Australia PR · Superior English · 20 points

Superior English PTE score: L69 R70 W85 S88 for 20 points

Written by Smriti Simkhada (PTE Academic 90/90), founder of PTE Nepal · Last checked 8 Oct 2026 against immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, legislation.gov.au and pearsonpte.com

See 1-on-1 plans Free assessment

Quick answer

Superior English in PTE Academic is at least Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88 for a test taken on or after 7 August 2025. It is worth 20 points on the Australian points test. A test taken before 7 August 2025 needs 79 in each component. The IELTS equivalent is 8 in each.

Superior vs Proficient, skill by skill

PTE Academic, tests on or after 7 Aug 2025. Last checked 8 Oct 2026.

PTE Academic minimum per skill for Superior and Proficient English, and the gap between them
Skill	Superior (20 points)	Proficient (10 points)	Step up
Listening	69	58	+11
Reading	70	59	+11
Writing	85	69	+16
Speaking	88	76	+12

Every one of the four scores has to reach the Superior minimum on the same score report. A profile of 90 / 90 / 84 / 90 is Proficient, not Superior, because Writing 84 is one short of 85. Writing and Speaking carry the largest steps up from Proficient (+16 and +12), so that is where most of the preparation goes.

Not sure where you stand? Enter your four scores in the English level checker. For the full Competent / Proficient / Superior table, IELTS and the rules for older tests, see English requirements for Australia PR. For how to prepare for Writing 85 and Speaking 88, read how to score Superior English in PTE.

Common questions

What PTE score do I need for Superior English?

For a PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88, all on one score report. It earns 20 points on the points test.

Is Superior English still 79 in each PTE skill?

Only for tests taken before 7 August 2025. Those results are assessed at 79 in each component and Home Affairs accepts them until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa and as long as the test was taken within the 3 years before you are invited to apply.

What is the IELTS score for Superior English?

IELTS 8 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

How many points is Superior English worth compared with Proficient?

Superior earns 20 points and Proficient earns 10, so the step from Proficient to Superior adds 10 points. Competent English earns 0.

Can I take PTE at home for Superior English?

No. Home Affairs does not accept at-home or remote-proctored tests. Sit PTE Academic at a test centre.

Close the Writing 85 / Speaking 88 gap

Send your latest PTE score report on WhatsApp. The team of Smriti Simkhada will show you which skill is costing you the 20 points and how 1-on-1 coaching would target it.

See 1-on-1 plans Free assessment

Or message us on WhatsApp

English-test information, not immigration assistance. This page explains which PTE Academic and IELTS scores match the English bands Home Affairs publishes. It does not tell you whether you are eligible for a visa, and a band match is not a visa outcome. Under the Migration Act 1958 (s.280) only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner may give immigration assistance. Check your own case with the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA-registered migration agent before you lodge.

Sources

Last checked 8 Oct 2026.