PTE Score Requirements 2026
Every PTE Academic and PTE Core score requirement — Australia skilled migration, Canada PR, student visas, professional registration, and university admission — in one complete reference.
Australia Skilled Migration
Australia's Department of Home Affairs uses PTE Academic for skilled migration visa applications. The score you need depends on the English proficiency level required — and whether you want the 10 bonus immigration points from Superior English.
| English Level | PTE Academic Score | Immigration Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proficient English | 65 in each skill | +0 pts (meets requirement) | Minimum for most skilled visas |
| Superior English | 79 in each skill | +10 points | Most valuable boost for 189/190/491 |
Australia PR by Visa Subclass
| Visa Subclass | English Required | PTE Score (each skill) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 — Skilled Independent | Proficient min; Superior recommended | 65+ (min) / 79+ (competitive) | Points tested; 79+ needed for competitive rounds |
| 190 — Skilled Nominated | Proficient English | 65+ each skill | State may require higher for nomination |
| 491 — Skilled Regional | Proficient English | 65+ each skill | Regional sponsorship; +15 points for being regional |
Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before lodging. Requirements can change.
Australia Professional Registration
| Registration Body | Profession | PTE Academic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| AHPRA | Nurses, doctors, allied health | 65 in each skill + 65 overall (minimum) |
| ACS | ICT professionals / software engineers | 65 in each skill (PTE Academic accepted) |
| Engineers Australia | Engineers (skilled migration) | 65 in each skill |
| AITSL (Teachers) | Primary and secondary teachers | 65+ overall (some states require higher) |
Always verify with the registration body directly. Requirements are set by each body independently and can be updated.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The PTE Academic score required for an Australia student visa depends on your Assessment Level (AL). Nepali students are typically Assessment Level 2 or 3, with AL3 requiring a higher English score due to increased scrutiny of the application.
| Assessment Level | PTE Academic Overall | Individual Skill Min |
|---|---|---|
| AL 1 | 42 overall | 36 per skill |
| AL 2 | 42 overall | 36 per skill |
| AL 3 (most Nepali students) | 58 overall | 50 per skill (provider-dependent) |
| AL 4 | 65 overall | 58 per skill |
Student visa English requirements are set by the education provider and the Department of Home Affairs. Verify your specific institution's requirement before applying.
Canada PR — PTE Core
PTE Core is Pearson's Canadian immigration test, accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and other immigration streams. PTE Academic is NOT accepted for Canadian immigration — you must take PTE Core.
| CLB Level | PTE Core (each skill) | Express Entry Use |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 | 28–42 range | Minimum for some PNP streams |
| CLB 7 | ~60 each skill | Minimum for Federal Skilled Worker |
| CLB 9 | ~88 each skill | Competitive for Express Entry draws |
| CLB 10 | ~90 each skill | Maximum language score benefit |
CLB conversion table is published by IRCC. PTE Core is a different exam from PTE Academic. Always verify with IRCC or a registered immigration consultant before applying.
United Kingdom
The UK Home Office accepts PTE Academic UKVI (not standard PTE Academic) for most UK visa applications. Some universities accept standard PTE Academic for student admission — verify with your specific institution.
| Visa / Purpose | Test Required | Typical Score |
|---|---|---|
| UK Student Visa (Tier 4) | PTE Academic UKVI | Provider-specific (usually 51–65) |
| UK Skilled Worker Visa | PTE Academic UKVI | B1 level minimum (CEFR) |
| University Admission | PTE Academic (standard) | Varies by university and course |
Quick Reference: PTE Score by Goal
Australia PR (Proficient English)
65 in each skill (PTE Academic)
Australia PR (Superior English, +10 pts)
79 in each skill (PTE Academic)
Australia Student Visa (AL3 Nepal)
58 overall, 50 each (PTE Academic)
AHPRA Nursing Registration
65 each skill + 65 overall (PTE Academic)
Canada PR — CLB 7 (FSW minimum)
~60 each skill (PTE Core)
Canada PR — CLB 9 (competitive)
~88 each skill (PTE Core)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 79 overall or 79 in each skill for Australia Superior English?
You need 79 in each of the four communicative skills individually — Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening — all in one exam sitting. An overall score of 79 with one skill at 75 does not qualify as Superior English.
Can I use PTE Academic for Canada PR?
No. Canada immigration (Express Entry, PNP) requires PTE Core, not PTE Academic. PTE Core is a separate test specifically designed for Canadian immigration. You must book and sit PTE Core for any Canada PR application.
How long is my PTE Academic score valid for Australian immigration?
PTE Academic scores are valid for 3 years for Australian immigration purposes (as of 2026). However, always confirm with the Department of Home Affairs or your migration agent as validity rules can change.
What is the minimum PTE score for most Australian university admissions?
Most Australian universities accept PTE Academic scores of 50-64 overall for undergraduate admission and 58-64 for postgraduate, though requirements vary by institution and faculty. Always check the specific entry requirements for your course.
Not Sure If Your Current Score Meets Your Requirement?
Book a free 10-minute score assessment with Smriti Simkhada. She will review your score report or mock test result and tell you exactly how far you are from your target score and what to do next.