STEM Courses in Australia for International Students
18 September 2025
Planning to study, work, or move to Australia? Your PTE Academic results can open doors to universities, visas, and career opportunities! PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is one of the most popular ways to showcase your English skills with global recognition and acceptance.
This blog offers all the information you need to know about the PTE score for Australia, plus visa eligibility, university admission, and preparation strategies.
PTE, also known as the Pearson Test of English. It's a computer-based English language examination that evaluates students' reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. Designed to evaluate non-native English speakers and trusted by governments and universities worldwide. The delivered results are accurate, fair, fast, and reliable (within 48 hours). PTE is of two types:
YES, PTE Academic is fully accepted in Australia for a variety of visa types and purposes. The Australian Department of Home Affairs views PTE as equivalent to IELTS, indicating students can freely use PTE results for enrollment, skilled migration, or work visas.
As a matter of fact, Australian universities prefer PTE results, as it is reliable, fast, and computer-based with fair evaluation. PTE is applicable for student visas (subclass 500) with future vision towards permanent residency (PR) or planning to enter Australia under skilled visa categories like Visa Subclasses (482, 186, 189, 491, etc.). PTE scores are widely accepted and recognized.
PTE score requirements depend on the visa category people are applying for.
To study in Australia under a student visa, international students must take English proficiency tests in areas like reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It showcases students' ability to understand and respond, as almost 90%+ of courses are taught in the English language.
The student visa benchmark is at least 50 overall with no section less than 50. High-level degrees and competitive universities may ask for 65 or higher.
PTE scores for skilled migration visas are slightly different, as higher PTE scores increase chances of getting selected for visas like Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), or Skilled Work Regional (491).
Immigrants entering Australia under a work visa must provide an English proficiency score, which can be achieved through PTE Academic. This indicates they can adapt and work under Australian environments and standards.
This test is applicable for employer-sponsored work visas like Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS 482) Employer Nomination Scheme (186).
Most Australian universities require a minimum PTE Academic score of 50-58 overall for undergraduate admission. This score demonstrates the student’s ability to understand, engage, and complete complex assignments.
Postgraduate programs demand a 60-65+ overall score. It is highly competitive and has higher entry requirements. The course comes with complex academic materials and research papers, so it demands a higher PTE Academic score.
Diploma courses in Australia, which are offered by TAFE and private colleges, have lower benchmarks for enrollment. The PTE Academic score for a diploma is 55 and may vary according to colleges and courses.
The following list consists of universities and their required PTE scores for admission in Australian universities.
| Universities list | Undergrad program | Postgrad program | Diploma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monash University | 58 | 65 | 55-60 |
| University of Adelaide | 58 | 65 | 55-60 |
| Curtin University | 58-64 | 58-64 | 50-55 |
| Griffith University | 58 | 65 | 55-60 |
| La Trobe University | 58 | 65 | 50-55 |
| University of Wollongong | 58 | 65 | 58 |
| James Cook University | 58 | 65 | 58 |
| Murdoch University | 50 | 60 | 50 |
| Federation University | 50 | 58 | 50 |
| Charles Darwin University | 50 | 58 | 50 |
| Victoria University | 50 | 58 | 50 |
A high PTE Academic score is crucial, as it opens doors for more opportunities.
Both PTE Academic and PTE General evaluate your English skills but serve different purposes. PTE Academic is recommended for aspirants aiming for higher education. work permits, or migration purposes. It's globally respected and accepted by the Australian government and universities, making it a reliable language test for future journeys.
At Ausstudies, we walk you through the process—from explaining universities' score requirements to strategies to excel on the English language test. With our proper guidance, you can confidently achieve your target score and carve a successful future in Australia.
