General information, not migration advice. We explain published test information. We can't tell you what you personally need. Requirements change, so always check the official website of the organisation or immigration authority you're applying to, or speak to a registered migration adviser.
Why there are two tables
On 7 August 2025 the English tests approved for Australian visas changed. Pearson updated PTE Academic at the same time, and Home Affairs says the new test and its scores are different from the old one, even though the name is the same. So the department publishes:
- Table 1 for PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
- Table 2 for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
The biggest change: in the new table, the scores needed are different for each skill. Speaking and writing need higher numbers than listening and reading.
Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
You need at least these scores in each of the four skills. The exception is Functional English, which only needs an overall score of 24.
| English level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| Competent | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
| English level | Each of the 4 skills |
|---|---|
| Functional | 30 overall (not each skill) |
| Vocational | 36 |
| Competent | 50 |
| Proficient | 65 |
| Superior | 79 |
Home Affairs says results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa. Results generally need to be from within 3 years before your visa application. Check your visa's own page for the exact rule.
Things people often get wrong
- "Overall score" isn't enough. The levels are based on the minimum in each skill. An overall 80 with speaking 70 is not Superior on the new table.
- Don't mix tables. A new-format score of 79 in speaking does not meet the new Superior level (88), even though 79 was the old Superior score.
- At-home tests aren't accepted. Home Affairs doesn't accept English tests taken fully online or at home for visa purposes.
- Other tests have their own tables. IELTS needs a 4.5 average for Functional, then 5, 6, 7 or 8 in each component for Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior. See the official pages for TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP, MET and LanguageCert.
Check your own scores
Enter your four scores in our PTE score checker to see, skill by skill, which level each meets on the published table and how many points you're short. It runs in your browser and stores nothing.
Official sources
- Functional English and Vocational English, Department of Home Affairs
- Competent English, Department of Home Affairs
- Proficient English, Department of Home Affairs
- Superior English, Department of Home Affairs
Requirements can change at any time. If anything here differs from the official pages, the official pages are right.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE score do I need for Competent English?
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, check the new Home Affairs table; the scores differ from the old table. Our page shows both.
Did PTE scores for Australian visas change in 2025?
Yes. The required PTE scores changed for tests taken from 7 August 2025.
Where can I check official scores?
On the Department of Home Affairs website. Always check the official source before you book or apply.