PTE score for Australian PR points
On the Home Affairs points tables for the 189, 190 and 491 visas, Superior English is worth 20 points, Proficient English 10, and Competent English 0. For PTE Academic that means at least 69, 70, 85 and 88 in listening, reading, writing and speaking for the 20.
Points and PTE scores
From the Home Affairs points tables and its English-level pages.
| English level | Points | PTE Academic, tests from 7 Aug 2025 | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior English | 20 | each skill at least: L 69 · R 70 · W 85 · S 88 | 8 in every skill |
| Proficient English | 10 | each skill at least: L 58 · R 59 · W 69 · S 76 | 7 in every skill |
| Competent English | 0 | each skill at least: L 47 · R 48 · W 51 · S 54 | 6 in every skill |
How the points are decided
For the 189 and 190 visas Home Affairs says: “Be able to score 65 points or more” When you submit your EOI in SkillSelect you will be given an indicative points score based on the claims you have made. If you do not obtain a score of 65 points you will not be invited to apply for this visa.
Your invitation then states the points you must reach when Home Affairs assesses the application, and Home Affairs says that figure may be higher than 65, depending on your claims. The subclass 491 is a points-tested visa. Home Affairs also says: At the time of invitation, you must have at least Competent English.
Home Affairs states each level as a minimum in each of the four skills, so every skill has to reach the level.
What PTE score gets 20 points
Superior English asks for 69 in listening, 70 in reading, 85 in writing and 88 in speaking. Proficient asks for 58, 59, 69 and 76. Competent asks for 47, 48, 51 and 54.
Which visas use this points test
Home Affairs publishes a points table on the 189, 190 and 491 visa pages, and all three show the same English points: Competent English 0, Proficient English 10, Superior English 20. Each visa has its own page here with the English minimums for every test.
Common questions
Home Affairs awards English language points by level: Competent English 0, Proficient English 10, Superior English 20. PTE Academic is one of the tests it lists for each level. The 189, 190 and 491 points tables show the same figures.
Superior English: at least 69 in listening, 70 in reading, 85 in writing and 88 in speaking, for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Proficient English: at least 58 in listening, 59 in reading, 69 in writing and 76 in speaking.
No. Competent English is worth 0 points, but it is the English level the 189, 190 and 491 visas ask for as a minimum.
For the 189 and 190, Home Affairs says: “Be able to score 65 points or more”. Your invitation states the points you must score at assessment, which Home Affairs says may be higher than 65. The 491 is also points-tested.
No. Home Affairs states the level as a minimum in each of the four skills, not an overall score.
Pearson: a PTE Academic score is valid for two years from the test date. Home Affairs wording on test windows is on the results and validity page.
Home Affairs sets the English level, not one named test. For the Skilled Independent 189 it says: “At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.” For the Skilled Nominated 190 it says: “At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.” English can also add points: Proficient English is worth 10 points and Superior English 20 points. Pearson says PTE Academic is: “Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for all visa categories that require a proof of English language proficiency.” For IELTS and the other accepted tests, the score for each level is on the Proficient English and Superior English pages. The list of tests is on English tests accepted for Australian visas.