IELTS 5.5 to PTE: score 39–46
An IELTS overall band of 5.5 is equivalent to a PTE Academic overall score of 39–46 (CEFR B2) under Pearson's July 2025 concordance. If a requirement says “IELTS 5.5 or equivalent”, most institutions accept the bottom of that range, PTE 39, but aim for 43.
PTE skill scores that match IELTS 5.5
| Skill | PTE range for IELTS 5.5 |
|---|---|
| Overall | 39–46 |
| Listening | 40–46 |
| Reading | 42–47 |
| Speaking | 39–53 |
| Writing | 41–50 |
PTE speaking and writing ranges are wider than the overall range, so a candidate can hold IELTS 5.5 overall with a speaking score well outside it. Check per-skill minimums where they apply.
What IELTS 5.5 is enough for
IELTS 5.5 describes a modest user. Pathway and pre-sessional English programmes usually start here; direct degree entry is rare.
What PTE 43 / IELTS 5.5 means for visas
Immigration bodies set their thresholds per skill, so an overall score only tells you whether you are in range. Use it to pick a target, then check each skill against the official table linked in the row.
| Country / level | IELTS (each skill) | PTE Academic (each skill) | Your overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia: Vocational English | 5.0 | 33 / 36 / 29 / 24 (L/R/W/S) | in range |
| Australia: Competent English | 6.0 | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 (L/R/W/S) | below |
| Australia: Proficient English (10 points) | 7.0 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 (L/R/W/S) | below |
| Australia: Superior English (20 points) | 8.0 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 (L/R/W/S) | below |
Australian levels are set by the Department of Home Affairs and changed on 7 August 2025 to per-skill PTE minimums. “In range” compares your overall band to the per-skill requirement; verify each skill on the official page before relying on it.
Switching from IELTS to PTE?
PTE results arrive in about two days and the test is fully computer-marked. Take a free AI-scored PTE mock to see where you land against the 39–46 range before you book.
Start a free scored PTE mockFrequently asked questions
What PTE score is equal to IELTS 5.5?
IELTS 5.5 concords to a PTE Academic overall score of 39–46 under Pearson's July 2025 research. Aim for about 43 so a slightly weaker test day still lands in the band.
Is IELTS 5.5 a good score?
IELTS 5.5 (CEFR B2) describes a modest user. Pathway and pre-sessional English programmes usually start here; direct degree entry is rare.
What PTE score do I need for IELTS 6.0?
IELTS 6.0 starts at PTE 47. From the 5.5 range that is 1 to 8 more points.
Other bands
IELTS 9.0 to PTEIELTS 8.5 to PTEIELTS 8.0 to PTEIELTS 7.5 to PTEIELTS 7.0 to PTEIELTS 6.5 to PTEIELTS 6.0 to PTEIELTS 5.0 to PTEIELTS 4.5 to PTEPTE 39 to IELTSFull concordance table
Source: Pearson, “Establishing score concordance between the enhanced PTE Academic and IELTS Academic” (July 2025). BandLadder is an independent practice platform, not an official Pearson tool. Check the requirement published by your institution or visa authority.