TL;DR:

• This blog is designed for candidates planning to take the PTE Academic exam in 2025, especially those aiming to study in Australia, apply for permanent residency (PR), or pursue international opportunities. It provides a comprehensive guide on PTE exam fees, result timelines, validity, and exemptions.

• The PTE Academic exam can be completed in 2 to 3 hours 15 minutes depending on the number of questions. Candidates can access mock tests, practice materials, and free online PTE coaching to improve their scores.

• The standard PTE Academic test fee is AUD $445, with additional charges for rescheduling (25%) or cancellation (50% refund if done 7+ days before the test).

• PTE results are available within 2 to 48 hours, with many candidates receiving them in just 2 hours. PTE validity is 2 years for general purposes and 3 years for Australian PR applications.

• The minimum PTE score for Australian PR is 65 (Competent English), while a spouse visa requires 30. PTE General is not accepted for PR. Exemptions apply for applicants meeting certain citizenship, education, or English proficiency criteria.

Know more about PTE Academic exam costs and score validity:

• PTE Academic minimum score for PR

• How Much PTE Score Required for Canada

• PTE vs IELTS: Which Test is Better?

PTE Exam Fees & Validity for Australia (2025 Updated Guide)

Are you planning to take the PTE Academic exam in 2025? Whether your goal is to study in Australia, apply for permanent residency (PR), or pursue international opportunities, understanding the latest exam fees, result timelines, and score validity is essential.

With the PTE being a fast, reliable, and computer-based English proficiency test, it’s crucial to plan ahead to maximize your chances of success. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PTE exam costs in Australia, how long results take, and how long your scores remain valid, so you can make informed decisions and avoid last-minute surprises.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap for PTE preparation, result management, and visa eligibility, ensuring your journey toward studying or settling in Australia is smooth and stress-free.

PTE Exam Duration (2025)

The PTE Academic exam can be completed in as little as two hours without a break. The test will be over in about 2 hours if a PTE candidate receives the fewest questions on each test topic.

The PTE test may take up to 3 hours and 15 minutes if a candidate receives the highest number of questions on each test topic.

Visit our website to learn tips and methods for acing the PTE Academic test, take a PTE online mock test that is scored, and practise with authentic PTE practice materials on our PTE practise platform.

You can also schedule a online PTE coaching  session with one of our Melbourne-based expert PTE trainers to boost your chances of achieving a high score.

PTE Exam Fees in Australia (2025 Update)

As of 2025, the PTE Academic exam fee in Australia is AUD $445 (including GST). This fee covers your standard test registration and sending scores to institutions.

Here’s a detailed overview of the PTE cost structure:

Type	Details	Fee
PTE Academic Test Fee	Standard test registration	AUD $445
Rescheduling Fee	If rescheduled more than 7 days before the test	25% of test fee
Cancellation Fee	If cancelled 7+ days before the test	50% refund

How Long Does PTE Result Take?

One of the major advantages of the PTE Academic exam is its rapid result processing, making it an ideal choice for candidates applying for Australian PR, study visas, or university admissions.

Most test-takers receive their PTE results within 2 to 48 hours after completing the exam. In many cases, especially at Pearson-owned test centres, results are available in as little as 2 hours, allowing you to plan your next steps quickly and efficiently.

Your PTE result will be emailed to you once it is ready, and you can conveniently access it through your Pearson account.

PTE Validity for Visas — Country & Visa-Wise Rules

Understanding PTE validity for Australia PR, student visas, and partner visas is essential before planning your application. While the general PTE validity period is 2 years, immigration programs may refer to scores differently depending on the visa type.

Below is a clear breakdown of PTE score validity for Australian visas:

Visa Validity Table

Visa Type	PTE Validity	Rule
Student Visa (Australia)	2 years	PTE score must be valid on the application date
Skilled PR — 189 / 190 / 491	3 years	PTE result must be valid at the time of receiving the EOI invitation
485 Graduate Visa	1 year	Recent English language proof required for visa lodgement
Partner Visa	2 years	Minimum PTE score 30 required

What is the PTE Academic’s Validity Period?

When it comes to PTE validity, PTE Academic test results are valid for up to two years after the test date. The PTE score automatically disappears from the website once two years have passed, making it invisible. Additionally, it is valid so long as no visa prohibits it.

The PTE score automatically disappears from the website once two years have passed, making it invisible. Additionally, it is valid so long as no visa prohibits it.

Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are countries where PTE results are frequently valid. Specifically, PTE validity for Australia differs slightly, as the PTE Academic Score record is accepted for three years for Australian immigration purposes.

Despite the fact that your real PTE score record only shows a validity period of two years, the PTE Academic Score record is valid for three years for Australian PR purposes. We are aware of the confusion.

However, things are exactly as they are.

The PTE Academic internal operations team has been preparing a solution to extend the PTE exam validity period during which test takers can review and allocate their scores.

PTE Academic exam-takers can now access and assign their test results up to three years after the test date.

