PTE Academic Changes from 7 August 2025 for Australian Immigration – What You Need to Know
Effective from 7th August 2025, changes to the English language proficiency scoring system will be implemented, impacting all visa requirements. These updates aim to ensure consistency across all recognized English tests.
🎓 PTE Academic Score for Skilled Migration (Older)
| LEVEL | LISTENING | READING | WRITING | SPEAKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Competent | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Proficient | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Superior | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
🔄 PTE Academic Score Changes for Skilled Migration (From August 7th 2025)
| LEVEL | LISTENING | READING | WRITING | SPEAKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational (Band 5) | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| Competent (Band 6) | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient (Band 7) | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior (Band 8) | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
As observed from the updated scoring tables, Writing and Speaking scores have increased, reflecting their greater relevance in everyday communication. Conversely, Listening and Reading scores have been reduced, acknowledging their comparatively lesser use in daily tasks.
Previously, under the older scoring system, when applicants entered scores such as 79 in all skills during visa filing or EOI lodgement, the system would automatically classify the applicant’s English level as Superior, in line with the former criteria.
However, from 7 August 2025 onwards, the system will no longer recognize 79 in all skills as Superior. Instead, applicants must enter the new minimum scores to be classified as having Superior English:
➤ Listening: 69
➤ Reading: 70
➤ Writing: 85
➤ Speaking: 88
Unless these updated scores are entered, the system will not reflect Superior English status.
These changes have been formally accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government, and the relevant legislation has been passed. As a result, the new scoring criteria are officially in effect from 7 August 2025. These revised benchmarks currently apply to Skilled visa subclasses.
🧾 PTE Academic Score for Temporary Graduate Visa
| LEVEL | OLDER | NEWER |
|---|---|---|
| OVERALL | 57 | 55 |
| LISTENING | 43 | 40 |
| READING | 48 | 42 |
| WRITING | 51 | 41 |
| SPEAKING | 42 | 39 |
As of now, the acceptance of these updated scores by universities—whether for Bachelor’s/Undergraduate programs, Master’s/Postgraduate programs, or Diploma/Certificate courses—varies by institution. Each university retains the discretion to either:
✔️ Continue accepting the previous scoring criteria, or
✔️ Adopt the new scoring benchmarks introduced from 7 August 2025.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that applicants confirm directly with their chosen university whether the updated scores are required, or if the institution is still following the earlier scoring standards.
Sources:
✔️ https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-text/eplus/Pages/elp-h0320.aspx
✔️ https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-text/eplus/pages/elp-h0320.aspx
