PTE Band Scores 2025 – Score Chart, Comparison & Tips

Candidates who are planning to study or work abroad should understand the PTE band scores. The PTE test checks the English language proficiency of candidates in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The PTE band score ranges between 10 to 90.

The PTE band score helps you understand how strong your English skills are for real-life use, like studying abroad, getting a visa, or applying for PR. A higher PTE test score means better English fluency and more chances of getting accepted by universities and immigration departments.

This article explains the PTE score meaning, section-wise breakdown, comparison with IELTS, and the score needed for different visas and countries. 

What is the PTE Band Score?

The PTE Band Score shows how well you can use English in real-life situations, like studying or working abroad. The score ranges from 10 to 90, and the higher your score, the better your English fluency and understanding.

PTE also checks some enabling skills, like:

• Grammar
• Oral fluency
• Pronunciation 
• Spelling, Vocabulary, and Written Discourse 

These skills are not scored separately on your report but play a big role in how your main sections are scored.

The PTE test uses AI-based scoring, meaning your answers are checked by a computer, not a person. This helps give fast, fair, and unbiased results. The system checks everything—your speaking clarity, writing style, grammar, and how well you answer the question.

PTE Score Range Descriptor

The PTE exam score is given on a scale of 10 to 90. Your score shows how well you can use and understand English in real-life situations, like work, study, or daily talk. 

PTE Score Range 

PTE Band Score	Proficiency Level	Skill Description
85–90	Expert	Very high English fluency, almost like a native speaker
76–84	Very Good	Can do complex tasks and talk clearly in all situations
59–75	Good	Can communicate well in study and work settings
43–58	Moderate	Understands most things, but needs practice with complex words
30–42	Limited	Can manage simple sentences, but struggles with tough grammar
Below 30	Very Limited	Knows only basic English, hard to understand or reply in real talk

PTE Score Breakdown – Section Wise

The PTE exam is scored between 10 to 90 for each section. The overall score depends on how well you do in Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. 

PTE Speaking and Writing Score

Score Range: 10–90

This section checks how well you can speak and write in English.
It includes:

• Read Aloud
• Repeat Sentence
• Describe Image
• Write Essay

Your marks depend on how clear, fluent, and grammatically correct your answers are. In speaking, they also check your pronunciation. Check PTE Writing section in detail.

PTE Reading Score

Score Range: 10–90

This part checks your reading and understanding skills.
It includes:

• Fill in the blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Reorder Paragraph

Your marks come from choosing the correct answer and how well you understand the meaning and grammar in the text.

Grammar and vocabulary are very important in this section. You should know how to guess the right word based on the sentence. Check PTE Reading section in detail.

PTE Listening Score

Score Range: 10–90

This section checks how well you understand spoken English.
It includes:

• Summarize Spoken Text
• MCQs
• Highlight Incorrect Words

You get partial credit here. That means even if you don’t get everything right, you still get some marks for partially correct answers. Check PTE Listening section in detail.

PTE vs IELTS Band Score Comparison

If you are confused between PTE and IELTS, this score comparison will help. Many students want to know how PTE scores match with IELTS bands, especially when applying to foreign universities.

PTE to IELTS Conversion Table

PTE Score	IELTS Band Equivalent
89–90	9.0
83–85	8.5
74–84	8.0
66–73	7.5
58–65	7.0
50–57	6.5
42–49	6.0
35–41	5.5
30–34	5.0

Why Compare PTE with IELTS?

Some universities accept IELTS, but not all accept PTE. So, knowing how PTE scores match with IELTS bands helps you decide which test to take.

A conversion table is useful when you're trying to set a target score for visa or university admission.

Also, the acceptance rate for PTE vs IELTS is different in some countries like UK, USA, Canada, so comparing helps pick the right one for your goals.

Also Read: PTE vs IELTS: Which English Test is Right for You?

What is a Good PTE Score?

A good PTE score depends on why you're taking the test. For some, 50+ is enough, and for others, they may need 65 or even 79+. It really depends on the visa type or the university you are applying to.

What is a "Good Score" in PTE?

A good score in PTE is usually:

• 50–58 – Okay for many diploma or foundation courses
• 59–64 – Good for student visa in many countries
• 65–78 – Very good for top universities or work visas
• 79+ – Excellent score, often needed for PR (Permanent Residency) or immigration

PTE Score for Student Visa

To get a student visa, most universities need a score between 50 to 65. But it also depends on the course level.

• For diploma courses – Minimum 50
• For bachelor’s or master’s – Minimum 58 to 65
• Some universities also ask for a minimum score in each skill (speaking, writing, reading, listening)

PTE Score for Work Visa

For a work visa, countries like Australia and New Zealand need higher scores.

• Most employers prefer 65+
• In some jobs like nursing, engineering, or teaching, you may need 79+ in each section

PTE Score for PR (Permanent Residency)

For PR in Australia, you need:

• 50+ to apply
• 65+ to get 10 immigration points
• 79+ to get 20 immigration points

For UK PR, PTE is not commonly accepted, but for certain work and skilled migration routes, a good score like 65+ may help.

PTE Score Required by Top Universities

Top universities in Canada, UK, USA, and Australia ask for higher PTE scores:

• Minimum 65+ overall
• Some may ask 70–79+, especially in competitive courses like MBA, law, or medicine
• Also, you must not have any section too low (like below 50)

PTE Cutoffs for Different Countries

Each country has its own PTE score requirements. Here’s a quick idea:

• Australia – 50 to 79+ (depends on visa type)
• Canada – 58 to 65+ (limited universities accept PTE)
• UK – 59 to 65+ for student visa (Tier 4)
• New Zealand – 50 to 65+ for study and work
• USA – 58 to 70+ for universities (university-specific)

Also Read: PTE Exam pattern & format

PTE Score Validity and Rechecking

Your PTE score is valid for 2 years from the date of your exam. This means you can use your PTE scorecard to apply for universities, visas, or other purposes only within 2 years. After that, you will have to take the test again.

