How often can I take the PTE Academic exam in Australia?

PTE Academic tests are available almost daily at major centres in Sydney and Melbourne. You can sit the test up to 365 times per year. Most cities offer 3–7 time slots per day.

How many PTE test centres are there in Australia?

There are 33–35 PTE Academic test centres across Australia, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, Cairns, Geelong, Joondalup (Perth), Gold Coast, and more.

Can I reschedule my PTE Academic exam in Australia?

Yes. You can reschedule for free up to 14 days before your test. Rescheduling within 14 days requires cancelling and rebooking with fees. You are allowed up to 6 reschedules per booking. Cancellation 14+ days before: full refund. 7–14 days: 50% refund. Under 7 days: no refund.

PTE Academic Exam Dates Australia July 2026: Full Centre Schedule

Q: What is the PTE Academic test fee in Australia in 2026?

The PTE Academic test fee in Australia is approximately AUD $490 in 2026, inclusive of 10% GST. Confirm the exact amount at checkout on pearsonpte.com as Pearson adjusts pricing periodically.

Q: What PTE score do I need for Australia PR in 2026?

Under the DHA August 2025 update: Competent English requires L47, R48, W51, S54. Proficient English (10 PR points) requires L58, R59, W69, S76. Superior English (20 PR points) requires L79, R79, W85, S88.

Q: When are PTE Academic results available in Australia?

PTE Academic results are typically available within 48 hours (2 business days). In some cases results may take up to 5 business days. Results are available in your myPTE account and sent to institutions for free.

PTE Academic Exam Dates Australia 2026 — Full Schedule, Fee & Centres

Live update — July 4, 2026: AUD $490 fee confirmed. DHA August 2025 score thresholds included. All centre addresses verified.

DHA UPDATE

⚠️ August 2025: Department of Home Affairs changed PTE score thresholds for Australia PR

The DHA updated component-based PTE Academic score requirements on 7 August 2025. These new thresholds apply to all tests taken on or after that date and significantly raise the bar for Writing and Speaking at the Proficient and Superior levels. If you took your test before 7 August 2025, your results are still valid under the old criteria for up to 3 years. This guide reflects the latest 2026 requirements. See Section 5 for the full score table.

Quick answer

PTE Academic tests are available almost every day across 33+ Australian test centres. The 2026 fee is approximately AUD $490 including GST. Book at pearsonpte.com. For PR, you now need L47 / R48 / W51 / S54 for Competent English under the August 2025 DHA update. Results arrive within 48 hours.

PTE Academic Fee in Australia — AUD $490 (2026)

The PTE Academic test fee in Australia is approximately AUD $490 in 2026, inclusive of the mandatory 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). This fee applies across all authorised test centres nationwide.

⚠️

Always verify at checkout: Pearson adjusts fees periodically. Multiple sources cite AUD $410–$490 for 2026. The most widely cited and authoritative figure is AUD $490 (confirmed by theacademyofielts.com fee page, ApplyKite, and multiple coaching sites as of July 2026). Always check the final amount on the Pearson portal before paying — it will show the exact current price for your chosen centre and date.

🇦🇺 PTE Academic 2026

~AUD $490

Includes 10% GST · All centres · Confirm at checkout

⚠️ Late Booking

+~25%

Additional surcharge within 48 hrs of test date

📤 Score Reports

Free

Unlimited free sends to universities and DHA

Australia fee vs IELTS and TOEFL — 2026 comparison

Test	Fee (AUD)	Results	Accepted by DHA	Free score sending
PTE Academic	~AUD $490	48 hours	✓ All visa types	✓ Unlimited free
IELTS Academic / General	~AUD $435–455	13 days (paper) / 3–5 (computer)	✓ All visa types	✗ Fee per institution
TOEFL iBT	~AUD $320	4–8 days	✓ Student visas	✗ Fee per institution
OET (Nursing/Medical)	~AUD $640	16 days	⚑ Healthcare only	✗ Fee per institution

💡

PTE advantage: Although PTE Academic is priced higher than IELTS in Australia, it includes unlimited free score sending to universities and the Department of Home Affairs — IELTS charges per institution. If you need to send scores to multiple universities, PTE can be more cost-effective overall.

How PTE Academic Test Dates Work in Australia

Unlike IELTS or TOEFL which offer fixed dates a few times per month, PTE Academic operates with near-daily flexibility. This makes it particularly valuable for candidates with tight university application or visa processing deadlines.

You can book a test as late as 24 hours before the available slot (a late booking surcharge applies). Most major city centres offer 3–7 time slots per day. Pearson test centres in Sydney and Melbourne run sessions 7 days a week at some locations, while centres in smaller cities typically operate Monday to Saturday.

City	Days available	Sessions per day	Weekend sessions
Sydney	Mon–Sun (some centres)	3–7 daily	✓ Yes — Navitas: 7 days
Melbourne	Mon–Sat (most)	4–8 daily (Melbourne Poly)	✓ Saturday confirmed
Brisbane	Mon–Sat	Multiple daily	✓ Saturday available
Perth	Mon–Sat	Multiple daily	✓ Saturday available
Adelaide	Mon–Fri (typically)	Multiple daily	Limited weekends
Canberra	Mon–Fri	Multiple daily	Limited
Hobart / Darwin	Weekdays	Limited	Check portal

📅

Peak season warning — July & November: July and November are the highest-demand months for PTE Academic in Australia, coinciding with the July semester intake and year-end university application deadlines. Test slots in Sydney and Melbourne fill 3–4 weeks in advance during these months. Book as early as possible if your target date falls in July, October, or November.

Complete Test Centre List — Australia 2026

Australia has 33–35 PTE Academic test centres spread across all major cities and several regional areas. All centres are authorised by Pearson and provide identical testing conditions and scoring standards.

⚠️

Verify before booking: Centre locations, addresses, and availability can change. Always confirm on the official Pearson test centre locator when booking. Addresses below are verified as of July 2026.

🏙️ Sydney — 7+ test centres

Centre Name	Address	Availability
Pearson Professional Centers — Sydney CBD	Level 2, 10 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 📞 +61 2 9247 6072	High — daily
Pearson Professional Centers — Sydney (Elizabeth St)	Level 3, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000	High — daily
Navitas English Test Centre — Sydney	Shop 1, 159-171 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033	7 days/week
UNSW Global	Kensington, Sydney NSW	Regular sessions
Macquarie University	Macquarie Park, Sydney NSW	Regular sessions
Pearson — Sydney Olympic Park	Level 3, 8 Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127	Multiple weekly
Pearson — Parramatta	Level 5, 31 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150	Multiple weekly
Western Sydney University — The College	Parramatta, NSW	Regular sessions

🏙️ Melbourne — 8+ test centres

Centre Name	Address	Availability
Pearson Professional Centers — Melbourne CBD	Level 14, 300 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 📞 (03) 9670 4899	High — daily
Melbourne Polytechnic — Preston Campus	Room 315/313, Building E, 77 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072 📞 +61 3 9269 1200	Mon–Sat: 4–8 sessions/day
Victoria University — City Campus	Level 3, Room T0321, VU City Tower, 370 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Fee: AUD $475 (GST inclusive) · Mon–Sat 3 sessions/day	Mon–Sat
RMIT Training (RMIT University)	Level 1, Building 85, 97-99 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 3 sessions Mon–Fri	Mon–Fri
Pearson — Box Hill	Level 3, 990 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill VIC 3128	Regular sessions
Swinburne University	TD Building, Room TD132, John Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122	Regular sessions
Pearson — Geelong	2 Fenwick Street, TB Building, Basement Level Room TB.12, Geelong VIC 3220	Regional — limited

🕐

Melbourne Polytechnic — confirmed session times (Mon–Sat):
Room 315: 9:00 AM · 12:00 PM · 3:15 PM · 6:30 PM (Fri)
Room 313: 9:15 AM · 12:15 PM · 3:30 PM · 6:45 PM (Fri)
Saturday: 9:00 AM · 12:00 PM · 3:15 PM (both rooms)

🏙️ Brisbane & Gold Coast

Centre Name	Address	Availability
Pearson Professional Centers — Brisbane CBD	Level 9, 333 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000	Mon–Sat
Pearson — East Brisbane	Ground Floor, East Tower, 410 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000	Regular sessions
University of Queensland	Level 2, Sir Llew Edwards Building (#14), Cnr University Drive & Campbell Road, St Lucia QLD 4072	Regular sessions
Griffith English Language Institute — Gold Coast	Level 3, G52 International Building, Southport QLD 4222	Regular sessions
International Education Services — Brisbane	Brisbane, QLD	Regular sessions

🏙️ Perth — 3+ test centres

Centre Name	Address	Availability
Pearson Professional Center — Perth CBD	Ground Floor, 1 William Street, The Quadrant, Perth WA 6000	Mon–Sat
Pearson — Perth Northbridge	211 Newcastle Street, Northbridge, Perth WA 6003	Regular sessions
Edith Cowan College — Joondalup	Building 80, Joondalup Campus West, 10 Injune Way, Joondalup WA 6027	Regular sessions

🏙️ Adelaide, Canberra & Hobart

Centre Name	City	Address	Availability
Pearson Professional Center — Adelaide	Adelaide SA	Ground Floor, 76 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000	Regular sessions
Educational Enterprises Pty Ltd	Adelaide SA	Adelaide, SA	Available
Pearson Professional Centers — Canberra	Canberra ACT	2/10 Moore Street, Canberra ACT 2601	Regular sessions
The Quill Consultancy	Hobart TAS	Hobart, Tasmania	Limited dates

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

All PTE Academic bookings are made online through the Pearson portal. There are no walk-ins or phone-only bookings at most centres (Melbourne Polytechnic is an exception — you can also call +61 3 9269 1200 or 1800 729 282 nationally).

Visit pearsonpte.com and create your myPTE account

Go to pearsonpte.com. Click “Book a Test.” Create an account using your email. Important: do not create multiple accounts — Pearson merges or cancels duplicate accounts which can delay your booking.
Select PTE Academic — not PTE Core or PTE Home

Australia requires PTE Academic for all visa types and university admissions. PTE Core is for Canadian PR only. PTE Home is for UK visas. Selecting the wrong test means paying again — confirm “PTE Academic” before continuing.
Choose your city and test centre

Select Australia, then your state and preferred city. A list of available centres with their addresses appears. For maximum flexibility in Sydney, choose Navitas (7-day availability). In Melbourne, Melbourne Polytechnic or Victoria University offer the most weekend slots.
Select your date and session time

Available dates show in a calendar view. You can book up to 24 hours before a slot, but book 2–4 weeks ahead for best choice. Morning sessions (8–10 AM) fill fastest. Evening sessions (5–7 PM) often have better short-notice availability. July, October, and November are the busiest months — book earlier during these periods.
Enter your passport details — must match exactly

Enter your full name, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport. Any discrepancy means you will be refused entry on test day with no refund. If your name has changed, update your passport first.
Review the fee and complete payment

Confirm the fee shown at checkout (approximately AUD $490). Pay by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. A confirmation email with centre address, session time, and ID instructions arrives immediately. Save this email — bring it to the centre or have it on your phone.

✅

Phone booking (Melbourne only): Melbourne Polytechnic’s Preston Campus accepts bookings by phone at 1800 729 282. This can help if online slots appear full — phone staff sometimes have access to unreleased slots.

Score Requirements — Student Visa, PR & Work (Updated August 2025)

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) updated PTE Academic score thresholds on 7 August 2025. These changes affect all tests taken on or after that date. The key change: Writing and Speaking now require higher scores at Proficient and Superior levels, while Listening and Reading requirements are similar to before.

🚫

Critical: Only PTE Academic is accepted for Australian immigration and university admissions. PTE Core (for Canada PR) and PTE Home (for UK family visas) are NOT accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Booking either of these for Australia purposes means your score will be rejected.

English Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking	PR Points	Used for
Functional (partner visa)	30	30	30	30	0	Dependent / partner applications
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	47 overall	—	—	—	Visa only	Study visa entry requirement
Competent English (PR minimum)	47	48	51	54	0	Skilled visa eligibility (189, 190, 491)
Proficient English (+10 PR points)	58	59	69	76	+10	Points boost for 189/190/491 applications
Superior English (+20 PR points)	79	79	85	88	+20	Maximum language points for PR
AHPRA / Nursing (ANMAC)	65	65	65	65	Professional	Nursing registration — no averaging allowed

Source: Department of Home Affairs, Australia (homeaffairs.gov.au) · Updated 7 August 2025. Scores are minimum component-based thresholds — each skill must be met individually. Verify at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your application.

🎓

Score validity for visa and PR purposes: PTE Academic scores are valid for 3 years from your test date for DHA visa applications (study, work, PR). For most Australian university admissions, scores are valid for 2 years. This means a test taken in July 2026 is valid for PR applications until July 2029. Plan your test timing accordingly.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

Pearson allows up to 6 reschedules per booking. Managing these correctly can save you a significant amount of money.

Action	When	Fee / Refund
Reschedule	14+ days before test	✓ Free — pick new date and time in myPTE
Reschedule	Within 14 days	✗ Must cancel and rebook — fee applies for new booking
Cancellation	14+ days before test	✓ Full refund
Cancellation	7–13 days before test	⚑ 50% refund
Cancellation	Under 7 days before test	✗ No refund (exceptions at Pearson’s discretion only)
Late booking surcharge	Within 48 hours	+~25% on standard fee at checkout

Test Day Checklist

Arriving prepared eliminates avoidable stress and ensures you can begin the test without delays.

Item	Details
📄 Valid passport	Original, unexpired. Your legal name must exactly match your booking. No other ID is accepted if you are a non-citizen. Australian citizens and PR holders may use a passport or national ID — verify with your centre.
⏰ Arrive 30 minutes early	Late arrivals will not be permitted to sit. Account for peak-hour traffic in Sydney and Melbourne especially.
📧 Confirmation email	Bring your booking confirmation email on your phone or printed. Contains your centre address, room, and admission instructions.
🚫 No phones in test room	Mobiles, smartwatches, and electronic devices must be stored in the locker provided. They cannot be in your pocket.
🚫 No food or drinks	No food or drink inside the test room. Most centres have a waiting area where you can eat beforehand.
✍️ Scratch paper provided	Pearson provides laminated scratch boards or paper. You cannot bring your own notes or paper.
🎧 Headphones provided	Purpose-built headphones and a microphone are at your station. Test them during the orientation at the start.
🔋 Biometrics	Most centres collect a fingerprint and photograph before you enter the test room. This is a security requirement.

PTE Academic vs IELTS for Australia — Quick Comparison

Factor	PTE Academic	IELTS Academic/General
Accepted for Australia study visa	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Accepted for Australia PR (DHA)	✓ Yes — all skilled migration visa subclasses	✓ Yes
Accepted by Australian universities	✓ 100% of universities	✓ 100% of universities
Fee (approx.)	~AUD $490	~AUD $435–455
Results turnaround	48 hours	3–13 days (depends on format)
Scored by	AI — consistent, no bias	Human (Writing, Speaking) + AI
Template strategies effective?	✓ Yes — AI rewards structured responses	✗ Penalised from 2025 onwards in Writing
One Skill Retake	✗ Must resit full test	✓ Available (computer IELTS only)
Score validity (DHA/PR)	3 years	3 years
Score sending	✓ Unlimited — free	✗ First 5 free, then fee per institution
Home/remote testing	✗ Not accepted for DHA visa purposes from Aug 2025	✗ Not accepted for DHA

Preparing for PTE Academic for Australia?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PTE Academic test fee in Australia in 2026? ⌄

The PTE Academic fee in Australia is approximately AUD $490 in 2026, inclusive of 10% GST. Some sources cite AUD $410–$480 — fees are adjusted periodically by Pearson. Always confirm the exact price at checkout on pearsonpte.com before paying. Late booking within 48 hours adds approximately 25% surcharge.

How often can I sit the PTE Academic exam in Australia? ⌄

You can sit PTE Academic up to 365 times per year — there is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. Tests are available daily at major centres. You can book your next test the day after receiving results from your previous one. This flexibility makes PTE Academic particularly useful for candidates needing to improve quickly before a visa or application deadline.

