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PTE Score Requirements Explained: What is a ‘good’ score for study, work & PR?

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Navigating the Pearson Test of English can be a challenge, especially when aiming for a specific score required for study, employment, or permanent residency. This guide helps you understand the different bands of achievement for the PTE and what scores you will need to meet your goals!

Table of Contents

Understanding the PTE Scoring System

PTE Academic test scores range from 10 to 90 points. Scores are awarded based on four core skills:

  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

Each skill is scored on its own, and your overall score is a mix of the four core skills and your enabling skills. It is not just an average of the core skills. To learn more consider taking a look at our blog post on Pearson’s AI scoring system.

What do the different PTE score bands mean?

This guide provides a clear overview of the PTE score bands to help you determine which score you should target based on your specific goals. It's important to note that score requirements for universities and visa applications can vary depending on the country, institution, or type of visa. So you must always check the latest guidelines before applying!

Score of 85-90:

  • The highest level of English ability that can be measured.
  • You are very comfortable communicating in academic and work settings.
  • Typically, universities or government do not request scores this high.

Score of 76-84

  • A very high level of English proficiency
  • You speak at a fluent rate and appropriately use the language. However, you make some grammatical errors.
  • Requirement for some Higher Skilled Migration Visas

Score of 59-75

  • A level of English suitable for education and employment
  • You can produce clear and detailed text and interact with fluent speakers without too much effort.
  • Requirement for most undergraduate and post-graduate institutions. Also for most work visas and employment.

Score of 43-58

  • A level of English suitable for some undergraduate level study
  • You are able to understand the main points on familiar matters and are able to speak with hesitation.
  • Requirement for some undergraduate and high school level study

Score of 10-42

  • A level of English that tends to be not suitable for academic coursework
  • You can understand some sentences and can communicate in simple interactions.
  • Score is too low to satisfy most academic or work requirements.

Conclusion

Whether you’re applying to a university, pursuing a job, or seeking permanent residency, understanding PTE score requirements is essential to reaching your goal. A “good” PTE score depends on your specific case, but as a general rule, the higher your score, the more opportunities become available to you.

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Do not forget to always double-check your required score with the institution as they vary and are often updated.

To improve your chances of success, consistent practice and targeted preparation are key. At Arno, we offer smart tools like our PTE Vocab Builder to help strengthen your vocabulary and boost your scores!