Most countries like Australia, Canada, UK, and New Zealand accept PTE scores that are less than 2 years old.

Rechecking Process & Cost

If you think your PTE score is wrong or lower than expected, you can ask for a PTE recheck (also called a score review). But remember, only the speaking and writing sections can be reviewed, not the reading or listening.

The cost of PTE score rechecking is about USD 100 (which is approximately INR 8,300). If your score changes after review, you get a refund. But if the score stays the same, the money is not refunded.

When and How to Apply for Score Review

You should apply for a PTE score review as soon as possible if you’re not happy with your marks. Here's how:

• Log in to your PTE account on the official Pearson website
• Go to your test history and click on "Request Score Review."
• Pay the review fee online
• Wait for the result – it usually comes in 2 to 5 working days

Also Read: Top PTE Preparation Tips for 2025: Improve Your Score Fast

How to Improve Your PTE Band Score

Getting a good PTE band score is not that easy, but with the right steps, you can really improve your marks. Below are some simple tips to help you get a high score in PTE exam:

• Practice with Mock Tests: One of the best ways to boost your score is by giving PTE mock tests regularly. These mock tests help you get familiar with the real exam format and question types. Also, you will learn how to handle exam pressure and timing. Try to take at least 2–3 mock tests every week.
• Focus on Time Management: Time management in PTE is super important because each section has a limited time. You need to practice completing each task quickly and correctly. For example, don’t spend too much time on one question. Move on if you are stuck. Practice time will help you score better in all modules.
• Improve Pronunciation and Grammar: In the speaking section, your pronunciation really matters. Even if your answer is correct, poor pronunciation can reduce your marks. Listen to native English speakers (like on YouTube or podcasts) and try to copy their tone and fluency.
• Use Official PTE Prep Material: Don’t just study from random sources. Use the official PTE preparation materials from Pearson. These have the exact format and type of questions that come in the exam. You can also try the PTE official practice app, question bank, and sample papers.
• Enroll in PTE Coaching If Needed: If you are finding it hard to improve on your own, then it is okay to seek help. Join a good PTE coaching class or find a personal trainer. They can tell you your weak areas and help you improve faster. Also, in coaching, you will get proper tips, strategies, and feedback on your practice tests.

Also Read: PTE Exam Preparation Resources

PTE Band Score for Different Countries

The PTE exam is accepted in more than 70+ countries for different purposes like student visa, PR (Permanent Residency), and work permits. Many English-speaking countries, such as Australia, UK, New Zealand, and Canada, accept PTE Academic as proof of English skills. Some countries only accept it for studies, while some accept it for PR also. Below, we have explained the PTE band score requirements for the top countries. Is 70 a Good PTE Score - upGrad Abroad!

PTE Score for Australia

Australia is one of the most PTE-friendly countries. It accepts PTE Academic for student visas, skilled migration, and even for PR (Permanent Residency).

• For an Australian student visa, the minimum PTE score needed is usually 42 to 50.
• For Skilled Migration, many visa categories require at least 65 PTE score.
• For Australian PR, you should target a PTE score of 79 or above to get high points.

You also get points based on your score:

• 65 points: good English
• 79+ points: superior English

So if you are planning to move to Australia, a good PTE band score can really help you. 

PTE Score for Canada

Canada accepts PTE Academic for student visas and now recently, for Express Entry PR too, but in limited cases. It is officially accepted by IRCC Canada from 2023 onwards.

• For a Canadian student visa, most colleges ask for PTE score of 50–60+ in each module.
• For PR, your PTE score is converted to CLB level (Canadian Language Benchmark).

Here is a simple idea:

• CLB 7 = PTE 58–65
• CLB 8 = PTE 66–73
• CLB 9 = PTE 74–82

Still, not all PR programs accept PTE, so check the latest rules on the official immigration site before applying.

PTE Score for UK

The UK accepts PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI for Tier 4 student visas. Most UK universities also accept it for admission.

• For UK student visa, the general PTE requirement is 50–59 overall
• For top universities, they may ask for a 65+ score
• For UKVI (Visa and Immigration) process, you need to take the PTE Academic UKVI, not the normal PTE

PTE Score for New Zealand & USA

Both New Zealand and the USA accept PTE Academic, mostly for university admissions.

• In New Zealand, PTE is accepted for study visas and residency pathways. You may need PTE 58 or above for good universities or PR eligibility.
• In the USA, most universities accept PTE scores for UG and PG courses, especially in business, tech, and healthcare fields. Score requirement is usually 50–70 range depending on the college.

Fora  USA student visa, PTE is accepted by many universities, but still some prefer TOEFL or IELTS. Always check the university's official website before applying.

Must Read: PTE Accepted Countries & Universities

Conclusion

PTE band scores range from 10–90, mapped to CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and split into 7 proficiency bands.

For example, PTE 59–75 equals B2 (Upper-Intermediate), while 85–90 reflects C2 (Expert). Universities often compare PTE with IELTS bands: a PTE 65–72 matches IELTS 7.0, and PTE 79–82 equals IELTS 8.0.

Most universities require PTE 58–65 (B2–C1) for undergraduate programs and 65–75 (C1) for postgraduate courses.

If you need help improving your score or understanding PTE requirements, connect with upGrad experts. Experts will guide you through 1:1 counselling for success. Start your PTE journey with upGrad’s support today!