English is the one part of the Australian points test where a few weeks of preparation can add 10 or 20 points. Since 7 August 2025 the PTE scores that count as Competent, Proficient and Superior have changed, and they are no longer the same across all four skills. This guide sets out the current minimums for PTE and IELTS, the points each band earns, and how to plan your test.
By Meeras Resource | Published 22 October 2026 | Last reviewed 22 October 2026
Key Takeaways
- Competent English is the minimum to apply for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas and earns 0 points. Proficient earns 10 points and Superior earns 20.
- For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Superior English requires Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88.
- For IELTS, the bands are unchanged: 6 in each component for Competent, 7 for Proficient and 8 for Superior.
- PTE results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 are assessed against the old scores and can be used until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa.
- Fully online and at-home tests, such as IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, are not accepted.
The short answer
For Australia PR you need at least Competent English. In PTE Academic, for a test taken on or after 7 August 2025, that means at least 47 in Listening, 48 in Reading, 51 in Writing and 54 in Speaking. To earn 10 points you need Proficient English, which is 58, 59, 69 and 76. To earn the full 20 points you need Superior English, which is 69, 70, 85 and 88. Every component must meet the minimum. A high overall score does not make up for one weak skill.
English points sit alongside age, experience and qualifications in the points test. Our Australia PR points calculator guide shows how they combine, and our main guide to Australia PR from India explains the routes they apply to.
PTE score for Australia PR: tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
| English level | Points | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| Competent | 0 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | 10 | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | 20 | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
The new scores are no longer a single number across all four skills. Writing and Speaking now carry the highest thresholds, so they are the components most likely to hold an applicant back from Superior.
PTE scores for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
| English level | Points | Each component |
| Competent | 0 | 50 |
| Proficient | 10 | 65 |
| Superior | 20 | 79 |
If you already hold a PTE result from before 7 August 2025, it is assessed against these older scores and can be used until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa. Check the date on your score report before booking a retest.
IELTS score for Australia PR
| English level | Points | IELTS Academic or General Training, each component |
| Competent | 0 | 6 |
| Proficient | 10 | 7 |
| Superior | 20 | 8 |
The IELTS bands did not change on 7 August 2025. Both the Academic and General Training versions are accepted, and IELTS One Skill Retake results are accepted for eligible visas. IELTS Online is not accepted.
Other accepted tests: Proficient and Superior scores
These scores apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. The order is Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
| Test | Proficient (10 points) | Superior (20 points) |
| TOEFL iBT | 22, 22, 26, 24 | 26, 27, 30, 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 175, 179, 193, 194 | 186, 190, 210, 208 |
| OET | 350, 360, 380, 360 | 390, 400, 420, 400 |
| CELPIP General | 9, 8, 10, 8 | 10, 10, 12, 10 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 67, 71, 78, 82 | 80, 83, 89, 89 |
TOEFL iBT results count only if the test was registered under the Taking TOEFL for Australia pathway. The Michigan English Test is accepted for Competent and Proficient English but has no published Superior score.
PTE or IELTS: which is better for Australia PR?
Both are accepted on equal terms, and both lead to the same points. The better choice depends on how you perform, not on which test is easier in general.
- PTE Academic is computer-scored and results usually arrive quickly, which helps when you are working to an invitation deadline. Since August 2025 its Writing and Speaking thresholds are noticeably higher than Listening and Reading.
- IELTS uses a single band across all four skills, which some applicants find easier to target. Speaking is assessed face to face by an examiner.
Many applicants take a diagnostic mock in both formats before booking. The format where your weakest skill scores highest is usually the right one.
How long are English results valid?
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, results generally need to be from within three years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass. For skilled visas this means the test must still be valid when you are invited. If your result expires while you wait in the pool, your English points fall away. Track the expiry date alongside your skills assessment validity.
How to plan your English test for maximum points
- Work out what each band is worth to you. If Superior English takes you past the invitation score for your occupation, it is worth more preparation time than any other step.
- Take a diagnostic test early. It shows which component will limit your band, which under the new PTE scores is often Speaking or Writing.
- Book with time to retest. Leave room for at least one retake before you plan to submit your Expression of Interest.
- Update your Expression of Interest promptly. A higher result only helps once it is entered in SkillSelect.
- Ask whether your partner should test too. A partner with Competent English adds 5 points, or 10 with a positive skills assessment, as explained in our 189 vs 190 vs 491 visa guide and the points calculator.
Common mistakes with English scores
- Using the old PTE scores for a new test. A test taken after 7 August 2025 is judged against the new, component-specific scores.
- Relying on the overall score. Every component must meet the minimum for the band.
- Booking an at-home test. Fully online and remote-proctored tests are not accepted.
- Registering TOEFL without the Australia pathway. TOEFL iBT results only count when registered under Taking TOEFL for Australia.
- Letting a result expire in the pool. Your points are assessed at invitation, so an expired result means lost points.
How Meeras Resource supports English test planning
We review your current scores against the points you need for your occupation and route, tell you which band is worth targeting, and time your test so the result is valid when you are likely to be invited. We then update your Expression of Interest as soon as a higher result is available. We do not sell test preparation outcomes; your score depends on your own performance on the day.
We provide consultancy, documentation and preparation support. Visa decisions rest solely with the Department of Home Affairs. Our Australia page outlines the routes we advise on, and you can request a profile evaluation through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE score is needed for Australia PR?
For a PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025, the minimum Competent English score is Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51 and Speaking 54. Proficient English, worth 10 points, needs 58, 59, 69 and 76. Superior English, worth 20 points, needs 69, 70, 85 and 88.
Is PTE 79 still Superior English for Australia?
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Superior English requires Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88.
What IELTS score is needed for Australia PR?
IELTS 6 in each component is Competent English and earns 0 points. IELTS 7 in each component is Proficient English and earns 10 points. IELTS 8 in each component is Superior English and earns 20 points.
Can I use an old PTE score after the August 2025 change?
Yes. Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 are assessed against the old scores and can be used until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa, as long as they are otherwise within the validity period.
Is IELTS Online accepted for Australian visas?
No. Fully online and at-home tests, including IELTS Online, CELPIP Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
About Meeras Resource
Meeras Resource Pvt. Ltd. is a career and immigration consultancy established in 2022 and based at 913, 9th Floor, Hemkunt Chambers, 89 Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019. We advise individuals on overseas study, work and migration routes, and we support them through eligibility assessment, documentation, application preparation and interview preparation. Our guidance is grounded in the published rules of the issuing authorities, and we tell clients what those rules mean for their specific profile, including when a route is not open to them.
