PTE is scored on two levels: communicative skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening)
and enabling skills (grammar, vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, fluency, oral fluency, and
written discourse). Many question types contribute marks to multiple sections, which is why
improving enabling skills significantly boosts your overall score.
High weight tasks include Describe Image, Summarize Group Discussion, Repeat Sentence, Write
From Dictation, Retell Lecture, and Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks. These questions
significantly impact your total score.
To improve your speaking score, you need to strengthen your content, fluency, and
pronunciation. Speaking is not only about sounding fluent; it’s about providing relevant,
meaningful content while maintaining natural rhythm and clarity.
Sometimes it is not about fluency alone. If your response does not match the task requirements or
lacks appropriate information, the scoring system will reduce your marks.
We recommend not relying on templates. Instead, explain the image naturally by focusing
on key highlights, important features, and visible trends. The more meaningful content
you provide, the higher your score potential.
There is no effective template for SWT anymore. Instead, select 3–4 main ideas, connect
them with proper linking words, replace 4–5 key terms with synonyms, and form one clear,
concise sentence.
Use the Move On Strategy.
Don’t get stuck on one blank — answer the easy ones first. Create a shortlist of possible
words and apply the elimination technique. For more detailed strategies, check out our
Reading blogs.
The best method is to write the initial letters of words quickly. Even if you add extra
words, PTE will not penalise you. It’s safer to include additional words than to miss required
ones.
Australian Permanent Residency (PR)
● To meet the English language requirement for skilled migration (e.g., visas 189,
190, 491), Australia recognises PTE Academic as proof of English proficiency.
● The specific score needed depends on the English level category you are aiming for:
○ Competent English: PTE overall 50 (with minimum sub-scores of 50).
○ Proficient English: PTE overall 65 (with at least 65 in each communicative
skill).
○ Superior English: PTE overall 79 (with at least 79 in each sub-score).
This can affect your visa points (e.g., 65 = +10 points, 79 = +20 points in
skilled migration scoring).
Nursing Registration & Nursing Course Admission
● For nursing registration or nursing program entry (including ANMAC/NMBA
requirements and many Australian universities), most institutions require a higher
PTE score than basic PR:
○ Minimum PTE Academic overall: 65–66, with no sub-score below around
65, and in some cases writing minimum 56 depending on the course and
institution.
○ Some universities (e.g., University of Queensland) may require PTE 72 or
higher.
○ Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) language standards
generally align with PTE 66 overall, with at least 66 in listening, reading,
speaking and at least 56 in writing.
General University Admission (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
● English requirements vary by university and course:
○ Many Australian universities accept PTE Academic from 62–65 for general
degrees (equivalent to IELTS 6.5–7.0), but specialised or competitive
programs (including health and clinical programs) often require PTE 65–72 or
higher.
○ Some institutions have detailed point conversions where a PTE 69+
corresponds to IELTS 7.0+.
Important Notes
● Requirements change by institution and visa subclass — always check the latest
official university/course page or visa guidelines before applying.
● Nursing registration requirements may allow combined scores from tests taken
within a defined period, but each sub-score must still meet minimum thresholds
Our recommendation is to rely as little as possible on templates. The more natural and
meaningful your response, the higher your chance of achieving 90/90. Templates can help
structure your answer, but overusing them reduces content quality.
Copyright © 2025 IPT Brisbane. All rights reserved.
