How much is the PTE exam fee in Australia in 2026?

Home Affairs lists PTE Academic among the tests it accepts when taken at a secure test centre; PTE Core is not on the list, and fully online tests are not accepted (Home Affairs English tests). Since 7 August 2025 the PTE Academic minimums are set per skill: Proficient English is at least 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking (Proficient English).

Home Affairs warns that the current PTE Academic has the same name as the version accepted before 7 August 2025, but the test and scores are different, so an old 65-each target no longer applies to a new test. Every score band and the points they earn are in PTE vs IELTS for Australia PR.

Pearson's rules are global (cancellation and rescheduling, refund policy). Reschedule free in myPTE while more than 14 full calendar days remain, up to six times. Inside 14 days the Reschedule button disappears and you must cancel under the refund rules and book again. For illness or a family emergency, submit the Request Emergency Reschedule form with evidence no later than 72 hours after the appointment; Pearson decides at its discretion.

This is the main practical difference from IELTS in Australia, where IDP now allows one free date change right up to test day. If your plans are uncertain, book PTE well over two weeks out or keep the date flexible.

Pearson takes the full fee in the currency of the country where you sit the test, by credit or debit card or by Google Pay or Apple Pay; it does not accept PayPal, and a declined or charged-back payment cancels the booking or the scores (payment policy).

Choose the test, then a centre and a slot at least 24 hours ahead, and pay in myPTE. Your account name must match your passport exactly, middle names in Given names; you can correct details up to 3 days before the test, and a mismatch on the day means no test and no refund (how to book). You can book a retake once your last scores arrive, up to 12 times in 12 months (retake policy). Pearson's product pages say results typically arrive within two days, which is why many onshore applicants on a visa deadline choose PTE; IDP's listings show 1 to 5 days for IELTS on computer.

At AUD 499 an attempt, check your level first with a free PTE mock test. Centres by state are in PTE test centres in Australia.