English is a fundamental part of our everyday lives, and demonstrating proficiency in English is a crucial requirement for those wishing to migrate to Australia from India. As part of the immigration process, English proficiency tests evaluate applicants’ ability to study, work, and obtain visas. This article will provide an in-depth look at the PTE Exam.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) was developed by Pearson, a British education company, to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers before they enter an academic setting. The PTE exam, which is computer-based, focuses on the use of everyday English in educational environments. PTE scores are recognised for immigration and university admissions in many countries, including Australia, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. The PTE is especially important for obtaining permanent residency in Australia and New Zealand.
PTE Academic Exam Fee: 1200 AED (inclusive of 5% tax)
PTE General Fee: 1200 AED (inclusive of 5% tax)
The fees are valid only for one attempt, for the second one, you will have to pay the fees again.
PTE test centres in Dubai are located in three cities, namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, you can choose the one closest to you for convenient access.
While both PTE and IELTS have specific requirements, PTE is often chosen for Australian immigration and study for several reasons:
PTE provides more available test dates compared to IELTS.
There are three main English language exams:
There are three main English language exams:
| Differences | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic | TOEFL® iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Structure |
Speaking & Writing: 54–67 min |
Speaking: 11–14 min |
Speaking: 17 min |
|
|
Reading: 29–30 min |
Academic Reading: 60 min |
Reading: 54–72 min |
|
|
Listening: 30–43 min |
Listening: 30 min |
Listening: 41-57 min |
|
|
|
Academic Writing: 60 min |
Writing: 50 min |
|
Completion Time |
2 hours |
2 hours, 45 minutes |
3 hours |
|
Grades |
10 – 90 |
0 – 9 |
0 – 120 |
|
Min University Grades |
55 – 60 |
6.0 or 6.5 |
70 – 80 |
|
Test Validity |
2 years |
2 years |
2 years |
|
Category |
British or American |
British or American |
British or American |
|
Recognized Countries |
70+ countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand) |
140 countries (e.g., UK, Australia) |
160 countries (e.g., US, Canada) |
For Australian permanent residency (PR) or study purposes, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts the PTE Academic exam.
To qualify for Australian PR, a PTE score of 65 or higher, indicating a proficient level of English is required. Scoring 79 or above is considered superior English. The PTE Academic test assesses proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
– Academic Coursework: 10-29 (basic communication skills).
– Foundation Year Courses: 36-50 (simple English communication).
– Undergraduate Study: 51-60 (academic-level communication).
– Postgraduate Study: 57-67 (advanced academic participation).
– Australian Skilled Migration Visas: 65+ for proficient English; 79+ for superior English.
– High-Level Academic and Professional Roles: 85-90 (highly advanced English skills)
Each PTE Academic test includes 20 question types, with each university determining its own scoring requirements.
Non-native English speakers applying for an Australian work visa must demonstrate their English proficiency. PTE Academic is accepted for all types of visas in Australia. Below is a breakdown of the required scores:
| English Proficiency Level | PTE Score Required | Description | Points Awarded for Visa Application |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vocational English |
36 |
Basic communication skills; not enough for skilled migration points |
Not eligible |
|
Functional English |
30 |
Below the minimum requirement for most Australian visas |
Not eligible |
|
Competent English |
50 |
Necessary for certain visas (e.g., Skilled Independent Visa); no extra points |
Eligible for PR, but no points |
|
Proficient English |
65-79 |
Sufficient for higher-skilled visas; provides better communication skills |
10 points |
|
Superior English |
79+ |
High level of proficiency; greatly enhances visa application strength |
20 points |
PTE is essential for those seeking to immigrate to English-speaking countries like Australia. Over 3,000 international educational institutions accept PTE for education, and it is recognized for visa applications by the governments of Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
PTE scores are valid for two years from the test date. After this period, scores are automatically removed from the test taker’s account. To prove English proficiency after this period, individuals must retake the PTE test.
