If you want to study in Australia, you need to show that you can speak, read, and understand English. One popular test for this is the PTE Academic. It helps the Australian government check if your English is good enough for a student visa.

For most student visas, you need at least a PTE score of 42. But some courses and universities ask for higher scores. For example, university degrees usually require a score of 50 or more. This guide will explain the scores you need for different courses and what universities usually expect. It will help you get ready to apply and make your study plans easier.

Summary Table of PTE Score Requirements

Program Level	Minimum PTE Score for Visa	Typical University Requirement
Vocational Education	42	45+
Undergraduate	50	50–58 (some courses require 58+)
Postgraduate (Master’s)	50	65+ (some courses require up to 79)

Minimum PTE Score for Visa Eligibility

To apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500), you must meet the English language requirement. One way to do this is by taking the PTE Academic test. The general minimum overall score you need is 42. 

This means you must score at least 42 across all sections of the test. This score is accepted for most vocational and some academic courses. However, depending on the course or university, you may be asked to get a higher score.

Score Requirements by Course Level

The PTE Academic score you need depends on the type of course you want to study in Australia. For vocational education courses, such as diplomas or certificates, the minimum overall PTE score required is 42. These courses are often focused on practical skills and trades.

For higher education courses, which include both undergraduate (bachelor’s) and postgraduate (master’s) programs, the minimum PTE score is usually 50 overall. This score is required to meet the visa conditions, but keep in mind that individual institutions may have their own higher requirements depending on the course content and academic level.

University Admission Requirements

Meeting the visa score is just the first step. Most Australian universities have their own English language requirements, which are usually higher than the minimum set for visas. Typically, universities ask for an overall PTE Academic score between 50 and 65, along with certain minimum scores in individual sections (like speaking or writing).

For example, general undergraduate courses may accept a score around 50–58, but more technical or competitive programs like law, engineering, or health sciences might require 60 or more. In the case of postgraduate studies, universities often ask for scores between 65 and 79, especially for research-based or professional degrees. It’s important to check directly with the university and program you are applying for, as requirements can vary widely.

Options If You Have a Lower Score

If your PTE score is below the required level, don’t worry—there are still options available. The Australian government allows students with lower PTE scores to take an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS). This is a special English course designed to help international students improve their language skills before starting their main course.

Here’s how it works:

• If you have a PTE score of 36, you may still be eligible for a student visa if you complete at least 10 weeks of ELICOS.
  
• If your score is as low as 30, you can qualify by completing 20 weeks of ELICOS.
  

This pathway is helpful for students who are close to the required score but need a little extra support to improve their English. It gives you a second chance to meet the visa and course requirements without retaking the test right away.

Final Thoughts 

To study in Australia, you need to meet the English language requirement through a test like PTE Academic. For a student visa (subclass 500), the minimum score is usually 42, but most universities ask for higher scores, around 50 to 65, and sometimes even more for competitive courses.

If you need help with your PTE preparation, course selection, or visa process, Nobel Education Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today and start your journey to study in Australia with confidence!