The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is widely accepted for admission to Australian universities and other higher-education providers.

Pearson states that PTE Academic is accepted by 100% of Australian universities, while the Australian Government also recognises PTE Academic as an approved English-language test for relevant visa purposes. For international students, including those from India, a PTE score can be used to demonstrate English-language proficiency when applying for undergraduate, postgraduate and other eligible courses. However, the minimum PTE score varies by university, course and level of study. So, the students should check the requirements before applying.

Many Australian universities accept PTE Academic as proof of English-language proficiency for international student admission. However, the required PTE score can vary by university, course, study level and professional-registration requirements.

• University of Melbourne

• University of Sydney

• UNSW Sydney

• University of Queensland (UQ)

• Monash University

• Australian National University (ANU)

• University of Western Australia (UWA)

• University of Adelaide

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Macquarie University

PTE Academic requirements in Australia vary by university, course, qualification level and professional-registration requirements.

For bachelor’s degree admission in Australia, the PTE Academic requirement commonly ranges from about 50–65 overall, but the exact score depends on the university and course.

Many bachelor’s courses: Around 50–64+ overall, depending on the university and course. 

Some universities/courses: Requirements may be 60–65+ overall or higher. 

Teaching, nursing, medicine and other professionally regulated courses: Requirements can be higher and may include minimum scores in individual PTE skills. 

Foundation/pathway programs: Requirements vary by provider and program; some may accept scores below the standard direct-entry bachelor’s requirement. 

For a master’s degree in Australia, PTE Academic requirements are generally set by the university and course.

These are indicative ranges, not universal requirements. The exact score can vary by university, programme and English-level category.

For an Australian Student visa (Subclass 500), PTE Academic is an approved English-language test. The minimum score depends on the course arrangement and whether the applicant is undertaking ELICOS, an eligible Foundation program or an eligible Pathway program. For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the current minimum overall scores are:

Standard Student visa requirement: 47

With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS / eligible Foundation or Pathway program: 39

With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS: 31

The key difference is where you take the test and where the score can be used.

A PTE Academic score is generally valid for 2 years from the date of the test. After two years, the score report expires and normally cannot be used for university admission or visa applications. However, universities and immigration authorities can have their own requirements, so a score being within Pearson's two-year validity period does not automatically mean every institution or visa category will accept it.

PTE Academic: 2 years from test date

PTE Academic UKVI: Generally 2 years

PTE Core: 2 years

University applications: Usually within 2 years, but institution-specific rules may apply

Australian visa applications: Check the specific visa's current English-test validity requirements

If your PTE score is lower than the requirement for studying in Australia, you still have several options. Here are some of the options.

Check the exact requirement: University and course requirements can differ. Pearson notes that institutions set their own minimum scores; typical ranges are 51–60 for undergraduate programmes and 57–67 for postgraduate programmes.

Retake PTE Academic: If you are only a few points short, preparing specifically for your weakest component and retaking the test may be the simplest option.

Consider another accepted English test: Australia accepts several English tests for visa purposes, including PTE Academic, IELTS Academic/General Training, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET, subject to the applicable visa requirements. For Australian visa purposes, the test must be taken at a secure testing centre 

Look for an alternative university or course: If your score is substantially below your preferred institution's requirement, you can research universities or pathway programmes with lower English requirements.

Check whether a pathway or English programme is available: Some institutions may offer an English-language pathway before the main academic course. This is institution-specific, so confirm whether completion of the pathway satisfies the university's English requirement and whether it affects your visa documentation.

PTE Academic is an English-language test for international students planning to study in Australia. For students planning to use PTE for both university admission and an Australian student visa, it is also important to check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements, as visa English-language requirements can differ from university admission requirements.