The Department may get in touch with PTE Academic’s support staff if a test taker took their exam more than two years ago and requests that the result get manually confirmed.

In conclusion, if you’re submitting an application for Australian immigration, your PTE score report has a PTE validity for Australia of 3 years. If it just appears on the score report for the last two years, don’t worry—it is still accepted for immigration purposes.

The minimum PTE score required for Australia PR in 2020 is 65, and achieving a score lower than this threshold may pose challenges in obtaining a PR visa.

A PTE score of 50 across all levels is considered competent in English.

PTE General is not allowed for seeking Australian permanent residence; instead, applicants must take the PTE Academic exam.

For a spouse applying for an Australian PR visa, a PTE Academic score of 30 is deemed sufficient. Alternatively, a 4.5 IELTS score in either IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic is also accepted.

For the Temporary Graduate Visa, PTE scores are not mandatory; candidates should refer to the specific requirements outlined for this visa category.

When deciding between PTE and IELTS for Australia, it’s important to note that IELTS General Training is suitable for non-academic purposes and is applicable for PR in Australia.

For studying in Australia, candidates need to take the IELTS Academic test. PTE Academic is recognised in Australia for a variety of visas, including study permits.

The candidates’ decisions and preferences will determine which exam they take—the PTE or the IELTS.

PTE Validity for Australian Immigration (PR & Study)

If you’re planning to use your PTE Academic exam scores for Australian immigration or PR, it’s important to understand the validity rules, which differ based on the type of visa.

• For Australian PR visas: Your PTE scores are valid for 3 years from the test date.
• For Student visas: The PTE validity remains 2 years from the test date.

Even if your official PTE score report only shows a 2-year period, Australian immigration authorities accept your scores for up to 3 years when applying for PR.

Example: If you took your PTE Academic exam in June 2022, you can use your score for PR applications until June 2025.

PTE Validity for Visas — Country & Visa-Wise Rules

Understanding PTE validity for Australia PR, student visas, and partner visas is essential before planning your application. While the general PTE validity period is 2 years, immigration programs may refer to scores differently depending on the visa type.

Below is a clear breakdown of PTE score validity for Australian visas:

Visa Validity Table

Visa Type	PTE Validity	Rule
Student Visa (Australia)	2 years	PTE score must be valid on the application date
Skilled PR — 189 / 190 / 491	3 years	PTE result must be valid at the time of receiving the EOI invitation
485 Graduate Visa	1 year	Recent English language proof required for visa lodgement
Partner Visa	2 years	Minimum PTE score 30 required

PTE Validity for Australian Immigration (PR & Study)

If you’re planning to use your PTE Academic exam scores for Australian immigration or PR, it’s important to understand the validity rules, which differ based on the type of visa.

• For Australian PR visas: Your PTE scores are valid for 3 years from the test date.
• For Student visas: The PTE validity remains 2 years from the test date.

Even if your official PTE score report only shows a 2-year period, Australian immigration authorities accept your scores for up to 3 years when applying for PR.

Example: If you took your PTE Academic exam in June 2022, you can use your score for PR applications until June 2025.

Minimum PTE Score Required for Australian PR (2025)

If you’re applying for Australian Permanent Residency (PR), it’s important to know the minimum PTE scores required to meet eligibility:

• 65 – Competent English: Minimum score for PR eligibility.
• 79 – Superior English: For applicants seeking higher migration points.
• 50 – Basic Competency: Considered competent in English for general purposes.

For spouse visa applicants, a PTE Academic score of 30 is sufficient.

Important: PTE General is not accepted for Australian PR applications. All applicants must take the PTE Academic exam to meet PR English language requirements.

Understanding these PTE for PR score requirements ensures you aim for the right target and plan your test preparation accordingly.

Educational Exemptions

Applicants may also be exempt if they meet one of the following education-related criteria:

• Completion of all primary school years and at least three secondary school years, either in Australia or overseas, with instruction in English.
• Completion of English-taught secondary education for a minimum of five years, inside or outside Australia.
• Completion of at least one year of full-time, English-taught study at an Australian institution to obtain a formal award.
• Completion of the part-time equivalent of one full year of study towards an award at an Australian university, with instruction provided in English on a reduced timetable.

 Note: Candidates meeting any of the above criteria are not required to take the PTE Academic exam. Their PTE validity for PR is not applicable since they are exempt, but all other requirements for Australian immigration still apply.

Important Immigration Rules for PTE Validity

When applying for visas, especially for Australia PR and student pathways, it’s essential to understand how PTE validity for immigration works. Immigration authorities evaluate your score based on specific visa rules, not just the general PTE validity period.

Key rules you must follow:

• Your PTE score must be valid on the date you lodge the visa application
• For skilled migration visas, the PTE score must be valid within the 3 years before the EOI invitation date — this is the extended PTE validity for Australia PR process
• Online (at-home) PTE test is not accepted for visa or immigration purposes — only test-center exams are eligible
• Even after the 2-year portal validity expires, manual verification is possible for PR cases, allowing records to be checked up to 3 years for immigration assessment

This means that while the general PTE score validity is 2 years, Australian immigration often applies a 3-year reference rule in skilled visa cases.

