How do IELTS, PTE, OET and TOEFL scores compare for Australian visas?
There is no single conversion: the department sets a minimum for each test, skill and level. For Proficient English, IELTS asks for 7 in every skill1, while PTE Academic asks for 58 listening, 59 reading, 69 writing and 76 speaking1. The table below lines them all up.
Every accepted test, side by side
Each cell lists listening, reading, writing and speaking, in that order. These are the tables for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, when the list of approved tests changed2.
| Test | Competent English0 points | Proficient English10 points | Superior English20 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 6666 | 7777 | 8888 |
| IELTS Academic | 6666 | 7777 | 8888 |
| PTE Academic | 47485154 | 58596976 | 69708588 |
| OET | 290310290330 | 350360380360 | 390400420400 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16161919 | 22222624 | 26273028 |
| C1 Advanced | 163163170179 | 175179193194 | 186190210208 |
| CELPIP General | 7777 | 98108 | 10101210 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57606470 | 67717882 | 80838989 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56555748 | 61637459 | No row in this table |
Which tests are on the list?
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the department accepts C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, the Michigan English Test, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, all at a secure test centre2.
Are the steps the same in every skill?
No, and this is where people get caught. With C1 Advanced, Superior English needs 186 for listening but 210 for writing4. With OET, Proficient needs 350 for listening and 380 for writing1. Your strongest skill can't carry your weakest: all four must reach the level3.
Which versions don't count?
- At-home online versions, such as IELTS Online, OET@Home and TOEFL iBT Home Edition2.
- A TOEFL iBT result not registered as "Taking TOEFL for Australia"2.
- Older results, if they fall outside your visa's time limit. See how long results last.
What about OET for nurses?
OET is developed for health professionals3, so many overseas nurses already have it. For Proficient English it needs 350 listening, 360 reading, 380 writing and 360 speaking1. If you're preparing for the registered nurse OSCE as well, our free OSCE practice check might help.
Did the older tests compare the same way?
No. Before 7 August 2025, IELTS and PTE Academic each used one number for all four skills at every level, for example 65 for Proficient on the earlier PTE Academic1. The current PTE Academic has different scores3.
Can one tool compare my scores?
Yes. Pick your test in the calculator and it reads your four scores against these exact rows, then shows the gap to the next level.
Sources
Each small number links to the page it comes from. We keep a dated copy of every page with its SHA-256 fingerprint and check our wording against it word for word.
- Source 1: Proficient English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/proficient-english - Source 2: English language visa requirements. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 2 February 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language - Source 3: Competent English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english - Source 4: Superior English. Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 21 September 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/superior-english - Source 5: Points table for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 11 June 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table - Source 6: Points table for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 16 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190/points-table - Source 7: Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Department of Home Affairs, page last updated 16 July 2026; our copy 31 October 2026.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491/points-table
Independent tool by Aptia Skills. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the Department of Home Affairs, any test provider or any government. Written with AI from the official sources listed on this page, and checked word for word against them. It is general information, not migration advice, and it cannot promise any visa outcome.