IELTS 6.5 to PTE: score 55–62
An IELTS overall band of 6.5 is equivalent to a PTE Academic overall score of 55–62 (CEFR B2) under Pearson's July 2025 concordance. If a requirement says “IELTS 6.5 or equivalent”, most institutions accept the bottom of that range, PTE 55, but aim for 59.
PTE skill scores that match IELTS 6.5
| Skill | PTE range for IELTS 6.5 |
|---|---|
| Overall | 55–62 |
| Listening | 53–57 |
| Reading | 54–58 |
| Speaking | 66–75 |
| Writing | 60–68 |
PTE speaking and writing ranges are wider than the overall range, so a candidate can hold IELTS 6.5 overall with a speaking score well outside it. Check per-skill minimums where they apply.
What IELTS 6.5 is enough for
IELTS 6.5 describes a competent user. Most undergraduate and many postgraduate programmes in the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland accept it, often with no skill below 6.0.
What PTE 59 / IELTS 6.5 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) | in range |
| 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 55–62 range before you book.
Start a free scored PTE mockFrequently asked questions
What PTE score is equal to IELTS 6.5?
IELTS 6.5 concords to a PTE Academic overall score of 55–62 under Pearson's July 2025 research. Aim for about 59 so a slightly weaker test day still lands in the band.
Is IELTS 6.5 a good score?
IELTS 6.5 (CEFR B2) describes a competent user. Most undergraduate and many postgraduate programmes in the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland accept it, often with no skill below 6.0.
What PTE score do I need for IELTS 7.0?
IELTS 7.0 starts at PTE 63. From the 6.5 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 6.0 to PTEIELTS 5.5 to PTEIELTS 5.0 to PTEIELTS 4.5 to PTEPTE 55 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.