Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What a score of 50 means
Pearson puts 50 in its 43–58 band: you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, deal with most everyday situations, and write simple connected text on familiar topics (Pearson).
On Pearson's IELTS table, overall 47–54 corresponds to IELTS 6.0 (Score Guide). The skill ranges differ: IELTS 6.0 is 47–52 in listening, 48–53 in reading, 54–65 in speaking and 51–59 in writing.
Universities
Pearson's typical minimums are 36–50 for foundation courses, 51–60 for undergraduate degrees and 57–67 for postgraduate degrees (Score Guide). So 50 often works for a foundation or pathway course but is usually just short for direct degree entry. Courses can also set skill minimums, so a 50 overall with a weak skill may fall short even where 50 is the overall bar.
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.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Australian visas
For Australian visas the skill scores matter. On tests from 7 August 2025, Competent English needs 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking (Home Affairs). A flat 50 passes listening and reading but fails writing and speaking. Tests taken before that date needed 50 in each skill, and Home Affairs says those results may be used for up to 3 years, depending on the visa.
| Requirement | Minimum | 50 in every skill? |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English, tests from 7 Aug 2025 | 47 L, 48 R, 51 W, 54 S | No (writing and speaking short) |
| Competent English, tests to 6 Aug 2025 | 50 in each skill | Yes |
| Functional English, tests from 7 Aug 2025 | Overall 24 | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Is PTE 50 equal to IELTS 6.0?+
Pearson's table links overall 47–54 to IELTS 6.0, so 50 falls in that range.
Is PTE 50 each Competent English?+
Not on a test from 7 August 2025. Competent now needs 51 in writing and 54 in speaking. On older tests, 50 each was enough.
Can I get into a bachelor's degree with PTE 50?+
Pearson's typical undergraduate range is 51–60, so 50 is just below it. Some providers accept 50 for foundation or pathway entry.
How can I raise PTE 50 to 58?+
Start with your Skills Profile, which shows your weakest areas and recommendations. You can rebook once your score arrives.
Keep reading
Related
- Is PTE 65 good?
- How to get from PTE 58 to 65
- English tests for Australian visas
- What is a good PTE score?
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy