Getting into an Australian university is hard enough. Working out exactly what PTE score you need  and whether the August 2025 rule changes affect your application adds another layer of confusion.

Here is the straightforward answer: the August 2025 Department of Home Affairs update mainly affects the skilled migration points system. But if you are applying for a student visa and planning your path toward permanent residency, those changes will eventually catch up with you. This blog covers what the student visa requires, what your university needs, and what you should be thinking about now.

For the full picture on August 2025 changes across all visa types, the PTE Score Changes August 2025 guide is the right starting point.

What PTE Score Does the Student Visa Actually Require?

Subclass 500 (Student Visa) does not use the Competent, Proficient, or Superior framework that skilled migration does. The English requirements for student visas are set by the individual education provider your university, TAFE, or college and confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs for the visa itself.

Most universities accepting students through the standard pathway require a PTE Academic score of between 42 and 58 overall, depending on the course level and institution. The Department of Home Affairs student visa page confirms that a minimum level of English is required, but defers the exact scores to individual institutions.

For a breakdown of what specific universities require, the Australian Universities PTE Requirements guide covers major institutions across the country.

How August 2025 Changes Affect Student Visa Applicants

The August 2025 update introduced new tests CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test  and updated PTE Academic score thresholds for Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels.

For the student visa itself, the direct impact is limited. But here is where it gets more complicated: each university now has to decide whether they will accept the new PTE scoring benchmarks or continue using the older ones. That decision varies by institution.

Before you sit your PTE test or before you apply contact your university directly and ask which version of the PTE score chart they are using. Do not assume. The difference between the old and new thresholds is small, but if you are sitting near the minimum, it matters.

PTE Academic vs Other Tests for Student Visa

IELTS Academic remains the most widely accepted test for student visas in Australia. Most universities publish their IELTS requirements clearly: typically 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 to 6.0 depending on the course.

PTE Academic is fully accepted as an alternative at almost all institutions. Many students prefer it because results are returned within 48 hours and the test is fully computer-based, which removes the stress of face-to-face speaking assessments.

LanguageCert Academic is also now accepted for visa purposes, though you should confirm directly with your university whether they accept it for their own admission requirements. For a full overview of how LanguageCert works, read the LanguageCert Exam: Complete Guide for Australian Immigration.

If you are choosing between PTE and IELTS, the PTE vs IELTS for Australia Immigration guide walks through which format suits different candidate profiles.

Thinking Beyond the Student Visa: PTE and Your PR Pathway

Here is something most students do not plan for early enough. The English score you carry into your post-study visa applications matters a lot.

If you complete a degree in Australia and apply for the subclass 485 Graduate visa, you will need Competent English. That means Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, and Speaking 54 on PTE Academic using the new benchmarks if your test was taken on or after 7 August 2025.

But if you then want to apply for skilled migration subclass 189, 190, or 491 your English level becomes a points factor. Proficient English adds 10 points, Superior adds 20. In a system where most successful applicants have 85 to 95+ points, not optimising your English score is leaving points on the table.

The Student to PR pathway and the Australia PR Points Calculator can help you map out what you need at each stage.

It is genuinely worth sitting a stronger PTE test while you are still in study mode, with preparation fresh in your mind, rather than needing to retake it years later under application pressure.

GTE and Why English Is Only Part of the Picture

The student visa also involves a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment. Home Affairs will look at your personal circumstances, ties to your home country, and whether your study plans are credible.

Strong English scores help your overall application. But a high PTE result will not fix a weak GTE statement. Both need attention.

For practical preparation strategies across all PTE components, read How to Improve Your PTE Score for Australian Visa Success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What PTE score is needed for a student visa in Australia in 2026?A: There is no single fixed score it depends on your university and course. Most institutions require between PTE 42 and 58 overall. Confirm with your institution directly and check the Australian Universities PTE Requirements guide.

Q: Do the August 2025 PTE changes affect my student visa application?A: Not directly for the visa itself. But your university may update their score requirements to reflect the new benchmarks. Confirm with your institution before testing.

Q: Can I use LanguageCert instead of PTE for my student visa?A: LanguageCert Academic is approved for Australian visa purposes from August 2025. Whether your university accepts it for admission is a separate question check with them directly.

Q: What PTE score do I need for the 485 Graduate visa?A: Competent English is required. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, that means PTE scores of Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54 individually. Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.