By Nur Elami Atiqah, English teacher at EMS Language Centre
Most universities ask for an overall PTE Academic score somewhere between about 47 and 63, depending on whether you are applying for a diploma, a degree or a master’s. But your real target is whatever your specific university, visa office or employer publishes, often with a minimum score in each skill as well. This guide shows you how to find that number in a few minutes and what it means in IELTS terms.
The Short Answer
- Diploma and foundation: often around 31 to 39 overall
- Undergraduate degree: often around 47 to 55 overall
- Postgraduate degree: often around 55 to 63 overall
- Professional registration, like nursing or teaching: often 63 or higher, with high minimums in every skill
These are typical ranges, not rules. Two universities in the same city can ask for different scores for the same course, so always check the exact requirement before you book your test.
How to Find Your Exact Target Score
- Go to the course page on your university’s website, not the general admissions page. Requirements are often different by course.
- Look for “English language requirements” and find the PTE Academic line. Note the overall score and any minimum for each skill.
- If you need a visa, check the official immigration website for that country too. Visa rules are separate from university rules and change more often.
- Write down the highest number you find. That is your target.
- Add a small buffer. Aim two or three points above the requirement so a slightly off day still gets you in.
Typical PTE Scores by Goal
Diploma and Foundation Programmes
Foundation and diploma courses usually ask for the lowest scores, often in the low to high 30s overall, which is roughly IELTS 5.0 to 5.5. Some accept a lower score if you also take an English course before you start.
Undergraduate Degrees
Most bachelor’s degrees ask for around 47 to 55 overall, roughly IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. Courses with a lot of reading and writing, like law or journalism, often sit at the higher end.
Postgraduate Degrees
Master’s and PhD programmes commonly ask for around 55 to 63 overall, roughly IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, usually with minimum scores in each skill.
Visas and Migration
PTE Academic is accepted for a number of visa and migration programmes, including in Australia and New Zealand, and PTE Academic UKVI is available for UK visas. Each government sets its own scores and updates them from time to time, so only trust the number on the official immigration website for your visa type.
Work and Professional Registration
Jobs that need a professional licence, such as nursing, medicine or teaching overseas, usually ask for the highest scores, often 63 or more with a high minimum in every skill. If this is your goal, focus on bringing up your weakest skill, because one low skill score is the most common reason people miss out.
PTE to IELTS: The Official 2025 Table
Pearson updated its official comparison between PTE Academic and IELTS in July 2025, based on research with more than 1,500 test takers. Here is what each IELTS band equals in PTE.
| IELTS band | PTE Academic score |
|---|---|
| 4.5 | 24 |
| 5.0 | 31 |
| 5.5 | 39 |
| 6.0 | 47 |
| 6.5 | 55 |
| 7.0 | 63 |
| 7.5 | 71 |
| 8.0 | 79 |
| 8.5 | 86 |
| 9.0 | 90 |
Each PTE number is the minimum score that lines up with that IELTS band. For example, if your university asks for IELTS 6.5, the matching PTE score is 55. Source: Pearson PTE Academic concordance, July 2025.
Why Old Conversion Charts Can Mislead You
Search for “PTE to IELTS” and you will find dozens of charts, and many still use Pearson’s older figures. The 2025 update moved most of the numbers by two or three points. That sounds small, but it can mean studying for a score you do not need, or booking your test too early.
Two simple rules keep you safe:
- Use the 2025 table above, and check the date on any chart you find online.
- When your university publishes its own PTE score, use that number. It always beats any conversion chart.
Section Minimums Matter Too
Many universities ask for something like “58 overall with no skill below 50”. That second part catches a lot of students out. You can hit the overall score and still be turned down because one skill, often writing or speaking, came in low.
When you get your results, look at all four skill scores, not just the big number at the top. They tell you exactly where to focus. If you want to understand why some tasks affect two skills at once, our guide on how the PTE test works explains it simply.
What Counts as a Good PTE Score?
A good PTE score is simply one that meets your goal. In general terms:
- Around 47 to 54: a solid score that opens many undergraduate courses
- Around 55 to 62: a strong score that opens most degrees and many master’s programmes
- Around 63 to 78: a very strong score that meets most university and many professional requirements
- 79 and above: an excellent score, similar to IELTS 8.0 or higher
How Long It Takes to Raise Your Score
It depends on how far you are from your target and how much you practise. Students who are only a few points short often get there with a few weeks of focused practice on the tasks that count for two skills, plus timed mock tests. Students further away usually need a few months, because the gap is in their English, not their test technique. A quick level check, like our free placement test, shows which situation you are in.
Taking IELTS instead? Our guide to what IELTS band you need covers the same question for IELTS. Still deciding between the two? Read our guide to choosing between PTE, IELTS and TOEFL.
Reach Your Target Score With EMS
PTE preparation at EMS is built around your target score. Classes run two hours a day in small groups over one to two months, with mock tests under real timing and personal feedback on your speaking and writing, so you know exactly which skill to work on next. Tell us your goal and your test date, and we will show you the fastest route to your score.
Register now: https://ems.edu.my/online-application/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good PTE score?
A good PTE score is one that meets your university, visa or job requirement. As a guide, 47 to 54 opens many undergraduate courses, 55 to 62 opens most degrees and many master’s programmes, and 63 or above meets most university and many professional requirements. Scores of 79 and above are excellent.
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5?
Under Pearson’s official 2025 comparison, IELTS 6.5 equals a PTE Academic score of 55. Many older charts online still show higher numbers, so check the date on any table you use. If your university publishes its own PTE requirement, always use that instead of a conversion.
What PTE score do I need for university?
Most undergraduate degrees ask for around 47 to 55 overall, and most postgraduate degrees ask for around 55 to 63, often with a minimum in each skill. Requirements differ by university and course, so check the English requirements on your specific course page before booking your test.
How long is a PTE score valid?
PTE Academic scores are valid for two years from your test date. During that time you can send your score to as many universities and organisations as you like through your Pearson account, with no extra fee. Some visa programmes have their own rules, so check if you are applying for one.
Can I combine scores from two PTE tests?
Each PTE test gives its own score report, and most universities and visa offices look at one report at a time. If you are short in just one skill, ask your university what they accept before you book again, so you know exactly what your next test needs to achieve.
