Last Updated on August 8, 2025
New PTE Scoring Pattern for Australian Immigration (Effective 7 August 2025)
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has introduced major changes to how PTE Academic scores translate into immigration English proficiency levels. If you’re planning skilled migration through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) pathway, it’s essential to know these updates to secure Superior, Proficient, or Competent English levels—and the corresponding PR points.significant change in equivalency of Superior, Proficient and Competent English levels. Here are
the key updates for Australia PR English test score requirements (from 7th August 2025)
as per the new Home Affairs announcement:
What Changed?
From 7 August 2025, each PTE module must meet higher minimum scores individually—there is no overall average provision. The new thresholds are:
Superior English (20 points)
| Module | Old Score | New Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening |
79 |
69 |
|
Reading |
79 |
70 |
|
Writing |
79 |
85 |
|
Speaking |
79 |
88 |
Proficient English (10 points)
| Module | Old Score | New Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening |
65 |
58 |
|
Reading |
65 |
59 |
|
Writing |
65 |
69 |
|
Speaking |
65 |
76 |
Competent English (0 points – eligibility)
| Module | Previous Requirement | New Requirement (from 7 Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening |
50 |
47 |
|
Reading |
50 |
48 |
|
Writing |
50 |
51 |
|
Speaking |
50 |
54 |
These changes are official and mandated under the Migration Specification of Language Tests 2025 by Home Affairs.
Why These New Requirements Matter
- Reading and listening thresholds are lower, potentially easier to reach.
- Writing and speaking have become more challenging—especially for Superior level (85 & 88).
- Writing & speaking performance now heavily influences your English level and PR points.
- The update primarily helps trade and lower-band candidates reach Competent or Proficient level more easily.
Key Tips for PR Applicants
- You earn PR points based on individual module scores, not overall average.
- Prioritize training your Writing and Speaking, since these now carry higher minimums.
- Even if reaching Superior level is tough, Competent or Proficient bands may now be more achievable—and still earn you 0 or 10 points.
- PTE results remain valid for 3 years, and this applies even to tests taken before 7 August 2025.
Other English Test Updates
- From 7 August 2025, Home Affairs also officially recognises CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET) for PR purposes.
- Pension for older results: Tests taken before 7 August 2025 remain valid for up to 3 years, subject to visa subclass.
Advantages of This Update
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
|
Easier access to Competent or Proficient levels |
Lower thresholds for listening, reading, and writing specifically benefit many trade candidates. |
|
Faster eligibility for PR points |
Achieving Proficient English (10 points) is now more feasible. |
|
Better preparation focus |
Clear emphasis on Writing & Speaking aligns with real-life language usage. |
Important Reminders
- For Superior English (20 points), Writing 85 and Speaking 88 are significantly higher targets than before.
- Practice material and tests before 7 August 2025 followed previous scoring—check validity if using older scores for PR.
- You only get PR points if each module score meets the new minimum—you cannot rely on the overall average.
FAQs
Are scores from tests taken before 7 August 2025 valid for PTE?
Yes as long as the test was within 3 years of your visa application date. Old scoring rules apply only to those results taken before the change
For Superior English, why are writing and speaking so high now?
Home Affairs raised these thresholds to ensure only top-tier communicators earn the 20 PR points reflecting in-depth proficiency required for skilled migration roles
Can I still reach Proficient or Competent levels easily in PTE?
Yes particularly for professional or trade workers, achieving Writing 69/Speaking 76 for Proficient or lower bands for Competent is now attainable.
Which modules should I prioritize in practice?
Focus heavily on Writing and Speaking, since they carry increased minimum scores for Proficient and Superior levels.
Do these changes affect IELTS or TOEFL?
No. The changes apply only to PTE Academic. IELTS, TOEFL, OET, and others maintain their existing thresholds.
How do these changes impact PR eligibility?
You may still get 10 PR points for Proficient English, but earning Superior English is more challenging, so plan test preparation accordingly.
What Should You Do Now?
- Assess your target PTE level (Competent, Proficient, or Superior).
- Invest in Writing & Speaking training-these sections are now critical.
- If you scored less than the previous thresholds in writing or speaking, consider retaking the test under the new pattern.
- Reach out to GeoEdutech’s IELTS/PTE coaching team in Pune for tailored training. We help students meet the new module thresholds with targeted strategies.
Need Expert Guidance?
GeoEdutech offers expert coaching and visa consultation services to help you adapt to the new English scoring pattern, whether you’re aiming for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English levels for Australia visa eligibility.
Contact us today for personalized guidance and IELTS/PTE preparation support!
Contact us today for personalized guidance and IELTS/PTE preparation support!
