PTE Score for the 485 Visa (TR) in Australia: 2026 Requirements
General information, not migration advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you book or apply.
Last updated: 15 October 2026 (scores checked against the Home Affairs 485 page on this date)
Quick answer: For the 485 Temporary Graduate visa (often called TR), PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 need an overall score of 55 with at least Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41 and Speaking 39. The test must be taken within 12 months before you apply. Use PTE Academic, not PTE Core.
PTE score for the 485 visa (tests on or after 7 August 2025)
| Applicant | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most 485 applicants | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 |
| Hong Kong BNO passport holders | 47 | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
You need the overall score and every skill minimum. A high overall score does not make up for one skill below its minimum.
PTE Academic or PTE Core for the 485?
Book PTE Academic. The 485 English test list published for 7 August 2025 includes PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET. PTE Core is not on that list. Online or remote PTE results are not accepted for Australian visas, so sit the test at a centre. See how to book the PTE in Australia and the PTE exam fee.
How old can your result be?
For the 485, the test must be taken within 12 months before you lodge your application. That is shorter than the window for skilled visas, so check your test date against your lodgement plan. More on PTE score validity in Australia.
485 minimums vs skilled visa English levels
The 485 minimums are lower than Competent English for skilled visas (Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54). If you plan to move from a 485 to a skilled visa later, aim higher now: Proficient English (10 points) needs L58 R59 W69 S76 and Superior English (20 points) needs L69 R70 W85 S88. See the full Competent, Proficient and Superior English guide.
How to prepare
Speaking 39 and Writing 41 are the easiest minimums to clear, but one weak skill still fails the whole requirement. Sit a timed practice test first and look at your lowest skill, not your overall score. You can try a free exam-format mock test with AI scoring on the Dream English platform: https://platform.dreamenglish.com.au/mock-tests
PTE for the 485 visa: common questions
What PTE score do I need for the 485 visa?
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the 485 Temporary Graduate visa needs an overall score of 55 with at least Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41 and Speaking 39.
How much PTE score is required for TR in Australia?
TR usually means the 485 Temporary Graduate visa. The minimum is PTE Academic overall 55 with Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41 and Speaking 39, for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Do I need PTE Academic or PTE Core for the 485 visa?
Use PTE Academic. The 485 English test list published for 7 August 2025 includes PTE Academic and does not list PTE Core. Check the current Home Affairs list before you book.
How old can my PTE result be for the 485 visa?
The test must have been taken within 12 months before you apply for the 485 visa.
Is the 485 PTE requirement the same as Competent English?
No. The 485 has its own minimums (overall 55, L40 R42 W41 S39). Competent English for skilled visas is L47 R48 W51 S54, which is higher in every skill.
