Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What universities typically ask for
PTE Academic reports an overall score and four skill scores, each from 10 to 90. The overall is not an average of the four skills (Score Guide).
Pearson's Score Guide says institutions choose their own rules. Some use the overall score alone, some add a higher minimum in one skill that matters for the course, and some accept a lower minimum in one skill. Its typical minimums are below.
| Level of study | Typical minimum overall (Pearson) |
|---|---|
| Foundation courses | 36–50 |
| Undergraduate degrees | 51–60 |
| Postgraduate degrees | 57–67 |
What each score band means
Pearson groups scores into six bands. Ranges and descriptions are from Pearson's Understand your score page and the PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide, read on 30 October 2026. The summaries below are ours.
| PTE score | What Pearson says a test taker can do |
|---|---|
| 85–90 | The highest level Pearson measures: understands virtually everything heard or read |
| 76–84 | Very high proficiency; Pearson says this level is generally not required for undergraduate courses |
| 59–75 | Understands the main ideas of complex text, including technical discussion in their field |
| 43–58 | Understands the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters |
| 30–42 | Understands sentences and frequent expressions on everyday topics |
| 10–29 | Understands and uses familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases |
Know your target? Check where you stand
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Australian visa levels for PTE Academic
Home Affairs uses four named levels. For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, each level sets a minimum in every skill except Functional English, which uses the overall score (Functional, Competent, Proficient, Superior). Writing and speaking minimums are higher than listening and reading at every level.
| Home Affairs level | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | Overall 24 | – | – | – | – |
| Competent | – | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | – | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | – | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
Frequently asked questions
What is a good PTE score for a master's?+
Pearson says postgraduate degrees typically ask for an overall minimum between 57 and 67. Check your course page, as some also set skill minimums.
Is there a pass mark in PTE?+
No. You get a score from 10 to 90 and each university or government sets the score it needs.
Is the PTE overall score an average of the four skills?+
No. Pearson's Score Guide says the overall score is not an average of the communicative skills scores.
What PTE score is Competent English for Australia?+
For tests from 7 August 2025, at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking.
Keep reading
Related
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.
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