Owing to the benefits of staying in Australia after the completion of studies, many individuals are opting for a PR in Australia. This article contains details on the PTE scores required for PR in Australia in 2026.
For millions of Indians dreaming of a life in Australia, the path to Permanent Residency or PR in Australia runs through a points-based system where every mark matters and your English score can be the difference between an invitation and an indefinite wait. The PTE Academic Exam has become one of the most popular globally accepted English language tests among Indian applicants due to its faster results, AI-based evaluation and wide acceptance by the Department of Home Affairs.
Due to the changed format of the PTE exam back in 2025, the PTE score thresholds were revised for the Australian PR across all proficiency levels, introducing component-specific benchmarks that now demand higher performance - particularly in Writing and Speaking. For Indian test-takers who have been preparing based on older information, these changes are critical to understand before sitting the exam or lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI). This article highlights the PTE scores required for Australia PR in 2026-27.
- What is the PTE Score for Australia PR?
- When to provide PTE Score for Australia PR?
- What is the PTE Validity for Australia PR
- PTE Exam Preparation
- Top 10 PTE Exam Preparation Tips 2026
- PTE Score Required for Australia PR FAQs
What is the PTE Score for Australia PR?
A lot of times candidates end up wondering what is the PTE Score required for Australia PR? Well, we have the answer right here for you. Unless you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, you will be required to prove that your English language skills are competent for the country. And how do you do that?
You would be required to appear for an English Language assessment test. As informed earlier, PTE Scores are recognized for Australia PR. The Australia PR System works on a points-based system and the higher the English proficiency, the higher the points achieved. The PTE Score required for Australia PR is as follows.
| PTE Proficiency Level |
PTE Score required |
PR Points** Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Functional English |
A total band score of at least 24 |
not eligible |
| Vocational English |
At least the following marks in each of the 4 test components:
|
not eligible |
| Competent English |
At least the following marks in each of the 4 test components:
|
Eligible for PR, but no points |
| Proficient English* |
At least the following marks in each of the 4 test components:
|
10 points towards PR |
| Superior English* |
At least the following marks in each of the 4 test components:
|
20 points towards PR |
*Only Proficient and Superior English Levels are considered for points-tested skilled visas | source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
**Note: One needs to have a minimum of 60 points to obtain a PR invitation.
Note- If you have graduated straight out from a university in Australia, then you can apply for a Post Study Work Permit in Australia, it does not require fresh PTE scores from you as you have been staying in the country for the period of your previous degree.
When to provide PTE Score for Australia PR?
Candidates applying for the Australia PR visa must provide their PTE Scores at the right time to make their PR application most relevant. Candidates can check out the right time to provide their PTE score for Australia PR, below.
| Australia Visa Subclass |
When to provide |
PTE Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) |
By the time of application |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) - Temporary Residence Transition Stream |
By the time of application |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) subclass 188) (Entrepreneur stream) |
By the time of invitation |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (Points-tested stream) |
By the time of invitation |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) |
By the time of invitation |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Skilled Regional (provisional) (subclass 489)(first provisional stream) |
By the time of invitation |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (subclass 491) |
By the time of invitation |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
| Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) |
By the time of application |
The test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application |
*For the subclasses 190, 489 and 491? if you are claiming partner points then your partner must also have Competent English at the time of invitation.
Go through the entire PTE Exam Syllabus 2026 before you make your appointment for the same. As preparation might take some time based on your current level of proficiency.
What is the PTE Validity for Australia PR
PTE for Australia PR: As mentioned above, the validity of your PTE test for Australia PR is three years. The PTE test cannot have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application. Candidates should note that any changes to the scores will only be made after careful consideration.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
PTE Exam Preparation
PTE Exam Preparation: Candidates looking to perform well in their PTE Academic Exam would be required to follow a solid PTE Preparation plan to achieve a good PTE score. Read on as we divulge in detail about PTE exam preparation 2026, PTE preparation online, PTE preparation material, and PTE exam preparation at home, among other important topics revolving around PTE preparation.
You can choose to study for your PTE exam on your own or join a coaching centre. The decision lies entirely with you as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources to opt for both or select either. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity too like PTE preparation online. It incorporates both self-studying and taking coaching classes. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. To choose the best method on how to prepare for the PTE test, you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. Candidates can also check out PTE Sample Papers.
Top 10 PTE Exam Preparation Tips 2026
A lot of times PTE test takers are often confused about the direction of their PTE preparation plan. Fear no more. We have come up with a personalised top 10 PTE exam preparation guide for candidates looking to ace their PTE test. Check out the top 10 PTE exam preparation tools provided below:
- Plan ahead
- Know what you're getting into
- Take lots of practice tests
- Start studying vocabulary
- Focus on your subject
- Don't ignore the other subject
- Use good materials
- Know question types
- Keep an error log
- Plan on taking the exam twice
So, this is all about PTE scores for Australia PR, and now we would love to hear from you. Do get in touch with us in the comments below or request a call back from our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.
PTE Score Required for Australia PR FAQs
Commonly asked questions
To get Australian Permanent Residency (PR), you must take the PTE Academic exam, as it's the only PTE version accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for migration. The PTE Academic exam is acceptted for all kinds of Australian visa applications.
No. It's not easy to get a PR in Australia. Conditions for getting a PR in Australia fenerally requires-
- working for minimum 3-4 years on a skilled migration visa or work visa
- getting an accommodation contract
- getting a health insurance
- gathering required amount of funds
Yes it is possible to get a PR in Australia after 3 years. You must prove that you have lived and worked in the regional area for 3 years on a "Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) - Subclass - 491". Working and living on this visa for 3 years leads you to getting a "Skilled Regional Visa - Subclass 191" which is the Permanent Residence Permit in Australia. However, direct pathways like the Skilled Independent Visa (189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (190) can sometimes grant PR faster - depending on occupation demand and points
Yes some UK institutions offer free courses specially for international students, graduates and alumni.
UK Government, Study UK (British Council) and Open University are among some popular institutions known for offering free courses that are mostly available to be pursued in online formats.
These courses help students get basic skills needed for job and can be pursued from other countries as well.
For more information, students are advised to refer pages of institutes mentioned above.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae