If you’re planning to study, work, or apply for permanent residency in Australia, Canada, or the UK, one of the key requirements is proving your English language proficiency. One widely accepted test for this purpose is the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. But how do you know what a good PTE score is for your target country? The definition of a good score varies depending on your goal, whether it’s getting into a university, applying for a work visa, or qualifying for permanent residency (PR). In this blog, we’ll break down the recommended and required PTE scores for each country based on your purpose.

PTE Score for Australia: Study, Work, and PR

Australia accepts PTE Academic for a wide range of visa categories, including student visas, skilled migration, and work permits. Here’s what you need to know:

For Study (Australia Student Visa)

PTE requirements vary based on the academic level:

Study Level	Minimum	Sectional Score
Foundation/Diploma	42+	36+ in each part
Bachelor’s Degree	50+	45+ in each part
Master’s/PhD	58+	50+ in each part

Tip: Some top universities or competitive programs may have higher requirements. You should always check with your target institution.

For Work (Australian Work Visas)

Different visa categories come with different language requirements:

Work Visa Type	Minimum PTE Score
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)	50+
Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)	50+

Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)	65+
Business Innovation & Investment Visa	50+

For PR (Permanent Residency in Australia)

To qualify for permanent residency under various skilled visa subclasses, your English ability is classified as Competent, Proficient, or Superior, based on your PTE score:

Visa Type	Required Score
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)	65+
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)	65+
Partner Visa	50+
General Skilled Migration (GSM)	50+ (Competent)   65+ (Proficient)

A higher score not only fulfils the language requirement but also helps improve your points for the Expression of Interest (EOI).

PTE Score for Canada: Study, Work, and PR

Canada recognises PTE scores for academic admissions, work opportunities, and immigration (including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs).

For Study (Canada Student Visa)

Most Canadian universities and colleges accept PTE for admissions. The typical score range:

• Minimum Overall Score: 50-70

• Note: Requirements vary depending on the program and institution.

Always confirm with your chosen school, as certain programs may require higher scores in specific sections.

For Work (Canadian Work Visas)

PTE is increasingly used for professional licensing and work visas in Canada. While requirements can vary based on the job and employer:

• Typical PTE Score for Work: 50 or higher

Some regulatory bodies may set their own English language benchmarks, especially for healthcare or technical fields.

For PR (Permanent Residency in Canada)

Canada accepts the PTE Core for immigration pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs , Canadian Citizenship applications

• Minimum Score: 50-60 (for language eligibility)

• CRS Points: A higher PTE score boosts your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, improving your chances of being invited to apply for PR.

PTE Score for United Kingdom (UK): Study, Work, and PR

The UK accepts PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI for Tier 4 (student) visas, work visas, and immigration purposes.

For Study (UK Student Visa)

The PTE score requirement depends on your study level:

Study Level	Minimum Score (Each Section)
Foundation/Diploma	43+
Bachelor’s Degree	50+
Master’s/PhD	59+

Your test scores must also meet your university’s admission criteria, which may vary.

For Work (UK Work Visas)

PTE is accepted for several work visa categories:

Work Visa Type	Minimum PTE Score (Each Section)
Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)	59+
Health & Care Worker Visa	59+
Innovator/Start-up Visa	43+

These are Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) approved by the UK Home Office. You must take the PTE Academic UKVI version if required for your visa.

For PR (Permanent Residency in the UK)

Permanent residency applications often require a B1 English level, equivalent to:

• PTE Score: 43-50 (varies by visa route)

• Purpose: To prove English proficiency for settlement or naturalisation applications

So, What’s a Good PTE Score?

Here’s a simplified view of what counts as a good score based on your purpose:

Country	Study Visa	Work Visa	PR / Immigration
Australia	50-58+	50-65+	50+ (Competent) to 79+ (Superior)
Canada	50-70	50+	50-60+ (Higher is better)
UK	43-59+	43-59+	43-50 (based on B1 level)

A good PTE score meets your visa or university requirements and gives you a competitive edge. Always check the official guidelines of the specific visa or university program you’re applying to. If your goal is migration, a higher PTE score often results in more points, which can directly impact your chances of selection.