Beginning on 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs implemented updated requirements for the English language test to Australian Visa applicants in different categories. These changes include new acceptable tests and updated results for PTE Academic along with other test.

If you’re looking to apply for PR or visas, or for skilled migration, you need to understand what’s changed and how your PTE scores is evaluated in addition to the meaning of “Competent”, “Proficient” and “Superior” English now mean.

---

---

Overview of the PTE Academic Test Update

The PTE Academic remains accepted As of August 7, 2025, However, its format as well as scoring thresholds have been changed to be in line with the DHA’s (Department of Home Affairs) updated English level of English. Additional English language tests are now accepted (for specific visa stream), over and above the more traditional tests (IELTS, TOEFL & OET). The most important thing is that Validity of Test Results and Tests performed prior to the 7th of August in 2025 could still be valid under “old” criteria for a short time (refer to visa subclass terms).

---

What Changed in the PTE Test Format 2025?

• New tasks have been introduced into the PTE Academic such as two new types of writing or speaking tasks (group discussion overview; responding to the situation) appear in the updated format.
• This scoring system has been improved The tasks now strictly correspond to individual abilities (listening to read writing and communicating) instead of scoring mixed-skills.
• Important: Regardless of formatting updates to facilitate migration, the most important thing is satisfying those components (skill-by-skill) criteria established by DHA for your visa.

---

Updated DHA Score Requirements

The English proficiency levels that apply to a variety of visa streams are: Practical, Vocational Competent Proficient Superior. PTE chart score has been updated accordingly. Each level corresponds to various test-score thresholds, and could be a factor in points for skilled migration or eligibility for certain visas.

Updated PTE Score Chart 2025 (Per Test Component)

body { font-family: ‘Segoe UI’, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f8f9fa; margin: 0; padding: 20px; color: #333; } .container { max-width: 1000px; margin: auto; background: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } h1, h2, h3 { color: #004080; text-align: center; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; } th, td { padding: 12px 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; } th { background-color: #004080; color: white; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f2f6fc; } @media (max-width: 600px) { table, thead, tbody, th, td, tr { display: block; } th { display: none; } tr { margin-bottom: 15px; background: #fff; box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; } td { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding: 10px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; } td:last-child { border-bottom: none; } td:before { content: attr(data-label); font-weight: bold; color: #004080; } }

1. Competent English: Basic Requirement for PR

(Minimum skill-by-skill scores from 7 August 2025 for PTE Academic for many skilled migration visas.)

Skill	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
PTE Academic	47	48	51	54

2. Proficient English: Claim 10 Points for PR

(For the points-tested skilled migration streams.)

Skill	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking

PTE Academic

58

59

69

76

3. Superior English: Claim 20 Points for PR

Skill	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking

PTE Academic

69

70

85

88

4. Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): New Scores

(For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, for Subclass 485 etc.)
According to some sources (not directly from DHA tables) the updated PTE Academic component scores are approx:

Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking	Overall
40	42	41	39	55
Note: Always confirm for the specific subclass and stream.

5. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

(Minimum PTE Academic requirement for student visa purposes.)
For tests on/after 7 August 2025:

• PTE Academic: Overall minimum 47 (some sources)
  Again: individual institution may require higher scores.

6. Functional & Vocational English: For Specific Visa Streams

Functional English

Test	Requirement
PTE Academic	Overall 24 or more

Vocational English

Component	PTE Academic
Listening	33
Reading	36
Writing	29
Speaking	24

---

The Truth About PTE Academic Scoring

The PTE Academic scoring system, based on a computer-driven assessment, has undergone refinements with the 2025 updates, particularly in the task-to-skill mapping. Under the new guidelines, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) now emphasizes individual component scores, rather than an overall score, meaning candidates must meet the minimum requirements for each sub-skill. It is important to note that accent or the specific language spoken does not impact the score directly; the focus is on fluency, pronunciation, and coherence. For individuals who completed the test before the 7th of August 2025 and meet the previous requirements, their results may still be considered valid for visa purposes. Always verify the validity of your test results based on the most current visa regulations.

---

Other Newly Accepted English Tests for Australian Migration

From 7 August 2025, DHA accepts a broader list of tests for most visa streams, provided they meet the secure test criteria, which means the test done at the test center would be accepeted.
Key accepted tests now include:

• PTE Academic (Australia migration version)
• IELTS (Academic & General Training)
• TOEFL iBT (for many visa types)
• OET (for health-professionals)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (for certain levels)
• LANGUAGE CERT Academic
• CELPIP General

---

Conclusion

The 2025 English language update by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) marks a significant shift, introducing new test formats, revised thresholds, and updated per-skill component minimums. To achieve the highest points for Superior English (20 points), the updated PTE Academic thresholds are now 69, 70, 85, and 88 for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, respectively.

For strategic planning, if your goal is migration through skilled streams, aim for higher thresholds, such as Proficient or Superior English, rather than just meeting the minimum Competent level. Always review the specific requirements for your visa subclass, as some streams may have additional or varying criteria.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the new PTE score affect Australia PR eligibility?
The updated PTE thresholds require meeting specific component scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), not just an overall score. Strategy is key in meeting the higher or lower requirements based on your visa subclass.

Is PTE still accepted for Australian migration in 2025?
Yes, PTE Academic remains an approved test for demonstrating English proficiency for Australian migration.

Can I still use my old PTE score for a PR application?
Yes, if you took the test before 7 August 2025 and your score is within the validity period (3 years) and meets previous thresholds.

How do I check if I meet the new PTE thresholds for PR in 2025?
Check whether your test was taken before or after 7 August 2025 and refer to the updated PTE score chart for your visa subclass.

What are the new PTE score thresholds for Superior English in 2025?
The new Superior English thresholds are 69 (Listening), 70 (Reading), 85 (Writing), and 88 (Speaking).

Do I need to meet each individual PTE component score for PR eligibility?
Yes, you must meet the minimum score for each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), not just the overall score.

Can I retake the PTE if I don’t meet the required scores?
Yes, you can retake the PTE to meet the required thresholds for your visa.

How can I improve my PTE score after the 2025 update?
Focus on each skill area (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and practice with updated materials reflecting the new test format.

Can I achieve a higher PTE score without improving all skills?
You may increase your overall score by improving individual components, but balanced proficiency is necessary for higher visa thresholds.

How long is my PTE score valid for migration purposes?
PTE scores are valid for 3 years, provided they meet the threshold requirements for your visa.

What if my PTE score doesn’t meet the new thresholds?
If your score doesn’t meet the updated thresholds, you’ll need to retake the test to meet the new requirements.

Are there additional requirements for PTE in Australian migration?
Check your visa subclass requirements for additional criteria, but meeting the updated PTE component scores is essential.

---