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Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
Amit Taya (Perth): +61 426 488 909 | Harmandeep Kaur (Adelaide): +61 8 8120 4199
Completing an Australian qualification can lead to temporary work opportunities through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after course completion. English language evidence is one application requirement. So, understanding the PTE requirements for the 485 visa helps graduates select the correct test, plan the test date and check every score. The visa is not granted automatically after graduation. Applicants must meet the relevant stream, study, age and lodgement conditions. A qualifying qualification alone does not remove the need to prove English.
The blog covers the main rules, eligibility, documents, timing and costs, based on the Australian Government.
Applicants must take PTE Academic at a secure test centre and meet the overall score and all four component minimums. A high overall result cannot offset a low component score.
| PTE Academic component | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 55 |
| Listening | 40 |
| Reading | 42 |
| Writing | 41 |
| Speaking | 39 |
Tests taken on or after 7th August, 2025 must meet these points. An overall score of 60 will not qualify if Reading is below 42. The PTE score for the 485 visa needs to satisfy all the conditions.
The total points are not the only factor used to determine the PTE requirement for the 485 visa. It includes listening, reading, writing and speaking.
PTE Academic is the Pearson test specified for the subclass 485 visa in Australia. It is necessary to take the PTE exam at a proctored centre. At-home or fully online results are not accepted.
Also Read: Australia Graduate Visa 485 Processing Time Explained
The major update began on 7th August 2025, when LIN 25/089 replaced the 2024 instrument. Applicants should use this instrument and the Department’s stream pages for the English requirements for the 485 visa.
PTE Academic changed from 57 overall (Listening 43, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 42) to 55 overall (40, 42, 41 and 39). The updated list added CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and the Michigan English Test.
You must finish the test within twelve months before the date of your application. A qualifying score outside this window cannot meet the requirement.
Plan around the expected lodgement date and allow time for a retest. For example, an applicant applying on 15th December 2026 should generally use a qualifying test taken on or after 15th December 2025. The visa 485 English requirement includes this timing rule.
PTE is one accepted option. Other tests are recognised when their scores and test dates meet the rules for the applicant’s stream. The scores listed below are valid as of 7th August, 2025.
| Test | Overall score | Component minimums |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 55 | L 40, R 42, W 41, S 39 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 6.5 average | 5.5 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | L 12, R 12, W 14, S 17 |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 6 in each component |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | L 49, R 54, W 56, S 62 |
| Michigan English Test | 58 | L 53, R 51, W 51, S 43 |
| Occupational English Test | 1310 | L 260, R 280, W 260, S 310 |
IELTS General Training and Academic scores are accepted. The IELTS General or Academic for the 485 visa does not change the threshold: 6.5 average and 5.5 in each component. IELTS One Skill Retake and MET Single Section Retake are permitted under the relevant conditions.
Citizens with valid passports from English-speaking countries can use passport evidence instead of an English test. Before making a reservation, make sure you understand the English requirement for the 485 visa.
Also Read: Requirements For Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485
There are two primary pathways for the temporary graduate visa subclass 485. The qualification used for the Australian study requirement determines the stream.
| Stream | Qualification | Main condition | Usual stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Bachelor degree or higher | Eligible Australian degree | Usually 2-3 years, depending on qualification |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Associate degree, diploma or trade qualification | Related eligible occupation and skills assessment | Up to 18 months |
The temporary graduate visa 485 is temporary and does not grant permanent residence.
Applicants must usually complete an eligible qualification in Australia within the six months before applying. The study must include:
Eligible qualifications vary by stream. Check the Department’s study requirement page before applying.
The document checklist covers the 485 visa requirements PTE applicants need to meet, alongside identity, study and stream-specific evidence. Prepare clear copies before beginning the online application.
| Document | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Passport and identity documents | Identity and nationality |
| PTE Academic report or accepted English evidence | English requirement |
| Course completion letter and transcript | Qualification and completion date |
| AFP police check evidence | Character requirement |
| Health insurance evidence | Required health cover |
| Skills assessment evidence | Relevant Post-Vocational applicants |
The completion date and qualification should be confirmed in your completion letter. Include name-change evidence when relevant and translations for non-English documents. Follow the Department’s checklist for your stream. A migration expert can review unclear study dates or course eligibility.
Candidates must be in Australia at the time of lodgement and submit their application within six months after finishing the course. Use the completion date confirmed by the education provider, not the graduation ceremony date. Prepare the English results, police check, health insurance and stream evidence before lodging through ImmiAccount. The 485 PTE requirement is only one part of the application. Meeting this requirement does not guarantee visa approval.
Get in touch with a registered visa agent in Adelaide or another part of Australia to review documents. Make sure you are registered before paying for the assistance.
The main application fee is approximately AUD 5,750. Other expenses might include skills assessment, insurance, medical tests, and police clearance.
| Cost item | Budget for |
|---|---|
| Main applicant visa charge | AUD 5,750 |
| PTE Academic | Test provider’s booking fee |
| Medical examination | If required |
| Police certificate | Applicable certificate fee |
| Skills assessment | If required for the stream |
| Health insurance | Policy premium |
Charges for family members can be applicable. Before applying, you must also verify the amount on the Home Affairs page.
When it comes to finding the best migration agent in Adelaide, take a look at their registration, experience and service terms. No agent can guarantee a visa. You need to verify registration through the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Do you need an application review? Then, check your PTE report, qualifications and lodgement timeline before applying. A document review may identify missing evidence.
Also Read: Graduate Diploma Of Management Cancellation Under The Esos Act
The PTE requirements for the 485 visa include an overall score of 55 and minimum results in all four components. Applicants must also satisfy the test validity, study, age and stream rules. They must also check the official requirements before lodgement. Another thing is to make copies of the documents and review Home Affairs guidelines for last-minute verifications.
Arrange a review of your PTE report, visa stream and supporting documents with a registered migration professional.
The minimum PTE score for a 485 visa is 55 overall. The four components are Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41 and Speaking 39. All must be met in one result.
No, all four component minimums must be met by a single PTE Academic result. It is not possible to combine the outcomes of different attempts.
No. PTE Academic is the Pearson test accepted for the subclass 485 English requirement. It is not possible to utilise PTE Core since it is a different test. Verify the test name before making a reservation.
Yes, applicants may use another accepted English test or qualify for an exemption. Certain passport holders do not need to submit an English test result. Check the Department of Home Affairs rules for your stream before lodging.
The requirement is 55 overall, with minimum scores of 40 in Listening, 42 in Reading, 41 in Writing and 39 in Speaking. Check your graduate visa PTE score against every threshold and the 12-month validity period.
No, Graduates who meet the requirements can temporarily reside, work, and study in Australia with the Temporary Graduate visa. Permanent residency is not granted by it. Those who want to remain permanently must be eligible for a different type of visa.
