PTE Score Required for Australia in 2026

Wondering what PTE score is required for Australia in 2026?
Whether you’re applying for a student visa, university admission, or PR pathway, your PTE score plays a crucial role.

This article explains:

Minimum PTE score requirements
Country- and university-wise cutoffs
Course-wise score benchmarks
Visa rules for 2026
Tips to achieve your target score faster

1. What Is PTE & Why Is It Needed for Australia?

PTE (Pearson Test of English) measures your English skills for:

Study visas
University admissions
Migration applications

Australia accepts PTE Academic as a fully approved English test for:
✅ All universities
✅ Student visa applications (Subclass 500)
✅ PR & work visas

2. Minimum PTE Score Required for Australia (2026)

For Australian Student Visa

Study Level	Minimum Overall PTE Score
University Foundation / Diploma	42
Bachelor’s Degree	50–54
Master’s Degree	58–65
MBA Programs	65–72
Nursing / Healthcare	65+ (with section minimums)

✅ Most universities accept PTE 58 overall for postgraduate admissions.

3. University-Wise PTE Score Requirements

Top Australian Universities (2026)

University	Minimum PTE Score
University of Melbourne	65
Monash University	58–65
University of Sydney	58–65
Deakin University	58
RMIT University	58
La Trobe University	54–58
Griffith University	54
Federation University	42–50

✅ Affordable or regional universities may accept scores as low as 42–50.

4. Course-Wise PTE Requirements

Course Type	PTE Requirement
Engineering / IT	58
Business / MBA	58–65
Nursing	65+
Education / Teaching	65
Healthcare	65+
Hospitality / Management	50–58

5. Section-Wise PTE Requirements

Some universities specify minimum scores for each section:

Skill Section	Minimum Required
Speaking	50–58
Writing	50–58
Reading	50–58
Listening	50–58

Nursing & healthcare programs often require:
✅ 65 in each section

6. PTE vs IELTS for Australia

Feature	PTE	IELTS
Delivery	Computer-based	Paper or computer
Results	24–48 hours	5–7 days
Speaking Test	AI-based	Human examiner
Accepted in Australia	✅ Fully accepted	✅ Fully accepted
Difficulty	Easier for tech-friendly students	Preferred by traditional test-takers

✅ PTE is faster and easier to prepare — ideal for 2026 applicants.

7. PTE for Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Visa English Requirement:

Minimum acceptable score:

PTE 42 overall
English test must be within 2 years of application
Higher scores needed for course & university admissions

8. PTE Score Validity

Criteria	Detail
Validity	2 years from test date
Best Attempt	Latest score accepted
Resit Gap	5 days minimum between tests

9. Tips to Achieve Your Target PTE Score

✅ Speaking

Master Read Aloud templates
Practice Describe Image regularly

✅ Writing

Use fixed templates for Essay & Summarize Written Text

✅ Listening

Focus on Highlight Incorrect Words
Daily podcast listening improves scoring

✅ Reading

Skip difficult MCQs if running short on time

Students preparing with the right strategy typically improve scores 10–15 points in just 2–3 weeks.

FAQs

Q1: What is the minimum PTE score for Australia student visa?

👉 42 overall for visa eligibility.

Q2: Can I get an Australian university with PTE 50?

👉 Yes — many universities accept scores between 50–54 for undergraduate or diploma programs.

Q3: Is PTE accepted for nursing in Australia?

👉 Yes, but you need 65 overall with minimum 65 in each section.

Q4: Is PTE easier than IELTS?

👉 For most students, PTE is easier because:

No physical speaking interview
AI checking removes examiner bias
Faster results

Q5: How many times can I take PTE?

👉 There is no limit — you can retake the exam until you reach your target score.

11. Get PTE & Australia Study Guidance from Blue Ribbon Overseas

At Blue Ribbon Overseas, we help students:

✅ Book PTE exam slots
✅ Provide expert test preparation guidance
✅ Shortlist Australian universities
✅ Generate Offer Letters fast
✅ Process student visa applications end-to-end

👉 Book your FREE counselling session today and prepare for your 2026 Australia intake with confidence.