Starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has made some important updates to the English language requirements for Australian visas.
If you're planning to apply for a visa, especially for an Australia PR, you need to know about the new tests and PTE score changes.
These changes include new tests and a new updated PTE score chart, which affects how your PTE academic score for Australia immigration is assessed.
In this blog, we’ll explain the changes in newly introduced tests, PTE score, show you the updated PTE score chart for skilled migration 2025, and much more. If you're wondering how many PTE points are needed for PR in Australia or what the new superior PTE score is for Australia PR, we’ve got all the answers, based on official updates.
Let’s get to it.
What Has Changed in the PTE Score for Australia PR?
Starting 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced new English tests like CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET), alongside existing ones like PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, and C1 Advanced
This means the PTE score requirement for PR in Australia is no longer just about hitting one overall number. Now, each skill, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, has its own updated score that you must meet, depending on whether you're aiming for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English.
These changes will reflect in the new updated PTE score chart and will impact anyone taking the PTE test for skilled migration or other PR pathways.
New Accepted English Tests for Australia Migration
The Department of Home Affairs PTE update has not only brought changes in PTE scores but also expanded the list of accepted English proficiency tests for visa applications.
Now, in addition to existing tests like PTE Academic, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT, you can also submit results from these three newly approved tests:
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – Widely used for Canadian immigration, now accepted for certain Australian visas.
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – A globally recognised academic English test, now eligible for Australia PR and skilled migration.
- Michigan English Test (MET) – An international test measuring all key language skills, now part of the accepted list.
Just like the PTE Academic, these new tests will be valid for up to 3 years from the test date. This means you have more flexibility when taking your English proficiency test for Australia migration.
Updated Score Requirements for Existing Tests
Alongside the new PTE score changes, the Department has updated the score thresholds for multiple English tests to ensure they match the real skill levels required for Australian visas.
Let’s say you're trying to claim 10 points in your visa application for Proficient English. Under the old PTE score chart, you needed a score of 65 in each section; that was simple.
But with the updated PTE score chart for skilled migration 2025, the requirements are now different for each skill:
- Listening: 58
- Reading: 59
- Writing: 69
- Speaking: 76
So imagine your scores are:
- Listening: 60
- Reading: 61
- Writing: 70
- Speaking: 78
Under the new rules, you meet the requirement for Proficient English, even though some of your scores are below 65. This change makes it more flexible for many applicants and could help more people qualify for the PTE academic score for Australian immigration.
Quick-Tip: To understand the changes better and how they will change things for your Australian visa process, connect with our experts at VisaFast Migration Consultancy, the registered Immigration Agency in Adelaide.
Updated PTE Score Chart (Per Test Component)
1. Competent English – Basic Requirement for PR
To meet the minimum PTE score for Australia PR under the Competent English level, here’s what you need:
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
This is the entry-level requirement for General Skilled Migration.
2. Proficient English – Claim 10 Points for PR
To claim 10 points in the GSM points test, you need Proficient English. The new PTE band score chart outlines the following scores:
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
MET | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
These are the new benchmarks if you’re aiming for a PTE score for Australia PR with 10 extra points.
3. Superior English – Claim 20 Points for PR
For those who want to score 20 points under the PR points calculator Australia 2025, here’s the PTE superior score and equivalents:
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
Note: MET is no longer accepted at the Superior level.
4. Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – New Scores
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) now has higher score requirements if you take the test on or after 7 August 2025:
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall/Total |
PTE Academic | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 55 |
IELTS | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 (avg band) |
TOEFL iBT | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 81 |
OET | 260 | 280 | 260 | 310 | 1310 |
CELPIP General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 | 67 |
MET | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 | 58 |
5. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you would like to study in Australia and are looking for a student visa, then here are the requirements.
Test | Minimum Score |
IELTS Academic | 6 |
PTE Academic | 47 |
TOEFL iBT | 67 |
OET | 1210 |
CELPIP General | 7 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 |
MET | 53 |
Lower scores may be accepted within 10–20 weeks of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students).
6. Functional & Vocational English, For Specific Visa Streams
- Functional English = Basic understanding, often for secondary applicants.
- Vocational English = Required for certain skilled or employer-sponsored visas.
Test | Functional (Overall) | Vocational (Each Skill) |
PTE Academic | 24 | 33–36–29–24 |
IELTS | 4.5 (avg) | 5 in all components |
TOEFL iBT | 26 | 8–8–9–14 |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | 38 | N/A |
MET | 38 | N/A |
CELPIP General | 5 | N/A |
OET | 1020 | N/A |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 updates to Australia’s English language test rules mark a shift toward broader options but also higher expectations.
For many, these changes can feel like an extra layer of complexity in an already detailed visa process. That’s why having the right guidance can make all the difference.
At Visafast Migration Consultancy, our experienced team can help you navigate these updates, understand your options, and take confident steps toward your Australian visa and permanent residency goals.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How does the new PTE score affect Australia PR eligibility?
The updated PTE score requirements mean you may now need a slightly higher score for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English to claim PR points.
Is PTE still accepted for Australian migration in 2025?
Yes. PTE Academic remains an approved test for Australia PR and other visa categories in 2025.
Can I still use my old PTE score for a PR application?
Yes, if your previous PTE result is still valid (within 3 years from the test date) at the time of application.
How to improve your PTE score after the 2025 update?
Focus on targeted PTE practice tests, improve academic vocabulary, work on time management, and seek expert coaching to meet the new score requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies may change over time, so we strongly recommend consulting a registered migration agent or legal professional before making any visa application.
