Australian Visa 2025: Latest PTE score changes from 7/8/2025

From August 7, 2025, the Australian Department of Immigration officially applied changes to the PTE Academic score framework for visa applications. This update directly affects many important visa types such as visa 485, visa 482, skilled visa 189/190/491 and Australian student visa. The adjustment helps the English proficiency assessment system to be fairer, while creating favorable conditions for international candidates when choosing PTE Academic instead of IELTS or TOEFL.

I. Summary of PTE score changes applicable from August 7, 2025

From August 7, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will officially apply the new PTE Academic score framework for student visas, skilled visas and settlement visas. This is one of the most important changes related to Australian visa English requirements, directly affecting thousands of applications each year.

Under the new regulations, PTE scores are adjusted to ensure equivalence with IELTS, TOEFL iBT and other international English tests. The required scores for each English level from Functional English, Vocational English, Competent English, Proficient English to Superior English have been specifically updated in the Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016 and LIN 25/016).

These changes mean that applicants applying for an Australian visa 485 (Temporary Graduate), visa 189, 190, 491 (Skilled Migration) or visa 500 (Student Visa) need to be aware of preparing an appropriate PTE study strategy, as just a few points of difference can affect the ability to meet the application review requirements.

II. Why are there changes to Australian visa applications?

Job Australia changes PTE Academic score requirements from 7/8/2025This is not a coincidence. This is a necessary adjustment to:

• Ensuring fairness between international English certificates

Previously, many candidates chose PTE over IELTS because it felt easier to get a high score. The Australian Department of Immigration wants to balance and harmonize standards betweenPTE, IELTS, TOEFL iBT to avoid unfair differences in foreign language proficiency assessment.

• Suitable for recruitment and settlement needs

With the typesSkilled Migration Visa (189, 190, 491)goodTemporary Work Visa 482, English ability plays a decisive role in the integration and work process. Therefore, the new PTE score more accurately reflects the actual ability required in the Australian labor market.

• Updated according to international trends

PTE Academic is increasingly recognized by many countries in visa and study abroad applications. Therefore, Australia has adjustedPTE visa score 2025to align with the global assessment framework, making comparisons with other tests more transparent.

In short, this change is intended to ensure that applicantsAustralian visa not only pass the paper test, but also ability to use English in study, work and long-term settlement environments.

III. Details of changes in PTE score framework according to English level

1. Comparison table of old and new PTE scores (Functional - Superior)

As per the Migration Instrument 2025, the PTE Academic score will be adjusted from 7 August 2025 for all English proficiency levels. The table below shows the changes compared to the old requirements, helping candidates easily recognize the difference:

2. Change details according to each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

In addition to the overall score changes across the Functional to Superior English levels, the PTE 2025 score requirements have also been slightly adjusted for each individual skill. This helps ensure that candidates not only achieve an overall score but also have a balanced ability in all four important English skills.

2.1 Listening

• Before 7/8/2025: Listening is often considered a difficult skill to score points, especially in theSummarize Spoken Text and Multiple-choice, Multiple AnswersMany candidates only focus on achieving the overall score, paying little attention to the minimum Listening score.
• Or 7/8/2025: The Australian Department of Immigration applies a lower minimum score forFunctional và Competent English(from PTE 23 and 46 only), while encouraging candidates to improve their listening comprehension in real-life contexts.
• Meaning: This creates an opportunity for many candidates who are not good at listening skills to still meet visa requirements, especially withstudent visa 500 and visa 485 Temporary Graduate.

2.2 Reading

• Before 7/8/2025: Candidates need a higher score (e.g. Competent: PTE 50) to demonstrate academic reading comprehension.
• Or 7/8/2025: Reading requirement is slightly reduced (Competent is now PTE 46; Superior is now PTE 66 instead of 79).
• Meaning: Candidate please Skilled Migration Visa (Skilled 189, 190, 491). It will be easier to achieve the Reading score standard, which was previously a "bottleneck" for many candidates.

2.3 Writing

• Before 7/8/2025: Writing requirements are quite high, many candidates lose points in this section.Essay or Summarize Written Text.
• Or 7/8/2025: Writing scores are also adjusted downwards according to the general framework, giving candidates more opportunities. For example,Proficient EnglishPTE 59 requirement now instead of 65.
• Meaning: You prepare your application documents.482 work visa or Skilled Migration Visa will have a big advantage, because Writing used to be the skill that took the most practice time.

2.4 Speaking

• Before 7/8/2025: Speaking is considered a difficult skill, especially for Vietnamese candidates due to pronunciation and speaking speed issues. Superior English requires PTE 79, causing many people to retake the test multiple times.
• Or 7/8/2025: The requirement has been drastically reduced (Superior is now PTE 66). This gives thousands of candidates a chance to achieve maximum points in the settlement points system.
• Meaning: Those who are preparing for visa Partner, visa Skilled Migration or want to get a higher score in Skill Select will be easier to complete the request.

IV. Types of Australian visas affected

1. Visa 485 (Temporary Graduate)

The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (485) is a popular stream for international students after completing their studies. Previously, the English requirement for this visa was Competent English with a minimum PTE score of 50.

However, from August 7, 2025, this score will be reduced to PTE 46, giving thousands of international students the opportunity to stay in Australia to work without having to retake the test many times. This is considered an important change, helping Vietnamese and international students reduce the pressure of foreign languages, while increasing the ability to accumulate experience in the Australian labor market.

2. Visa 462, Visa 500 (Study & Work and Holiday)

For visa 500 (Student Visa), the previous Functional English requirement was PTE 30, now only PTE 23, helping many young people qualify for direct admission without having to attend a preparatory English course.

With the 462 visa (Work and Holiday Visa), the Vocational English requirement has been reduced from PTE 36 to PTE 29, expanding opportunities for young people from Vietnam and other countries to experience the study, travel and work environment in Australia. These changes help Australia attract more international students and young workers, while reducing language barriers for those wishing to stay temporarily.

3. Visa 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)

The Australian Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa 482 is a temporary skilled visa that allows businesses to recruit international workers in case of labor shortages. With the new changes, the English requirement for Vocational English has been reduced from PTE 36 to PTE 29, and Competent English has been reduced from PTE 50 to PTE 46.

This means that skilled workers will have an easier time meeting the language requirements to work in Australia. Australian businesses will also benefit from having more qualified candidates, especially in areas with labour shortages such as engineering, construction, information technology and health.

4. Skilled immigration visa (Skilled 189, 190, 491…)

The Australian skilled migration visas, including Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491), are the visas that are most affected by the PTE score changes. Under the new framework, the Competent English requirement is reduced from PTE 50 to PTE 46, while the Superior English requirement is significantly reduced from PTE 79 to PTE 66.

This is a big advantage for applicants when applying for permanent residence because English at the Proficient or Superior level can add more points in the SkillSelect system. Thanks to this change, many Vietnamese applicants who have had difficulty achieving PTE 79 will now have more opportunities to settle permanently in Australia.

5. Partner Visa and other visas that require Functional English

In addition to the popular visa categories above, the PTE score change also affects the family reunification visa group, including Partner visas and some other dependent visas. The Functional English requirement for applicants or accompanying persons is reduced from PTE 30 to PTE 23, helping to reduce language barriers when reuniting with family.

This also helps applicants avoid having to pay additional fees for English language study or compulsory ELICOS courses. This is considered a humane policy of the Australian government, helping to unite families and encourage relatives of citizens and permanent residents to quickly integrate into life in Australia.

V. Causes and legal basis

1. Why did the Australian Department of Immigration adjust the PTE score framework?

According to the Australian Department of Immigration, the adjustment of PTE scores, effective from August 7, 2025, is based on the actual needs of the labor market and the international community. For many years, the required scores at some English levels have been assessed as higher than the ability needed to study, work and integrate in Australia.

Therefore, the government decided to lower the score to create more opportunities for international students, skilled workers and immigration candidates. This change not only contributes to attracting high-quality human resources but also helps Australia compete better with other countries such as Canada and the UK.

2. Legal basis: Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016 & LIN 25/016)

All changes to PTE scores are clearly stated in the Migration Instrument 2025, including LIN 15/016 and LIN 25/016. These are the official legal documents that define the English scores corresponding to each level: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior.

As a result, the application of the new scoring framework ensures transparency, consistency and legal effect. Agencies, schools, businesses and international applicants can rely on this document to accurately update English requirements when preparing Australian visa applications.

