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English test scores for PR points: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and OET (2026)
Checked 2 November 2026 · Source: Competent, Proficient, Superior (Home Affairs)
Superior English is worth 20 points for 189, 190 and 491, Proficient is worth 10 and Competent is worth 0 (it is the minimum to apply). For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Superior means at least IELTS 8 in each component or PTE Academic 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking. The old "PTE 79 in each" rule only applies to tests taken on or before 6 August 2025.
| Test | Competent (0 points) | Proficient (10 points) | Superior (20 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6 / 6 / 6 / 6 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 |
| PTE Academic | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 / 16 / 19 / 19 | 22 / 22 / 26 / 24 | 26 / 27 / 30 / 28 |
| OET | 290 / 310 / 290 / 330 | 350 / 360 / 380 / 360 | 390 / 400 / 420 / 400 |
| CELPIP General | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 / 163 / 170 / 179 | 175 / 179 / 193 / 194 | 186 / 190 / 210 / 208 |
Listening / reading / writing / speaking. Minimum in each component, for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Source: Home Affairs.
Your lowest component decides the level
Home Affairs checks each of the four components against the table. PTE 90 in writing does not make up for 84 in speaking: with 84 speaking you are Proficient, not Superior. Overall scores are not used.
Tests taken before 7 August 2025
Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 are judged against the old table, for example PTE 79 in each component or TOEFL iBT 28 listening, 29 reading, 30 writing and 26 speaking for Superior. IELTS stayed the same.
How long a result counts
Home Affairs asks for a result achieved in the 3 years before your visa application. A result that runs out while your EOI is waiting stops counting, and your points drop with it, so check the date before each round.
What 10 extra points do in the 189 queue
In the 15 October 2026 round most occupation cut-offs were between 65 and 85 points, so moving from Proficient to Superior often decides whether you are invited. Check your occupation's last cut-off and your place in the queue with the PR chances analysis.
Common questions
What PTE score do I need for 20 points?
For a PTE Academic test taken on or after 7 August 2025: at least 69 listening, 70 reading, 85 writing and 88 speaking. For a test taken on or before 6 August 2025: 79 in each component.
What IELTS score do I need for 10 and 20 points?
IELTS 7 in each component for Proficient (10 points) and 8 in each for Superior (20 points). IELTS Academic and General Training both count, and results with One Skill Retake are accepted for eligible visas.
Is PTE Core accepted for skilled visas?
The Home Affairs tables for Competent, Proficient and Superior English list PTE Academic, not PTE Core.
General information, not migration advice. Rules change; check the Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent for your situation.