.

Let’s take a look.

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Key Takeaways

• You must gain a certain Australian immigration minimum PTE score to be eligible for a visa application.
• The PTE exam fees in Australia are also reasonable at about AUD 410.
• There are 5 English levels to apply for a visa, each with a different minimum Australia PTE score requirement. See the table below for more details on each level.

Related:

• How to prepare for your next PTE test

What Is The PTE Exam Used For In Australia?

Visa Application

Many governments, including Australia, accept the PTE test result as proof of your English level. You have to gain a certain Australian immigration PTE score to be eligible for a visa application. 

Some visa categories you can apply with your PTE score for are permanent resident visas, skilled migration visas, student visas, and so on.

Admission To Universities And Colleges

Pursuing higher education is one of the most common reasons individuals decide to move to Australia. Luckily, the PTE Academic test is regarded as a valid testament to your English fluency. 

Many universities and colleges across this country use the PTE test result as one of the entrance requirements for freshmen in postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

Some universities to name are the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Wollongong, the University of Queensland, Australia National University, Academies Australasia, and the Abbott School of Business.

University Scholarship Opportunities

English is the first and foremost criterion to ensure you can keep up with your studies. Therefore, when you get a scholarship to study abroad in Australia, it’s recommended that you include the PTE test result in the application form.

Job Opportunities

Whether it’s PTE immigration or employment, a high PTE score will significantly benefit you. 

International workers must be fluent in English for effective communication in their organization. If you are seeking jobs in Australia, it’s a wise choice to take the PTE examination with adequate minimum PTE scores. 

Professional Certification Or Personal Development

Are you coming to Australia for professional certification or registration purposes? If yes, a good PTE test result will be of great help, as many professional organizations use PTE scores as a reference to evaluate your English level.

Otherwise, you can take the PTE examination anytime to self-assess your English proficiency and make progress. The PTE exam fees in Australia are also reasonable at about AUD 410, so feel free to get tested regularly.

PTE Exam Minimum Score Requirements & Score Validity In Australia By The Australia Department Of Home Affairs

There are 5 English levels you can follow to apply for a visa, each with a different Australia PTE exam score requirement. The PTE test result is based on your scores of 4 skills, including Speaking, Writing, Reading, And Listening. 

Refer to the table below for more details on each level score requirements and score validity:

English Level	Test Component	Minimum PTE Exam Score	PTE Validity For Australia Visa
Functional English PTE exam score	Average score	Minimum score of 30	Within 12 months before the application
Vocational English PTE exam score	Each of the 4 skills	Minimum score of 36	Within 3 years before the application
Competent English PTE exam score	Each of the 4 skills	Minimum score of 50	Within 3 years before the application or invitation (for skilled migrants)
Proficient English PTE exam score	Each of the 4 skills	Minimum score of 65	Within 3 years before the application
Superior English PTE exam score	Each of the 4 skills	Minimum score of 79	Within 3 years before the application

Some notes:

• The Australian Department of Home Affairs doesn’t consider online or at-home PTE tests eligible proof.
• Competent English level is mandatory for visa subclasses 494, 491, 489, 190, 189, 188, 187, and 186. We will explain this requirement further in the next section.
• The more demanding your purpose is, like pursuing higher education or skilled migration, the higher the PTE score you will need to obtain.

What Is The Required PTE Score For Australia PR Visa?

If you are planning to reside in Australia for a long time or permanently, you need to get a PR or permanent resident visa. This visa allows you to live, study, and work without restriction in this country, but you are not a citizen there. The required Australia PR PTE score is at least 65 points.

However, suppose you fall into subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or 190 (Skilled Nominated), the requirement for a PR visa is a competent English level, equivalent to PTE 50 points.

What Is The Required Minimum PTE Score For an Australia 485 Visa?

The 485 visa grants you the right to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 6 years. This category is ideal for international students or workers who want to gain valuable working experience abroad. 

To apply for this visa, you have to score at least 50 marks on the PTE test, with a required minimum PTE score of 36 for each skill. To learn more about visa categories and their requirements, move to the next part!

Australia Visa Categories That Accept PTE Scores

All visa categories necessitating proof of English proficiency accept the PTE test result. Below is a summary table for you, compiled from the Australia Department of Home Affairs:

Visa Subclass	For Whom	Required Level/Score
Distinguished Talent (124 & 858)	Those having outstanding and exceptional achievements in a profession, arts, sports, or academia and research	Functional (PTE 30)
Business Talent (132)	Those wanting to start up or develop an existing organization	Functional (PTE 30)
Former Resident (151)	Former residents or those serving in the Australian Defence Force	Functional (PTE 30)
Business Skills (160 to 165) (Provisional)	Those wanting to manage a business	Functional (PTE 30)
Employer Nomination Scheme (186)	Workers nominated by employers	Competent (PTE 50)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187)	Skilled workers (nominated)	Competent (PTE 50)
Business Innovation & Investment (188 & 888)	Investors, business owners, or entrepreneurs	Competent (188) or Functional (888) (PTE 30 or PTE 50)
Skilled Independent (189)	Skilled workers (not sponsored)	Competent (PTE 50)
Skilled Nominated (190)	Skilled migrants (nominated)	Competent (PTE 50)
Temporary Work (457) (Skilled)	Skilled workers to work temporarily (2-4 years)	Functional (PTE 30)
Work & Holiday (462)	Those wanting to have a working holiday (aged 18 to 30)	Functional (PTE 30)
Recognized Graduate (Skilled) (476)	Engineering graduates under 30 (up to 18 months)	Competent (PTE 50)
Temporary Graduate (485)	International students	Competent (PTE 50)
Skilled Regional (489) (Provisional)	Skilled workers wanting to work in regional Australia	Competent (PTE 50)
Skilled Regional (887)	Those having worked in regional Australia previously	Functional (PTE 30)
Skilled Work Regional (491)	Skilled migrant nominated by a territory government or state, living and working in regional Australia	Competent (PTE 50)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)	Skilled workers nominated by employers (having a labor contract)	Competent (PTE 50)
Student (500)	Students taking a course of study	42

Conclusion

Learning PTE for Australian permanent residency purposes is important, as all Australia visa subclass categories accept this test result. Many of them only require a functional English level, increasing your chance of receiving an eligible visa.

If you want to work, study, or even live permanently in this country, it’s best to start your PTE learning today!

Last updated on 21/10/2024