· 9 min read
PTE vs IELTS for Australian Visas: The Scores You Need Since August 2025
By Language Lab editorial team
Which English test for an Australian visa? The Home Affairs score tables for IELTS and PTE Academic at competent and proficient level, and how to choose.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Australia's Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS (Academic or General Training), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, the Michigan English Test and OET. For competent English you need at least 6 in each IELTS component, or PTE Academic scores of 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. For proficient English: 7 in each IELTS component, or PTE 58, 59, 69 and 76. The PTE Academic score table changed on 7 August 2025 — old PTE scores don't map directly.
What changed on 7 August 2025
According to Home Affairs, the English tests approved for Australian visa purposes changed on 7 August 2025. The list of accepted tests grew, and PTE Academic — though it kept its name — is a different test with different scores from the version accepted before that date. Results from tests taken before 7 August 2025 may still be valid for up to 3 years, depending on the visa subclass. For TOEFL iBT, you must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering, or your result may not be accepted.
Competent English: minimum scores
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and New Zealand holding a valid passport from those countries meet the competent English requirement without a test.
Proficient English: minimum scores
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
Scores are per component: you must reach the minimum in each of the four skills, not just on average. IELTS results including a One Skill Retake (OSR) are accepted for eligible visas — check the relevant visa page. Check your specific visa subclass too: some visas and points calculations use different levels.
PTE or IELTS: how to choose
- Look at the thresholds for your target level. At proficient level, PTE asks for 76 in speaking and 69 in writing — compare that with the flat 7s in IELTS against your own strengths.
- Try an official practice test for each: the formats differ, and many candidates score better in one than the other.
- Consider results timing and test-centre availability near you.
- Remember the 7 August 2025 change: use only current score tables and preparation material.
Preparing for the speaking section
Speaking is where many candidates fall short of the per-skill minimum. Practise answering out loud, under time pressure, on everyday and work topics, and record yourself. Language Lab's English course uses a voice tutor for real-life speaking scenarios — interviews, phone calls, appointments — useful practice for fluency on any of these tests.
Reading your score report correctly
Home Affairs sets minimums per component. A high overall score doesn't help if one skill is below the line — a candidate with IELTS 8 in listening, reading and writing but 6.5 in speaking has not met proficient English. Check each of the four scores against the table for your level before you lodge anything.
A 6-week speaking plan
- Weeks 1–2: record yourself answering everyday questions for one to two minutes; listen back for hesitation and repetition.
- Weeks 3–4: practise describing processes, comparing options and giving reasons with examples.
- Weeks 5–6: full timed mock tests in the exact format of your chosen test, reviewing each recording.
Common mistakes
- Using pre-August-2025 PTE advice: the score table changed.
- Registering for TOEFL iBT without selecting the Australia pathway.
- Assuming an overall score is enough: each component must meet the minimum.
- Ignoring your visa subclass: some visas and points rules use different levels.
Frequently asked
What IELTS score do I need for competent English in Australia?
At least 6 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), for IELTS Academic or General Training taken on or after 7 August 2025.
What PTE score do I need for proficient English in Australia?
For PTE Academic taken on or after 7 August 2025: at least 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking.
Are old PTE scores still valid for Australian visas?
Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be accepted for up to 3 years depending on the visa subclass, but the new PTE Academic uses different scores.
Which English tests does Australia accept?
For tests from 7 August 2025: Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic and General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT (registered for Australia).
Sources: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs — English language; Competent English; Proficient English (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Checked 26 September 2026. Photo: Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House from the water — Robertsky / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
