The two PTE tables, side by side
From the Home Affairs Competent, Proficient and Superior English pages (Proficient re-read 10 October 2026) and the subclass 189 points table. Home Affairs notes that PTE Academic has the same name as before but "the test and scores are different".
| English level (points) | PTE taken on or before 6 Aug 2025 | PTE taken from 7 Aug 2025 (L / R / W / S) | 65 in each skill gives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent (0) | 50 in each | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | Meets it under both tables |
| Proficient (10) | 65 in each | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | Old test: yes. New test: no (writing and speaking short) |
| Superior (20) | 79 in each | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 | No |
How long an older 65-each result lasts
Each level page says the score must come from the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the subclass, and that tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used until 6 August 2028 inclusive. So a 65-each result from, say, March 2025 helps only while it is inside that window for your visa.
IELTS was not re-scaled: Proficient is still 7 in each skill and Superior 8 in each, and IELTS results that include One Skill Retake count for eligible visas (IELTS for Australia 189, 190, 491). At-home tests such as IELTS Online are not accepted.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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If your new PTE is 65 each
The gap is writing (69) and speaking (76). Speaking is fully machine-scored on fluency and pronunciation, so steady delivery matters more than vocabulary; see PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR. Some candidates switch to IELTS, where Proficient is a flat 7 in each skill.
You can rebook PTE once your scores arrive. Check your four skill scores with a free PTE mock test before you pay again. This guide restates the department's pages; it is not migration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is PTE 65 each still Proficient English?+
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. For tests from 7 August 2025, Proficient is 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking.
How many points does Proficient English give?+
10 points on the subclass 189 points table. Superior gives 20 and Competent 0.
Until when can I use my old PTE 65 result?+
Home Affairs says pre-7 August 2025 results may be used until 6 August 2028 at the latest, and the score must be within the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the subclass.
What is Superior English in PTE now?+
69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking, for tests from 7 August 2025. It was 79 in each skill before.
Is IELTS 7 each still 10 points?+
Yes. IELTS 7 in each skill is Proficient English and 8 in each is Superior, on both sides of the August 2025 change.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR
- IELTS for Australia 189, 190, 491
- PTE 58 to 65
- How long PTE is valid
- PTE for australia
- All 970 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 10 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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