3. Correlation between PTE, IELTS and TOEFL

Another important factor in score adjustment is the correlation between international tests such as PTE Academic, IELTS and TOEFL. In the past, candidates often noticed a difference in score conversion between exams, leading to some people meeting the IELTS requirements but not meeting the PTE score, or vice versa.

The Australian Department of Immigration has reviewed, compared and updated the scores to ensure fairness between the scales. As a result, from 7 August 2025, candidates can be assured that PTE, IELTS and TOEFL scores will be recognized as equivalent and more accurately reflect actual English proficiency.

VI. Practical implications and advice for candidates

1. Common Misconceptions and Errors When Applying the New PTE Score

• Misconception that a decrease in PTE scores means the exam is easier

Many candidates mistakenly believe that when the Australian Department of Immigration lowered the PTE score for visas, the difficulty of the exam also decreased. In fact, the structure of the PTE Academic exam has not changed at all, only the conversion rate to English levels according to the Australian visa framework has been adjusted. Therefore, candidates still need to practice PTE seriously to achieve the required score.

• Confusion between PTE scores for visas and scores for academics

Some of you may think that the reduced PTE score will also apply to admission to Australian universities. However, these are two different policies: visa scores are determined by the Department of Immigration, while academic entry requirements are set by each school. Therefore, international students should still carefully check the PTE requirements of the school they want to enroll in.

• Ignore small skills because they are not important.

With the new changes, many people focus too much on Speaking or Writing, forgetting that Listening and Reading scores also determine visa eligibility. Mistakes such as missing words, not listening to complete sentences, or missing summaries can cause you to lose important points, leading to failure to meet English criteria.

• Only rely on PTE, IELTS conversion without knowing the actual scoring criteria

Another common mistake is to mechanically compare PTE scores with IELTS scores. Although the Australian Department of Immigration publishes a conversion table, the scoring methods of the two exams are different. Candidates need to understand the PTE scoring criteria to practice accurately, instead of relying on their IELTS practice experience.

2. PTE review strategy according to visa goals

• Determine the exact visa type and PTE score required

Each type of Australian visa has different English requirements: 485 visa requires Competent English, 189/190 skilled visa requires Proficient or Superior English. Determining your goals clearly will help you focus on the required score, avoiding studying randomly and wasting time.

• Allocate practice time for each skill

Instead of just studying Speaking or Writing, you should build a practice schedule for all four skills. Listening is often difficult to improve quickly, so you need to spend at least 30% of your time practicing listening every day. Reading and Writing can be combined through Summarize Written Text or Essay exercises.

• Use realistic test questions

PTE preparation software such as PTE Tools, E2Language or Pearson mock tests will help candidates get familiar with the real test format. This is the most effective way to assess progress and prepare for the PTE Academic 2025 exam.

• Combine review with real English practice

In addition to practicing for the test, you should regularly watch international news, listen to podcasts or participate in English discussions. This will not only help improve your vocabulary and language reflexes, but also improve your Speaking and Listening skills, the two skills that determine your score in the PTE exam.

3. Advice for candidates taking the exam before and after August 7, 2025

• If taking the exam before August 7, 2025: prepare for the old score frame

Those who plan to apply before the policy comes into effect should focus on achieving the old PTE score standard. This ensures that you are not at risk when applying for a visa during the transition period.

• If taking the test after 7/8/2025: take advantage of the new score

With many required scores reduced (such as Functional English from 30 to 23), candidates can save time and money on exam preparation. However, do not be subjective, set a target higher than the minimum to increase the chance of visa approval, especially for skilled visas that require immigration points.

• Make a study plan that fits the exam time

If you have plenty of time, divide your practice into smaller parts: the first 2–3 months to consolidate your basic skills, and the last 1–2 months to practice realistic test questions. Conversely, if you only have a few weeks left before the exam, you should focus on your weakest skills to increase your overall score.

• Consult an expert or PTE test center

Policy changes can sometimes be confusing for candidates. Therefore, consulting a PTE instructor or an Australian immigration consultant will help you determine the exact score you need to achieve and build a more effective study path.

Conclusion

Overall, the change in Australian PTE scores from 7/8/2025 brings both opportunities and challenges for international candidates. The lower adjusted scores will help many candidates easily meet the minimum requirements, but also require serious preparation to compete in high-point immigration visa categories.