Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores for Australia Study Visa from Nepal

Australian student visa applications require a minimum score of 6.0 overall in IELTS or 50 overall in PTE Academic. These scores demonstrate your ability to study in an English-speaking environment, and are accepted by both Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs.

The exact score you need depends on your level of study, chosen university, and type of course. Competitive or professional programs often have stricter English requirements to ensure students can meet academic and communication standards.

This guide explains the minimum IELTS and PTE Academic scores required for Australian student visas across Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and professional programs. Use this information to prepare your visa application accurately and improve your admission chances.

What Is the Minimum IELTS Score for an Australian Student Visa?

The minimum IELTS score for an Australian student visa is 6.0 overall, with no individual band lower than 6.0 for most undergraduate programs. However, many Australian universities set higher requirements based on the course level, subject area, and institution ranking.

• Regional universities may accept 6.0 overall.
• Group of Eight (Go8) universities like the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, or ANU require 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• Postgraduate programs typically require 6.5 to 7.0 overall.
• Professional programs such as Nursing, Law, Engineering, or Medicine may require 7.0 overall, with no band below 7.0, to meet academic and industry standards.

Meeting the English requirement is essential not only for university admission but also for visa approval. Since 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs requires a minimum of 6.0 in each IELTS skill. It was previously 5.5.

Minimum IELTS Score Breakdown by Skill

For an Australian student visa, you must meet minimum band scores in all four IELTS skills, not just the overall score. Most universities typically require at least:

Note: Individual universities or courses, especially in competitive fields, may need higher scores for one or more sections. Always refer to the exact requirements listed in your offer letter.

IELTS Score Requirements by Level of Study

In Australia, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall may be enough for a Bachelor’s degree, but a Master’s or PhD program may demand higher scores. Likewise, professional and highly regulated fields like Nursing often require the highest scores.

What IELTS score is required for a Bachelor’s degree in Australia?

An IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5 is required for a Bachelor’s degree in Australia. Some foundation or diploma programs may accept 6.0, but direct entry into Bachelor’s degrees generally requires 6.5. A higher IELTS score increases your chances of getting into highly ranked universities.

What IELTS score is required for a Master’s degree in Australia?

An IELTS score of overall 6.5 with no band less than 6 is required for a Master’s degree in Australia. Competitive courses like Business, Engineering, Law, or Public Health may require 7.0 or higher, especially at top-ranked universities. Meeting only the minimum may not be enough for high-demand programs.

What IELTS score is required for a PhD in Australia?

For doctoral programs, Australian universities require an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0 overall, with strong writing skills being essential.

Research-based programs place extra emphasis on academic writing and reading, so higher scores in those components may be expected even if the overall requirement is met.

What IELTS score is required for nursing in Australia?

To study Nursing programs in Australia, you need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 7.0. This is mandated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to ensure that nursing students can communicate effectively in clinical settings.

What is the minimum PTE score for Australia?

To meet the student visa English requirement, international students must now achieve a minimum overall score of 50 in the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). On 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced updated minimum score thresholds for each communicative skill:

Competitive universities and specific courses often ask for higher scores, especially at postgraduate or professional levels.

PTE Score Requirements by Level of Study

English language requirements vary by level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD). Requirements also differ based on the subject of study, with Nursing being a popular choice of study for Nepalese students.

These scores reflect both visa eligibility and common university entry standards. Higher scores may be needed for top-ranked institutions or regulated fields.

What PTE score is required for a Bachelor’s degree in Australia?

For most undergraduate programs, Australian universities require a PTE Academic score between 50 and 58 overall, with no communicative skill below 47 (Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54).

Some diploma or foundation programs may accept the lower end of this range, but competitive degrees require 60 or above.

What PTE score is required for a Master’s degree in Australia?

Australian Master’s programs usually expect 58 to 65 overall in PTE Academic. In more competitive fields such as Business, Engineering, Law, or IT, universities may set higher cut-offs of 65+ overall. Aspiring students should aim beyond the minimum to strengthen their chances of admission.

What PTE score is required for a PhD in Australia?

Doctoral programs typically require a PTE Academic score of 65 to 70 overall, with particular emphasis on Writing due to the research-intensive nature of a PhD. Some universities may also look for higher scores in Speaking for candidates in teaching or presentation-heavy roles.

What PTE score is required for nursing in Australia?

To enroll in a nursing program in Australia, students must meet the standards set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): 65 overall, with no communicative skill below 65.

These strict requirements ensure healthcare professionals can communicate safely and effectively in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores by Study Level

These tables summarise the minimum English language scores required for both IELTS and PTE Academic to study in Australia and gain entry into higher education programs. Actual university requirements may be higher.

Minimum IELTS Scores for Australia Study Visa:

Minimum PTE Academic Scores for Australia Study Visa:

Important Points to Remember

Does a good IELTS or PTE Score Guarantee an Australian Student Visa?

A high IELTS or PTE score does not guarantee a student visa in Australia, as English language proficiency is only one part of the application. The Department of Home Affairs also assesses your financial capacity, academic background, and whether you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.

Even if you meet the English requirement, your visa may be refused if your documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or fail to meet immigration standards.

Achieving the minimum score is only the first step. A higher IELTS or PTE score makes your application stronger and improves your visa credibility. Working with a trusted educational consultancy can also improve your documentation and support your visa success.