On 7 August 2025 the Department of Home Affairs switched PTE Academic from a uniform ‘50 / 65 / 79 in each skill’ standard to component-specific minimums — a separate score for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Writing and Speaking rose well above 79; Listening and Reading eased. You now must meet each skill individually.
What changed on 7 August 2025?
Before, every English level used the same number across all four skills — for example, 79 in each for Superior. From 7 August 2025, each skill has its own minimum. The single biggest effect is that Writing and Speaking now require noticeably higher scores than Listening and Reading.
| Old rule (pre-7 Aug 2025) | New rule (from 7 Aug 2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Same number in every skill | A specific minimum per skill |
| Superior | 79 in each | L69 · R70 · W85 · S88 |
| Proficient | 65 in each | L58 · R59 · W69 · S76 |
| Competent | 50 in each | L47 · R48 · W51 · S54 |
| Averaging | Not allowed | Still not allowed — meet each skill |
What are the new PTE scores for every level?
The new component minimums are: Superior L69/R70/W85/S88 (20 points); Proficient L58/R59/W69/S76 (10 points); Competent L47/R48/W51/S54 (0 points); Vocational L33/R36/W29/S24. You must meet the listed score in each skill — there is no averaging across the four.
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| Level (PTE Academic) | Listen | Read | Write | Speak | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 | 20 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 | 10 |
| Competent | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 0 |
| Vocational | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 | — |
Why did Writing and Speaking get harder?
Writing and Speaking now sit much closer to the ceiling — Superior needs W85 and S88 — because the new framework targets the productive skills that matter most for work and study in Australia. Listening and Reading minimums eased slightly, so the difficulty shifted rather than rising everywhere.
In practice, the test didn’t get harder overall — the balance changed. Listening and Reading eased while Writing and Speaking rose, so the difficulty shifted rather than rising everywhere: the easier Listening and Reading thresholds offset the tougher Writing and Speaking ones.
Still, if you’re aiming for Superior, your prep should now be front-loaded onto Writing and Speaking — that’s where the new bar bites.
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Superior is W85 and S88. Those two scores, not Listening or Reading, are what most applicants will need to train hardest for.
Do my old PTE scores still count?
Yes. A PTE score sat before 7 August 2025 is assessed under the old uniform rule (50 / 65 / 79 in each skill) and stays valid for up to three years from the test date — roughly until 6 August 2028 for the latest pre-change sittings. You don’t need to re-sit if your old score already qualifies.
This matters most if you already hold a qualifying result. A pre-change Superior score (79 in each) keeps its 20 points for its full validity window. If you’re booking a new test, though, the component rules apply — so plan to the new numbers.
What does this mean for your PR points strategy?
Three practical moves follow from the change. They map cleanly onto how we coach for migration at Language Academy.
1. Front-load Writing & Speaking
Superior needs W85/S88. Build your study plan around the two skills where the bar moved up, not an even split across all four.
2. Coach to 90, not the threshold
A perfect-90 target gives you margin above W85/S88, so one dip doesn’t cost you the whole band.
3. Lock English in early
A skilled-PR score is valid for three years — clear Superior now and remove the riskiest variable from your application.
For the exact points each level earns on the 189, 190 and 491, see our PTE score for Australia PR guide; students should also check the separate subclass 500 requirements.
Frequently asked questions
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When did the PTE score changes take effect?
The new component-specific requirements took effect on 7 August 2025 for Australian visa purposes.
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Is Superior English still 79 in each skill?
No. Superior is now L69 · R70 · W85 · S88. The old ‘79 in each’ rule only applies to tests sat before 7 August 2025.
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Did the test get harder?
Not overall. The difficulty shifted rather than rising everywhere: Writing and Speaking minimums rose while Listening and Reading eased.
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Are my pre-August-2025 scores still valid?
Yes. They are assessed under the old uniform rule and remain valid for up to three years from the test date.
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Can I still sit PTE online for an Australian visa?
No. From 7 August 2025, remote/online PTE is not accepted for Australian visa purposes. You must test at an approved centre.
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Which skills should I focus on now?
Writing and Speaking, because Superior now requires W85 and S88 — the highest thresholds in the new framework.
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