Are you dreaming of studying at a top Australian university or settling down with Permanent Residency (PR)? Your journey begins with proving your English skills, and that's where the PTE Exam for Australia comes in. Accepted by all leading universities and recognised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the PTE Academic Australia test has become the go-to choice for international students and migrants.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from exam format and preparation tips to the exact PTE score required for Australia, ensuring you step into your journey with confidence.
What is the PTE Exam for Australia?
For anyone asking, "What is the PTE exam for Australia and why is it important?", the answer is simple: it's your official gateway to proving you meet the English language requirements for Australia, whether your dream is to study, work, or settle permanently.
The PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a globally recognised English proficiency test that plays a key role in both studying in Australia and applying for Australian PR (Permanent Residency). It is a computer-based exam that evaluates your skills in four core areas of English: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
What makes the Australian PTE exam unique is its use of AI-driven scoring, which ensures results are completely fair, unbiased, and delivered quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours. It makes the exam highly convenient for students and migrants who are working with strict admission or visa deadlines.
The PTE test for Australia is accepted by:
- All Australian universities and colleges for admissions.
- Professional organisations that require proof of English skills.
- The Department of Home Affairs is making it valid for student visas, work visas, and PR applications.
Criteria for Admission in Australian Universities
If you're asking, "What PTE score is required for Australia?" the answer varies depending on your chosen course. For most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, you should aim for a score between 50 and 65.
However, professional fields may require even higher scores. Each Australian university sets its own minimum PTE score requirement based on the level and type of course you are applying for. Achieving this score is important as it ensures you can understand, communicate, and succeed in an English-speaking academic environment.
Diploma or Certificate Courses
- These are usually short-term, skill-focused programs designed to prepare students for industry roles.
- Since the academic load is lighter compared to degree programs, universities generally accept a PTE score between 42 and 50.
- However, some institutes may still ask for a minimum score in each section (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening) to ensure balanced English ability.
Bachelor's Programs (Undergraduate)
- For undergraduate degrees, you'll need a stronger command of English to handle lectures, group discussions, essays, and research work.
- Most universities set the requirement at an overall PTE score of 50–58.
- In addition, a few top universities may also specify sectional cut-offs, meaning you cannot have a very low score in any one skill.
Master's & MBA Programs (Postgraduate)
- At the postgraduate level, coursework involves critical analysis, research writing, and presentations.
- Universities typically expect an overall score between 58 and 65.
- For MBA programs in particular, strong communication skills are crucial since the degree focuses on leadership, management, and business strategy.
Specialised Fields (Law, Medicine, Nursing, Education, etc.)
- Professions like law, healthcare, and teaching demand advanced levels of English because they involve direct interaction with patients, clients, or students.
- That's why the bar is higher: you may need a PTE score of 65–79 overall, with some universities requiring section minimums as well.
- For example, nursing courses often insist on higher speaking and listening scores, while law and teaching emphasise reading and writing.
Australian Universities Accepting PTE and Their Criteria
If you're asking, "Is PTE accepted in Australia?" the answer is yes, absolutely. From top-ranked universities to specialised institutions, the Australian PTE test is widely accepted for admissions, making it a trusted pathway for international students.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing the PTE exam for Australia is that it is widely recognised across the country. In fact, all major Australian universities accept the PTE Academic Australia test for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialised programs. This makes it a reliable choice for international students who are planning to study in Australia.
Here are some examples of universities and their typical PTE score requirements:
University of Melbourne
One of Australia's highest-ranked universities (top 40 worldwide), best known for research excellence. Popular fields include Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Business.
PTE Requirement:
- Undergraduate: Minimum 58 overall
- Postgraduate: Minimum 65 overall
- Higher scores for competitive programs like Law and Medicine.
University of Sydney
Founded in 1850, it's Australia's oldest university and ranks in the global top 20 for employability. Strong in Health Sciences, Business, and Engineering.
PTE Requirement:
- Most courses: 58–61 overall
- Professional programs may require 65+.
Monash University
Part of the Group of Eight (Go8), Monash is known for innovation and global research links. Especially famous for Pharmacy, Nursing, Business, and IT.
PTE Requirement:
- Undergraduate: 58 overall
- Postgraduate: 65 overall
- Some courses, like Nursing and Education, may require 65+.
University of Queensland (UQ)
Ranked in the world's top 50, UQ has produced several Nobel Laureates. Strong reputation in Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Business.
PTE Requirement:
- Overall, 64, with minimum scores in each section (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening).
RMIT University
Located in Melbourne, RMIT focuses on practical and industry-based learning. Globally respected for Design, Architecture, and Technology, ranked among the world's best for Art & Design.
PTE Requirement:
- Undergraduate: 50 overall
- Postgraduate: 58 overall
- Higher for professional degrees.
Who is Eligible for the Australian PTE Exam?
The PTE Academic is open to anyone who needs to prove English proficiency for study or migration to Australia.
- For Students: Anyone applying to Australian universities or colleges can take the PTE exam. It is widely accepted for undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma admissions.
