PTE score for an Australian student visa
For a PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025, the Student visa (subclass 500) minimum is 47; 39 if your course is packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program; 31 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS (Home Affairs).
Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
Minimum overall scores for the Student visa (subclass 500).
| Test | Minimum test score | With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program | With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS | Source and date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 | Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 | Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026 |
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
The older PTE Academic test has its own, higher minimums.
| Test | Minimum test score | With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program | With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS | Source and date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 50 | 42 | 36 | Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 | Home Affairs, checked 20 October 2026 |
Do you need to show a score?
Home Affairs: “If required, provide evidence that you have either: obtained a minimum test score in an English language test approved by us, or met the requirements of an exemption category.” Whether evidence is required for you, and which documents, is shown by the Document Checklist Tool on the Home Affairs Student visa page.
Education providers set their own entry requirements; this table shows only the visa minimums.
Tests taken online at home
Home Affairs does not accept evidence from English tests delivered completely online (remote-proctored or at-home). Take PTE Academic at a test centre.
Student visa or PR?
Permanent residence uses per-skill minimums and points instead: PTE scores for Australian PR. Tiếng Việt · नेपाली.
More for students in Nepal
Questions students ask
What PTE score do I need for an Australian student visa?
For a PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025: 47 overall; 39 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program; 31 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS (Home Affairs).
Is PTE 50 still the student visa minimum?
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 (50). For newer tests the minimum is 47.
What is the IELTS equivalent?
IELTS Academic 6.0, or 5.5 and 5.0 with 10 or 20 weeks of ELICOS.
Is PTE Academic Online accepted for a student visa?
No. Home Affairs does not accept English tests delivered completely online.
Is the visa minimum enough for my university?
Not always: universities set their own English requirements. Check your offer letter.
Sources and dates
Every figure on this page comes from these pages; each was read on the date shown.
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500): checked 20 October 2026
- Home Affairs: online tests not accepted: checked 20 October 2026
One full mock test with an estimated overall score, free, before you book the real test.
Check your level free