PTE Superior English Score 2026: Exact Scores for Competent, Proficient and Superior
This guide explains how PTE scores map to English levels and migration points. It is general information, not migration advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you rely on them.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
Quick answer: PTE Superior English scores
For PTE Academic tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Superior English (20 points) needs Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88. You must reach all four. A high overall score does not cover a low skill. The old “79 in each skill” rule applies only to tests taken on or before 6 August 2025.
| English level | Points | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient English | 10 | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior English | 20 | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
PTE Academic scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, per skill. Source: Department of Home Affairs English language requirements. Check the current table before you book or apply.
What changed on 7 August 2025
Home Affairs replaced the flat scores (50, 65 and 79 in every skill) with a separate minimum for each skill. Two skills got harder and two got easier:
- Writing: Superior went from 79 to 85. Proficient from 65 to 69.
- Speaking: Superior went from 79 to 88. Proficient from 65 to 76.
- Listening: Superior went from 79 to 69. Proficient from 65 to 58.
- Reading: Superior went from 79 to 70. Proficient from 65 to 59.
Pearson also changed the exam on the same date (a separate change from the visa thresholds). Read the full breakdown of the score changes and the exam changes. Online (remote) PTE is not accepted for Australian visas from 7 August 2025, so book a test centre.
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
These results used the old flat scores: Competent 50, Proficient 65 and Superior 79 in each skill. They may still be accepted for some visas for a transition period (up to about 6 August 2028), but this depends on your visa and on how old the result can be. Do not assume an old result still works. Confirm with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Which skills decide Superior now
Speaking 88 and Writing 85 are the hard ones. Pronunciation and oral fluency are scored by AI only. Content on seven task types (Describe Image, Read Aloud, Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation, Write Essay, Summarize Written Text and Summarize Spoken Text) can also be reviewed by human markers, and identical templates can be flagged. Listening 69 and Reading 70 are now easier than the old 79, so a balanced plan usually puts the extra practice into Speaking and Writing.
Is PTE Superior English worth chasing
Superior English is worth 20 points on the skilled migration points test, double the 10 points for Proficient. In a competitive points race that gap often decides who gets invited. If you already hold Proficient scores, check whether Superior is realistic before you sit another test. See how the levels work for your visa on our 189, 190 and 491 visa score guide and the 482 visa guide. To compare IELTS and PTE, use the IELTS to PTE conversion table.
Check your score against these thresholds
Use the free PTE score calculator to compare your section scores with the Competent, Proficient and Superior minimums: https://platform.dreamenglish.com.au/tools/PTE-score-calculator. To see how much each task contributes to each skill, open the free scoring guide: https://platform.dreamenglish.com.au/tools/scoring-guide.
PTE Superior English: common questions
What PTE score is Superior English?
For tests on or after 7 August 2025: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88. All four are required. It is worth 20 migration points.
Is Superior English still 79 in each skill?
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. Newer tests use the per-skill table above.
What is the difference between Competent, Proficient and Superior English?
Competent English (0 points) is the baseline for most skilled visas. Proficient English is worth 10 points and Superior English is worth 20 points on the skilled migration points test.
Do I need Superior English for a skilled visa?
Not always. Many visas only need Competent English, but extra points can decide an invitation. Confirm what your visa requires with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Is your target written as IELTS 7 each or 8 each? See IELTS 7 each and 8 each in PTE for the exact scores.
