Feb 04, 2025
Australia is a dream destination for numerous students aspiring to study abroad, thanks to its globally high-ranked universities, pioneering research facilities, and a lifestyle that balances academics with cultural diversity. Every year, a myriad of international students move to Australia to pursue their higher education in fields ranging from Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Business, Finance, Marketing, Medicine and more.
Getting there isn’t just about dreaming big, rather it’s about checking off a list of requirements, one of which is proving your English language proficiency. While there are plenty of proficiency tests to choose from, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) has quickly become a popular choice among students. Wondering why? Because it’s fast, fair, and designed to fit the needs of today’s tech-savvy generation.
If you are planning to study in Australia soon, then you are at the right place. This article has everything you need to know about PTE and how it can help you get admission to the top universities in Australia for 2025. So, let’s get started.
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The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a highly reliable computer-based English language proficiency test. It is mostly used for study, work or migration purposes and evaluates non-native English speakers on their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. PTE Academic scores are recognized by all Australian universities, making it a convenient option for students aiming to study at Down Under.
PTE evaluates practical communication skills through real-life questions, making it an efficient standard for academic success. Now, that you know a lot about this English language proficiency test, the next important thing to know is its acceptable scores. Let’s have a glance at the numbers in the next section.
Australian universities have specific PTE score requirements, which vary depending on the program and level of study like undergraduate, postgraduate, or research-based courses. Also, clinical courses have a higher PTE requirement than non-clinical options.
| Level of Study | Overall Score | Individual Band Score |
| Postgraduate | Overall 58 | No band less than 50 |
| Undergraduate | Overall 50 | No band less than 50 |
Apart from these common scores, specialized courses like Engineering, Medicine, or Law may require a minimum overall score of 60+. In addition to the overall score, some universities may set individual (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) score requirements to ensure a balanced proficiency across all language skills.
Did you know? 9 of Australia’s universities consistently rank among the top 100 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. All of them accept PTE scores, so going forward with the article, we have jotted down their common requirements.
| University | PTE Scores for Postgraduate Degrees | PTE Scores for Undergraduate Degrees |
| University of Melbourne | 72 Overall with no band score less than 65 | 64 Overall with no band score less than 60 |
| University of Sydney | 68 Overall with no band score less than 54 | 61 Overall with no band score less than 54 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 65 Overall with no band score less than 54 | 65 Overall with no band score less than 54 |
| Monash University | 65 Overall with no band score less than 54 | 58 Overall with no band score less than 50 |
| The University of Queensland (UQ) | 64 Overall with no band score less than 60 | 64 Overall with no band score less than 60 |
| The University of Western Australia | 64 Overall with no band score less than 54 | 64 Overall with no band score less than 54 |
After having a glance at the top-notch universities, let’s have a check at the list of Universities in Australia with comparatively lower PTE requirements.
Some of the top universities in Australia that accept PTE scores of 58 overall with no band score less than 50 at postgraduate and undergraduate levels are:
| The University of Adelaide | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
| RMIT University | Macquarie University, Sydney |
| University of Wollongong | Curtin University |
| The University of Newcastle, Australia | Deakin University |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | La Trobe University |
| Griffith University | Swinburne University of Technology |
| University of Tasmania | Flinders University |
| University of South Australia | Western Sydney University |
| University of Canberra | James Cook University |
In addition to these Universities, there are many more Universities that also accept PTE scores across a wide range of programs. Since the list is practically extensive, you can connect with our Australia Experts for more details.
If you have found your preferred University above, then the next section will help you find the required score for your student visa application.
Meeting the PTE score requirements isn’t just essential for university admissions, it is also mandatory for obtaining an Australian student visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs mandates the following PTE score thresholds:
Higher scores may be required for specific visa subclasses or courses with stringent English proficiency requirements. So, it is recommended to score higher than the expected scores to be eligible.
Applying to universities in Australia with your PTE scores is easier than you might think. It’s all about staying organized and knowing what steps to follow. To make it simple, the step-by-step process is listed below.
Start by looking at universities and programs that align with your academic and career aspirations. Once you have shortlisted your options, check the specific PTE score requirements for each program.
If you haven’t taken the PTE yet, then head over to the official PTE website and create an account. Choose a convenient test centre, select your test date, pay the registration fee and focus on preparing for the exam.
Complete the test at your chosen centre, and within 48 hours, you will receive your scores. Then, proceed to the next step.
Once you have your results, ensure they meet the requirements of your shortlisted universities. If they do, then you can proceed with the next step. If they don’t then you will have to either change your university preference or retake the test.
Now comes the exciting part of applying to your dream universities. Most Australian universities have online application portals where you will need to fill out the application form and upload the required documents along with your PTE score report.
Wait for the application outcome. If managing applications for multiple Universities feels overwhelming, then KC Overseas Education can guide you through the process and even submit applications on your behalf.
We don’t just stop at helping you with university and student visa applications, rather we believe in providing end-to-end support including the PTE coaching. A great preparation strategy for PTE can make all the difference. If you feel you need extra support, consider enrolling in the KC Overseas Education coaching program to fine-tune your test-taking skills. The best part is that we have multiple online and offline batches for PTE.
If you are ready to turn your aspirations into reality, connect with our Australia Experts today. Your journey to academic success in Australia begins with one free counselling session, visit us soon!
PTE Academic offers faster results mostly within 48 hours, unbiased AI-driven scoring, and flexibility in scheduling, making it a popular choice for students worldwide.
You can retake the PTE Academic as many times as needed, but you must wait at least five calendar days between tests.
While PTE meets the English proficiency requirement, some programs may require additional tests like GMAT, GRE, or specific subject assessments depending on the course.
Yes, PTE is accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for various visa categories, including skilled migration and permanent residency.
Students often neglect time management, skip practising all sections equally, or fail to familiarize themselves with the test format. Consistent practice and mock tests are important to avoid these mistakes.