Navigating PTE requirements across Australian universities can be confusing - each institution sets its own standards, and they change frequently. Before exploring university-specific requirements, ensure you understand the overall PTE score requirements for different visa types. Based on the latest data from official university admissions and recent updates, here's your comprehensive guide for 2025.
Top Universities PTE Requirements (Group of Eight)
Australia's most prestigious universities have higher PTE requirements, especially for competitive programs:
University of Melbourne
- Undergraduate: 58 overall (50 in each band)
- Postgraduate: 65 overall (55 in each band)
- Medicine/Law: 75 overall (65 in each band)
- MBA: 70 overall (60 in each band)
Australian National University (ANU)
- Standard programs: 64 overall (55 minimum each band)
- Advanced programs: 72 overall (64 minimum each band)
- Research degrees: 68 overall (60 minimum each band)
University of Sydney
- Undergraduate: 61 overall (54 in each band)
- Postgraduate: 68 overall (61 in each band)
- Engineering: 65 overall (58 in each band)
- Health Sciences: 72 overall (65 in each band)
UNSW Sydney
- Standard requirement: 64 overall (54 in each band)
- Business School: 65 overall (60 in each band)
- Law programs: 70 overall (65 in each band)
University of Queensland
- Most programs: 64 overall (60 in each band)
- Medicine: 72 overall (70 in each band)
- Education: 79 overall (65 in each band)
Monash University
- Standard: 58 overall (50 in each band)
- Engineering: 65 overall (58 in each band)
- Pharmacy: 72 overall (65 in each band)
University of Western Australia
- Undergraduate: 58 overall (50 in each band)
- Postgraduate: 64 overall (54 in each band)
- Medicine/Dentistry: 72 overall (68 in each band)
University of Adelaide
- Standard programs: 58 overall (50 in each band)
- Health programs: 65 overall (58 in each band)
- Research degrees: 65 overall (55 in each band)
Universities with Lower PTE Requirements
These institutions offer quality education with more accessible entry requirements:
Charles Darwin University
- All programs: 50 overall (42 minimum each band)
- Nursing: 65 overall (60 in each band)
- Special consideration for regional students
Southern Cross University
- Standard: 50 overall (no band below 45)
- Health Sciences: 65 overall (no band below 58)
- Offers pathway programs for lower scores
CQUniversity
- Most programs: 50 overall (no band below 50)
- Engineering: 58 overall
- Strong support for international students
Federation University
- Standard: 50 overall (45 in each band)
- Nursing: 65 overall (58 in each band)
- Regional campuses with additional support
Program-Specific Requirements
According to recent admissions data, certain programs have unique requirements:
High-Demand Programs
- Medicine: 70-79 overall
- Dentistry: 70-75 overall
- Law: 65-70 overall
- Psychology: 65-72 overall
- Teaching: 65-79 overall (varies by state)
Technical Programs
- Engineering: 58-65 overall
- IT/Computer Science: 58-64 overall
- Architecture: 61-65 overall
- Science: 58-64 overall
Business Programs
- MBA: 65-70 overall
- Accounting: 65 overall
- Finance: 61-65 overall
- Marketing: 58-61 overall
Pathway Programs for Lower Scores
Don't meet direct entry requirements? These pathways can help:
Foundation Programs
Accept PTE 42-50 and prepare you for undergraduate study:
- Monash College: PTE 42
- UTS College: PTE 45
- Deakin College: PTE 45
Diploma Programs
Bridge to second year university with PTE 50-55:
- La Trobe College: PTE 50
- Griffith College: PTE 50
- South Australian Institute: PTE 50
English Language Programs (ELICOS)
For scores below 42:
- 10 weeks ELICOS: PTE 36 minimum
- 20 weeks ELICOS: PTE 30 minimum
Not sure if your current score is competitive? Check our guide on how to improve your PTE score for proven strategies to reach your target.
Application Process with PTE Scores
Here's how to apply efficiently:
- Check specific program requirements - Don't rely on general university minimums
- Send scores directly through Pearson - It's free and instant
- Apply to multiple universities - Requirements vary significantly
- Consider conditional offers - Some universities offer admission pending English improvement
- Submit early - Popular programs fill quickly
Important Changes for 2025
Recent updates affecting admissions:
- Score inflation: Many universities increased requirements by 5-7 points
- Band requirements: More programs now specify minimum band scores
- Validity period: Scores must be less than 2 years old at enrollment
- Online tests: No Australian university accepts PTE Academic Online
Strategic Tips for University Selection
Based on your PTE score:
Score 50-58: Target regional universities or pathway programsScore 58-65: Most undergraduate programs accessibleScore 65-72: Competitive for most postgraduate programsScore 72+: Eligible for all programs including medicine/law
Beyond meeting minimum requirements:
- Scores 5-10 points above minimum improve admission chances
- Strong academic records can offset borderline English scores
- Work experience helps for postgraduate applications
- Reference letters mentioning English proficiency add value
Still deciding between PTE and IELTS? Our detailed comparison of both tests helps you choose based on your strengths and timeline.