What PTE score do I need for Australia PR in 2026? ⌄

Under the DHA update of 7 August 2025, component-based scoring applies. For skilled migration (visas 189, 190, 491):

• Competent English (minimum eligibility): L47 / R48 / W51 / S54
• Proficient English (+10 PR points): L58 / R59 / W69 / S76
• Superior English (+20 PR points): L79 / R79 / W85 / S88

Each component must be met individually — there is no averaging across skills. For maximum PR competitiveness in 2026, aim for Superior English (20 points). Source: homeaffairs.gov.au.

How many PTE test centres are in Australia and where are they? ⌄

There are 33–35 PTE Academic test centres in Australia (verified July 2026). Major locations: Sydney (7+ centres including CBD, Parramatta, Kensington, Olympic Park), Melbourne (8+ centres including CBD, Preston, City, Box Hill, Hawthorn, Geelong), Brisbane (5+ including CBD and Gold Coast), Perth (3 centres), Adelaide (2 centres), Canberra (1 centre), Hobart (1 centre). Darwin and Cairns also have centres — check the Pearson portal for current availability.

When are PTE Academic results available in Australia? ⌄

PTE Academic results are typically available within 48 hours (2 business days) of your test — often faster. In some cases results may take up to 5 business days. Results are available in your myPTE account at pearsonpte.com and via email notification. Score reports can be sent for free to universities and the DHA directly from the portal.

Can I reschedule my PTE exam and how much does it cost? ⌄

Yes. Rescheduling is free if done 14+ days before your test date — up to 6 times per booking. Within 14 days you must cancel and rebook (standard booking fee applies). Cancellation: full refund 14+ days before; 50% refund 7–13 days before; no refund within 7 days. Log into your myPTE account to reschedule. Pearson may grant exceptions in documented exceptional circumstances at their discretion.

What ID do I need on PTE test day in Australia? ⌄

A valid, unexpired original passport is the standard accepted ID. Your name on the passport must exactly match your booking name. If you are taking the test outside your country of citizenship, a passport is the only accepted ID. For Australian citizens and permanent residents, some centres accept a current Australian passport or citizenship certificate — verify with your specific centre when booking. Photocopies and digital IDs are not accepted.

Is PTE Academic accepted for all Australian visa types? ⌄

Yes. PTE Academic is accepted by the DHA for all Australian visa categories that require English proficiency proof, including student visas (Subclass 500), skilled migration (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored (482, 186), partner visas, and citizenship. PTE Academic is also accepted by 100% of Australian universities, as well as professional bodies including AHPRA, ANMAC (nursing), Engineers Australia, and Chartered Accountants ANZ. Note: only PTE Academic — not PTE Core or PTE Home — is accepted for Australian purposes.

📚 Related guides on The Academy of IELTS

→PTE Exam Fee 2026 — All Countries (Pakistan, Canada, UK, USA)

→PTE Core Test Fee in Canada — CAD $340

→PTE Core CLB Score Chart — Canada Express Entry

→Is PTE Easier Than IELTS? Canada & Australia 2026

→What is PTE Academic? Complete 2026 Guide

→Book a Free Consultation

External resources

↗Pearson: Test Centres & Fees (official)

↗DHA: Australian immigration requirements

↗Pearson: Australian visa requirements

↗Pearson: PTE Academic official page

🎓 PTE Academic Coaching

Expert preparation for PTE Academic for Australian university and PR applications. Mock tests, score analysis, and personalised strategies.

Book Free Consultation

📅 Book Your PTE Test

Find available test dates at Australian test centres and book directly on the official Pearson portal.

pearsonpte.com ↗

Sources: Pearson PTE Official Portal · Department of Home Affairs, Australia (homeaffairs.gov.au) · Melbourne Polytechnic · Victoria University · RMIT Training · ApplyKite · theacademyofielts.com PTE fee page · Last verified July 4, 2026.
Test fees, dates, and score requirements are subject to change by Pearson and the DHA at any time. Always verify current information on official portals before booking or lodging a visa application.

PTE Academic Exam DatesAustralia 2026