Australia

IELTS vs. PTE Score Requirements for Australian Student Visa

Abroadly Team
July 8, 2026
5 min read

Both IELTS and PTE Academic are accepted by Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs. Here is a comparison of score equivalents and minimum requirements.

Visa Score Equivalents

  • IELTS 6.5 is roughly equivalent to PTE 58.
  • IELTS 6.0 is roughly equivalent to PTE 50.
  • IELTS 5.5 is roughly equivalent to PTE 42.

Minimum Visa Requirements

For a direct student visa, the minimum score is usually IELTS 6.0 (or PTE 50). If you score slightly lower, you can still apply by taking an ELICOS (English language package) in Australia before your degree.

University Requirements vs. Visa Requirements

Note that universities often require higher scores than the immigration office (e.g. demanding IELTS 6.5 for Master's degrees, even if immigration accepts IELTS 6.0).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine two PTE scores for my visa?

Australian immigration accepts scores from a single sitting, though some universities may consider combined scores under specific conditions.

Is online PTE accepted for Australian visa?

No, Home Affairs only accepts test-center-delivered PTE Academic. PTE Online is not accepted.

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