- For PR & Migration: The PTE Academic is also accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa and permanent residency (PR) applications.
- Age Requirement: The minimum age is 16 years. Candidates under 18 must provide parental consent.
How to Appear for the PTE Test in Australia?
Appearing for the PTE Academic exam for Australia is straightforward, but it's important to follow the right process to avoid last-minute issues. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit the official Pearson PTE website and create your profile with your personal details (name, date of birth, and passport information).
- Make sure the details exactly match your passport, as it is the only accepted ID for the exam.
Step 2: Choose Exam Date & Test Centre
- Once your account is ready, you can book the PTE exam in Australia or from your home country.
- Test centres are available in all major Australian cities, like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, as well as across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai).
- Multiple test sessions are available weekly, so you can pick a date that suits you.
Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee
- The PTE exam fee ranges between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, with slight variations by location and extra charges for late booking or rescheduling.
Additionally, if you register through EduVoucher, you can get up to 15% cashback plus additional savings with discount coupons. - Payments can be made online through credit/debit cards.
Step 4: Exam Day Requirements
- Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your slot.
- Carry your valid passport (mandatory ID proof).
- The exam is fully computer-based and takes about 3 hours in a single sitting, covering Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Step 5: Get Your Results
- One of the best things about the Australian PTE test is the quick results.
- Scores are usually available within 24 to 48 hours after the test.
PTE Exam Fees, Dates, and Centres
When planning for the PTE exam for Australia, three important things every student or PR applicant wants to know are the exam fee, available dates, and the nearest test centres. Here's a complete breakdown:
PTE Exam Fee
The fee for the test ranges between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 20,000, making it accessible for students booking from their home country. Please note that the fee may vary slightly based on location, and there might be additional charges for late bookings or rescheduling.
Note: If you register for the PTE exam through EduVoucher, you can receive up to 15% cashback and save even more with available discount coupons.
PTE Exam Dates
One of the biggest advantages of the Australian PTE test is its flexibility. Unlike exams with fixed schedules, the PTE Academic is available throughout the year. The test sessions are conducted multiple times a week, often with both morning and afternoon slots. This means you can choose a date that fits perfectly with your university admission deadlines or PR application timeline.
PTE Exam Centres
The PTE Academic Australia test is available worldwide, making it convenient for students and migrants, regardless of their location. Pearson has test centres in over 400+ locations across 100+ countries, so you can easily find one near you.
PTE Exam Format (Australia Study & PR)
If you're planning to take the PTE exam for Australia, knowing the test format is the first step to building confidence. The exam is designed to test your real-life English skills, the kind you'll use in a classroom, at work, or even in everyday conversations in Australia.
The test runs for about 3 hours in a single sitting and is divided into four key sections:
Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes)
You'll introduce yourself, read aloud, repeat sentences, describe images, and write essays. This checks your ability to communicate clearly in English, which is essential for lectures, presentations, and professional communication.
Reading (29–30 minutes)
Includes multiple-choice, re-ordering paragraphs, and filling in blanks. This section ensures you can understand academic texts, reports, and written instructions, which are a daily requirement at university.
Listening (30–43 minutes)
You'll listen to audio clips and answer questions, summarise spoken text, or fill in blanks. This measures your ability to follow lectures, group discussions, and conversations in an English-speaking environment.
How to Prepare for the Australian PTE Test?
Many students ask, "How do I prepare for the PTE exam for Australia PR or admissions?" The answer is strategy + practice. Here's what works best:
- Know the Syllabus & Pattern
- Go through the PTE exam syllabus for Australia and understand what each section demands. This gives you clarity on how to approach your preparation.
- Practice with Sample Papers
- Solving PTE exam sample papers for Australia helps you get used to the question format and builds your speed.
- Work on Time Management
- Since the exam is fast-paced, practice finishing each task within the given time. This skill can make or break your final score.
- Improve Your Everyday English
- Listen to podcasts, news channels, and lectures in English. Practice speaking in clear sentences to boost fluency and pronunciation.
- Mock Tests & Coaching
- Enrol in online PTE coaching programs or take practice mock tests to simulate the real exam environment. This helps reduce nervousness and boosts confidence.
PTE Exam for Australia PR (Permanent Residency)
The PTE Academic is officially accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for Permanent Residency applications. If you are aiming for an Australian PR, achieving a score of 65 or above will maximise your points and increase your chances of approval.
- Competent English: PTE score of 50
- Proficient English: PTE score of 65
- Superior English: PTE score of 79+
Conclusion
If you're wondering, "Is PTE accepted in Australia?" the answer is a clear yes. The only step left is yours: get ready, book your test, and take that leap toward a bright future in Australia.
The PTE exam for Australia is not just an English test; it is a pathway to studying at top universities, advancing your career, or obtaining Permanent Residency. With fast results and acceptance by all major Australian institutions, the PTE Academic Australia test streamlines the process for international students and migrants. And here's a bonus: some platforms even offer exclusive savings and cashback on exam bookings, giving you the chance to prepare smarter while spending less.
