PTE exam for Australia Visa

The PTE exam for Australia is a computer-based English test accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for student visas, skilled migration (PR), and partner visa applications. It’s also a requirement for nursing registration in Australia.

Over 3,500 global institutions, including all PTE-accepted universities in Australia, recognize the test. PTE delivers scores in just 48 hours - a fast alternative to IELTS. If you prefer a quick turnaround, or want flexible PTE exam dates in India for Australia, this exam is a top choice.

Explore programs and Universities in Australia:

• MBA in Finance – Australia
• Hospitality Management courses in Australia
• UTS College – Admissions
• Melbourne Institute of Technology – Rankings & Programs

Start with the basics:

• What is the PTE exam? Overview here
• PTE eligibility for Australia visa
• PTE accepted countries for immigration

PTE Exam Overview

Feature	Details
Accepted by DHA	Yes – for student visa (subclass 500), PR (subclass 189/190), partner visa
Approved Test Type	PTE Academic (center-based) only
PTE Exam Eligibility for Australia Visa	Open to all applicants aged 16+, with valid ID
Results Time	Within 48 hours
PTE Accepted Universities in Australia	100% – All public and private universities
PTE Exam Fee for Australia Visa 2025	₹15,900 – ₹17,000 (approx. AUD 290)

Planning to book your test?

• PTE registration process
• PTE exam dates 2025
• PTE Exam for Australia centers in India

Types of PTE Exams for Australia

If you're planning to move to Australia for study, work, or permanent residency, it’s important to choose the right version of the PTE exam for Australia. 

PTE Exam Types Accepted for Australia

PTE Exam Type	Accepted For	Not Accepted For
PTE Academic	Australia student visa, skilled migration, PR, universities	–
PTE Academic Online	Online university admissions (limited)	Not valid for PR or any Australia visa under DHA
PTE Home	Not valid for any Australian process	Rejected for both immigration and education purposes

PTE Academic vs General for Australia: Australia doesn’t accept “PTE General.” Only PTE Academic (center-based) is valid for all immigration and university purposes.

Know the structure & syllabus:

• PTE exam pattern and format
• PTE syllabus – section-wise breakdown
• PTE exam duration & timing

PTE Exam for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) 

The PTE exam for Australia PR uses PTE Academic (center-based) scores to assign immigration points. DHA accepts the test for subclasses 189, 190, 491, 186, 820 and several family or regional streams.

PTE Score Requirements for Australia PR

PR Factor	Key Detail
Visa subclasses	189 (Independent), 190 (State-Nominated), 491 (Regional), 186 (Employer), 820 (Partner)
PTE score required for Australia PR	50 (Functional English) — meets eligibility only
Points boost	65 overall = 10 points
Test validity	3 years for PR lodgement

Tip: A 79+ PTE Academic score adds the maximum 20 points, giving skilled-migration applicants an edge over IELTS due to the rapid 48-hour score release.

Get prep-ready:

• PTE preparation tips for high scores
• Best PTE books for 2025

PTE Exam for Australia Study Visa 

Australian universities rely on the PTE exam for Australia to confirm language skills for the student visa (subclass 500). All public and private institutions list PTE Academic on their entry-requirements page.

PTE Score Requirements for Australia Student Visa

Study Level	Typical Overall Score Range	Notes
Undergraduate	50 – 64	Some programs set section minimums of 50+ in Reading & Writing
Postgraduate	65 – 79+	Competitive degrees (medicine, law) often ask for 73 – 79 overall

• The minimum PTE score for a student visa Australia follows the offer letter, not a DHA rule, but most colleges align with these bands.
• Universities accept only PTE Academic (center-based); the online version serves distance-learning courses yet remains ineligible for visa filing.
• Book early if you need specific PTE exam dates in India for Australia—metro centers fill first during May–July intakes.

Budget & Results:

• PTE exam fees in India
• How PTE is scored + results timeline

PTE Exam Format and Test Duration 

The PTE exam for Australia is a fully computer-based test designed to measure real-life English use. It covers all four skills and uses AI-based scoring to ensure consistency. Only PTE Academic (center-based) is accepted for visa and PR applications.

PTE Exam Format and Duration

PTE Section	Duration	Skills Covered
Speaking & Writing	54–67 minutes	Fluency, grammar, written communication
Reading	29–30 minutes	Comprehension, analysis
Listening	30–43 minutes	Audio processing, note-taking
Total Test Time	~2 hours	All four skills

• The PTE test format for Australia immigration ensures you complete the entire exam in one sitting.
• You must take the test in person at an authorized PTE center.
• The scoring range is from 10 to 90, with scores above 65 considered strong for most PR and study routes.

Where to Take the PTE Exam in India and Australia 

You can book your PTE exam for Australia visa through the Pearson portal and choose from multiple test centers across India. Testing happens almost every day in metro cities and at least twice a week in tier-2 cities.

PTE Exam for Australia Locations

Location	Popular Test Cities	PTE Exam Dates in India for Australia
India	Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore	3–6 times per week
Australia	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth	Regular weekly slots

• Use a valid passport as your ID—no Aadhaar or PAN allowed.
• Results are typically available within 48 hours, often faster than IELTS.
• All bookings must go through the official Pearson PTE portal.

Early bookings are key during peak seasons (Feb–March and July–Sept) to get your preferred city and slot.

PTE Exam Format and Test Duration 

The PTE exam for Australia checks all four core language skills through a timed, computer-based test. Results are based on automated scoring and typically arrive within 48 hours.

PTE Exam Format and Duration

Section	Time Limit	Skills Tested
Speaking & Writing	54 to 67 minutes	Fluency, sentence structure, grammar
Reading	29 to 30 minutes	Comprehension, analysis
Listening	30 to 43 minutes	Audio understanding, note-taking
Total Time	Around 2 hours	Covers all language skills

• The test is taken in person at approved centers.
• It runs in a single session without breaks.
• Scores range from 10 to 90. For skilled migration, higher scores give more PR points.

PTE Validity and Result Use for Australia

PTE Academic scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the exact date you apply for your visa or receive an invitation to apply, depending on your visa stream.

• For Australia PR visas like subclass 189, 190, and 491, your PTE score must be valid at the time of invitation.
• For a student visa (subclass 500), it must be valid on the application date.
• Pearson sends your PTE scores directly to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and to any Australian university or college you nominate.

Don’t risk delays—track your score validity window if you're reusing results or applying across intakes.

How to Prepare for the PTE Exam

To meet the PTE score required for Australia PR or student visa, your prep must target both speed and accuracy—especially under time pressure.

Skip generic apps and random practice. Here’s what actually works:

PTE Preparation Resources and Tools

Prep Tool	Why Use It
Pearson official mock tests	Closest simulation of real PTE exam environment
AI-based speaking tools	Helps tune fluency and pronunciation to the scoring algorithm
Timed mock tests (full-length)	Builds focus and section transition speed

Key tip: If you're aiming for 79+ for PR points or a 65+ for a postgraduate course, daily practice isn’t optional—it’s the minimum.

Access free PTE prep tools on upGrad — practice tests, tips, and mock exercises.
Speak to an expert to plan your PTE Exam for Australia and shortlist visa-eligible courses in Australia.