PTE "65 in each" vs "79 in each": what the 2025 rule change actually did
For years, Australian migrants memorised two magic numbers — 65 in each for Proficient English and 79 in each for Superior. Since 7 August 2025 those single-number shortcuts are officially out of date: the Department of Home Affairs now sets a different minimum for each of the four sections. Here's what changed and the numbers you actually need.
Is "79 in each" still valid?
Not as the official rule. "79 in each" was shorthand for the old Superior English standard. Since 7 August 2025, Superior is defined per section as Listening 69 / Reading 70 / Writing 85 / Speaking 88. Because Writing and Speaking now sit above 79, scoring exactly 79 in every section no longer reaches Superior — it lands you at Proficient. The single-number habit still helps you set a target, but it is no longer the requirement on paper.
The requirement moved from "one number, four times" to "four numbers, one test."
Under the old framework, each English level used a flat score you had to hit in all four communicative skills: Competent = 50 each, Proficient = 65 each, Superior = 79 each. That is why "65 in each" and "79 in each" became the phrases everyone used. From 7 August 2025 the Department replaced those flat numbers with section-specific thresholds, and Writing and Speaking now demand higher scores than Listening and Reading.
The full per-section thresholds (since 7 Aug 2025)
These are the current PTE Academic minimums for each English level. Every section must reach the threshold in a single test sitting.
English level
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
PR points
Competent (entry minimum)
47
48
51
54
+0
Proficient
58
59
69
76
+10
Superior
69
70
85
88
+20
PTE scores run on a 10–90 scale. Notice how uneven the top level is: Superior Reading is only 70, but Superior Speaking is 88. That spread is the whole point of the change — a strong overall score can no longer paper over one weak skill.
Not personalised advice. These are published score facts, not eligibility guidance. Whether a given visa or points total suits your situation is a matter for a registered migration agent (MARA) and the official Department of Home Affairs website. We can't tell you which visa to apply for or whether you'll be invited.
Why the old shorthand now misleads you
The trap: the same score that used to clear a level may now fall one tier short.
Apply the new thresholds to the two famous numbers and the shift becomes obvious:
"79 in each" today — Listening 79 ≥ 69 ✓, Reading 79 ≥ 70 ✓, but Writing 79 < 85 ✗ and Speaking 79 < 88 ✗. Result: Proficient (+10), not Superior. The old Superior shortcut no longer reaches Superior.
"65 in each" today — Listening 65 ≥ 58 ✓, Reading 65 ≥ 59 ✓, but Writing 65 < 69 ✗ and Speaking 65 < 76 ✗. Result: Competent (+0), not Proficient. The old Proficient shortcut now only clears the entry minimum.
So both classic phrases have effectively slid down a tier for the two hardest sections. If you're still aiming at "65 each" hoping for 10 points, or "79 each" hoping for 20, you may be planning to the wrong target. Use the points calculator to see which level your section scores actually claim.
Old shorthand vs the real 2025+ requirement
What people say
Level it used to mean
What it actually reaches now
"50 in each"
Competent (+0)
Clears Competent comfortably (47/48/51/54)
"65 in each"
Proficient (+10)
Competent only — Writing & Speaking fall short
"79 in each"
Superior (+20)
Proficient — Writing needs 85, Speaking needs 88
"90 in each"
(not a standard)
Clears Superior easily, but far beyond what's required
The honest takeaway: chasing a single round number either wastes effort (aiming at 90 across the board) or quietly under-shoots (assuming 65 or 79 still buys the old tier). Target the specific Writing and Speaking numbers, since those are where almost everyone loses the points.
What this means for your prep
Your lowest section decides your level — so protect the weakest skill.
Because every section must independently clear the bar in one test, your lowest score sets your English level. Three Superior sections plus one Proficient section equals Proficient overall — you don't get partial credit. Two practical consequences:
Writing and Speaking are the gatekeepers. For Superior they need 85 and 88 — the toughest numbers on the whole table. If you're pushing for +20 points, that's where your study time should concentrate. Our speaking low-score fix guide covers the common culprits (fluency, pronunciation, content).
Balance beats a lopsided overall. An 82 overall with a 74 in Speaking claims less than a balanced profile that clears every Proficient threshold. Practise across all four skills rather than over-polishing your strongest one.
The highest-return tasks are the ones that feed two sections at once (like Repeat Sentence, Write From Dictation and Summarize Spoken Text) — see the full task breakdown. For the migration-points picture, read PTE score for Australia PR and how to get 20 points.
Two more things that changed on 7 Aug 2025
The per-section move wasn't the only update relevant to Australian applicants:
The at-home / online PTE is no longer accepted for Australian visa purposes. You must sit PTE Academic at an approved test centre.
Validity is three years for Australian visa purposes — plan your test date so your result is still current when you lodge.
Is 79 in each still the Superior English requirement for Australia?
No. "79 in each" was the old flat Superior standard. Since 7 August 2025 Superior is defined per section as Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88. Scoring 79 in every section clears Listening and Reading but falls short in Writing and Speaking, so it now reaches Proficient (+10 points), not Superior (+20).
What does 65 in each get me now?
Under the current per-section rules, 65 in every section only reaches Competent English (+0 points), because Proficient now requires Writing 69 and Speaking 76. "65 in each" used to mean Proficient under the old flat system, but that shorthand no longer holds.
What are the current per-section PTE minimums for Australia PR?
Competent English is Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54 (+0 points). Proficient is 58/59/69/76 (+10 points). Superior is 69/70/85/88 (+20 points). Every section must reach its threshold in the same test sitting.
Why did Australia move away from a single number like 65 or 79?
From 7 August 2025 the Department of Home Affairs adopted section-specific thresholds so that a strong overall score can no longer mask one weak skill. Writing and Speaking now require higher scores than Listening and Reading, which reflects the skills more directly.
Does my overall PTE score matter for PR points?
No. For Australian PR points the Department looks only at your four individual section scores, not your overall result. Your lowest section determines your English level, so a high overall does not help if one skill is below the threshold.
Do I still need to hit all four thresholds in one test?
Yes. All four sections must reach the required level within a single test sitting — you cannot combine your best section scores across different tests. This is why balanced preparation across all four skills matters.
Target the right number in every section
Practise all four PTE skills with instant AI scoring so you can see exactly which section is holding your English level back — no sign-up needed.
The PTE Master is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson. "PTE Academic" is a trademark of its owner. Information is provided in good faith and can change — always confirm current details with the official source. Last updated: 24 July 2026.