FAQs about PTE Exam Fees & Validity (2025)

1.What is the PTE exam fee in Australia?

The PTE Academic exam fee in Australia is AUD $445, inclusive of taxes. This covers your test registration and sending scores to institutions.

2.How long is the PTE valid for?

PTE scores are valid for 2 years from the test date for general purposes like study or academic applications.

3.How long is the PTE valid for Australian immigration?

For Australian PR applications, PTE validity extends to 3 years from the test date, even if your score report shows only 2 years.

4.How long does it take to get PTE results?

PTE results are usually available within 2 to 48 hours after completing the test. Many candidates receive their results in as little as 2 hours when testing at Pearson-owned centres.

5.Can I take PTE Academic for Australian PR?

Yes. The PTE Academic exam is accepted for all major Australian visa subclasses, including PR and student visas.

6.Does PTE expire for PR after 2 or 3 years?

PTE scores are officially valid for 2 years. However, for Australia PR, immigration officers may verify results up to 3 years from the test date for skilled visa invitations. This is why you’ll often see migrants referring to a 2-year validity + 1-year buffer rule.

7.Is online PTE accepted for PR?

No. Online PTE (at-home test) is not accepted for PR or any immigration visa. Only PTE taken at an authorized test center is valid for visa applications and immigration purposes.

8.What is the PTE validity for subclass 485 (Graduate Visa)?

For the subclass 485 Graduate Visa, the PTE score should be recent, generally within 1 year of the visa lodgment date. This visa category has stricter English-proof recency requirements compared to PR pathways.

9.When does PTE validity start test date or result date?

PTE validity starts from the test date, not the result date. Your 2-year validity countdown begins on the day you took the PTE exam.

10.Is PTE valid for UK visas and universities?

Yes, PTE Academic is valid for UK universities and certain UK visa categories. If you are applying for higher education in the UK or a work/study visa, you can use PTE scores. Just ensure the test centre and exam format meet the UKVI-approved requirements, as PTE test UK rules may differ slightly.

 

With the help of this useful tutorial, discover efficient methods for improving your PTE Reading section skills.

Discover insights into question types, bolster your familiarity with various formats, and refine time management for optimal test performance.

Understand Question Types

Gain insight into the diverse question types within the PTE Reading section to fortify your preparation. Familiarise yourself with the expected difficulties so that you may confidently face the test.

Key Aspects

1. Master the structure of each question type.
2. Comprehend the specific skills evaluated by each question.
3. Familiarize yourself with the instructions accompanying each question variant.

Consistent Practice Regimens

Consistency is the linchpin of your PTE Reading readiness. Regular practice sessions serve as a linchpin, accelerating your reading speed, enhancing comprehension skills, and elevating your overall test proficiency.

Key Components

1. Establish a regular practice schedule.
2. Leverage official PTE practice materials.
3. Evaluate and glean insights from each practice session.

Time Management Tactics

Efficient time management is pivotal in navigating the PTE Reading section. Develop strategies to judiciously allocate time to each question, avoiding undue focus on any single item.

Key Strategies

1. Engage in practice sessions with strict time constraints.
2. Hone the ability to swiftly identify crucial information.
3. Formulate a systematic approach to address questions within predefined time limits.

Reflect and Receive Feedback

Regularly assess your performance, pinpoint areas for enhancement, and incorporate feedback to refine your preparation and approach.

Key Elements

1. Identify recurring errors and potential improvements.
2. Solicit feedback from instructors or educational platforms.
3. Adjust your study methodologies based on constructive feedback.

Conclusion

Embark on a methodical journey to prepare for the PTE Reading section, emphasizing comprehension of question types, consistent practice, adept time management, and a continuous enhancement loop through regular reviews and constructive feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best way to practice for the PTE Reading section?
The best way to practice for PTE Reading is to understand all question types thoroughly, follow a consistent daily practice routine, and regularly review your mistakes to improve accuracy, speed, and comprehension.

2. How important is time management in the PTE Reading test?
Time management is extremely important in the PTE Reading section, as candidates must answer multiple question types within a limited timeframe. Practicing under timed conditions helps you allocate time wisely and avoid spending too long on a single question.

3. How can I improve reading speed and comprehension for PTE?
You can improve reading speed and comprehension by practicing skimming and scanning techniques, reading a variety of English texts daily, and focusing on identifying key information rather than reading every word.

4. Should I practice PTE Reading questions daily?
Yes, consistent daily practice is essential for PTE Reading preparation. Regular practice helps build familiarity with question formats, strengthens vocabulary, and improves overall confidence and performance in the exam.

5. How does feedback help in improving PTE Reading scores?
Feedback helps identify recurring mistakes, weak areas, and ineffective strategies. Reviewing feedback from instructors or AI-based platforms allows you to adjust your study approach and steadily improve your PTE Reading score.