If you’re planning to migrate to Australia and intend to use your PTE Academic exam to meet the English requirement, there’s a small but important update you need to know.

Starting August 7, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will adjust the minimum PTE score required for several visa categories. While the changes may only be one or two points, that can make all the difference if you’re aiming to meet eligibility criteria.

Key point: If you completed your PTE test before August 7, 2025, the updated scores won’t affect you. Your PTE result will remain valid as long as it’s within the usual two-year validity period. But for any test taken on or after that date, the new scores will apply.

What’s Changing in the PTE Score Requirements?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison showing the difference between the old and new PTE result requirements:

English Level	Old PTE Score	New PTE Score (from Aug 7, 2025)
Functional English	30	32
Vocational English	36	36 (no change)
Competent English	50	51
Proficient English	65	66
Superior English	79	84

While these may seem like small adjustments, they could influence whether you qualify for your chosen visa—especially if your target score is tight.

Visa Types Affected by the New PTE Scores

The revised thresholds apply to multiple visa subclasses, including:

• Student Visa (subclass 500) – Usually requires Functional or Vocational English depending on your course and institution.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – Now requires a score of 51 for Competent English (previously 50).
• Skilled Migration Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491) – Higher scores for Proficient or Superior English will boost your points. These now require 66 and 84 respectively.
• Partner Visas – Functional English for you or your partner now requires 32 points instead of 30.

Why Has the PTE Score Been Updated?

The adjustment follows a new concordance study released by Pearson, aligning PTE Academic results with other English exams like IELTS and TOEFL. This ensures fairness and consistency across test systems used for Australian migration.

It’s not the first time this has happened—language test benchmarks are updated periodically to reflect current data and maintain comparability.

What If You Already Took the Test?

If you’ve already sat the PTE before August 7, 2025, there’s good news: your PTE result will still be accepted under the previous scoring rules for up to two years from your test date.

For example, if you achieved 50 in July 2025 for a 485 visa, you remain eligible without needing to retake the test.

How to Prepare for the New PTE Score Requirements

Here’s how to adapt:

• Know your target – Understand which English level your visa demands.
• Plan your prep – Even one point increase may require refining your study strategy.
• Book early – Allow room for a retake if needed.
• Stay updated – Migration rules can change, so monitor official announcements.
• Seek expert help – An experienced migration advisor can guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

The new PTE score thresholds may seem like minor changes, but they can be critical for those on the border of eligibility. Being prepared and informed is key to keeping your Australian plans on track.

For personalised support, Upright Migration Consultations Melbourne can help you understand your PTE result, create a tailored preparation plan, and ensure your visa application meets the updated English requirements.