IELTS 8.0 to PTE: score 79–85
An IELTS overall band of 8.0 is equivalent to a PTE Academic overall score of 79–85 (CEFR C1) under Pearson's July 2025 concordance. If a requirement says “IELTS 8.0 or equivalent”, most institutions accept the bottom of that range, PTE 79, but aim for 82.
PTE skill scores that match IELTS 8.0
| Skill | PTE range for IELTS 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Overall | 79–85 |
| Listening | 69–74 |
| Reading | 70–74 |
| Speaking | 88–89 |
| Writing | 85–89 |
PTE speaking and writing ranges are wider than the overall range, so a candidate can hold IELTS 8.0 overall with a speaking score well outside it. Check per-skill minimums where they apply.
What IELTS 8.0 is enough for
IELTS 8.0 describes a very good user. It meets the Superior English level for Australian skilled visas (which is set per skill) and most nursing, medical and law registrations.
What PTE 82 / IELTS 8.0 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) | in range |
| Australia: Superior English (20 points) | 8.0 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 (L/R/W/S) | in range |
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 79–85 range before you book.
Start a free scored PTE mockFrequently asked questions
What PTE score is equal to IELTS 8.0?
IELTS 8.0 concords to a PTE Academic overall score of 79–85 under Pearson's July 2025 research. Aim for about 82 so a slightly weaker test day still lands in the band.
Is IELTS 8.0 a good score?
IELTS 8.0 (CEFR C1) describes a very good user. It meets the Superior English level for Australian skilled visas (which is set per skill) and most nursing, medical and law registrations.
What PTE score do I need for IELTS 8.5?
IELTS 8.5 starts at PTE 86. From the 8.0 range that is 1 to 7 more points.
Other bands
IELTS 9.0 to PTEIELTS 8.5 to PTEIELTS 7.5 to PTEIELTS 7.0 to PTEIELTS 6.5 to PTEIELTS 6.0 to PTEIELTS 5.5 to PTEIELTS 5.0 to PTEIELTS 4.5 to PTEPTE 79 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.