Conversion Table (2025 update) based on the latest Pearson–IELTS alignment

Conversion Table (2025 update) based on the latest Pearson–IELTS alignment used by universities, immigration authorities (Australia, UK, Canada, etc.), and test providers.

PTE Academic Score vs IELTS Band Score (2025 Official Comparison Table)

IELTS Band	Equivalent PTE Academic Score Range	English Proficiency Level	Description / Skill Level
9.0	89 – 90	Expert	Fully operational command of English: fluent, accurate, and appropriate.
8.5	84 – 88	Very Good	Handles complex and detailed argumentation well; occasional unsystematic errors.
8.0	79 – 83	Very Good	Effective command of language with only occasional inaccuracies.
7.5	73 – 78	Good	Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
7.0	65 – 72	Good	Has operational command of English; occasional inaccuracies or misunderstandings.
6.5	58 – 64	Competent	Generally effective command; can use and understand fairly complex language.
6.0	50 – 57	Competent	Fair command of English despite some errors and inappropriate usage.
5.5	42 – 49	Modest	Partial command; copes with overall meaning but frequent mistakes.
5.0	36 – 41	Modest	Basic communication possible in familiar situations.
4.5	29 – 35	Limited	Basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
4.0	23 – 28	Limited	Frequent breakdowns in communication; difficulty understanding complex text.
3.5	17 – 22	Extremely Limited	Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
3.0 and below	10 – 16	Very Limited	Minimal ability to use the language beyond isolated words or phrases.

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Quick Reference: Score Bands for Major Requirements (2025)

Purpose / Requirement	IELTS Band	PTE Academic Score
Study in UK (Undergraduate)	6.0 overall	50 – 57
Study in UK (Postgraduate)	6.5 overall	58 – 64
Study in Australia / Canada (Masters)	7.0	65 – 72
Nursing / Medical Registration (UK, AUS, NZ)	7.0 – 7.5	65 – 78
Skilled Migration (Australia PR)	Minimum 7.0 each	65+ each
Superior English (Australia PR 20 points)	IELTS 8.0	PTE 79+
Professional English (Work Visa)	IELTS 6.0	PTE 50+

 

In addition,

PTE Academic ↔ IELTS ↔ CEFR Comparison Chart (2025 Updated)

CEFR Level	IELTS Band Range	PTE Academic Score Range	Skill Description (CEFR Meaning)	Practical Example / Use Case
C2 – Mastery (Expert)	8.5 – 9.0	84 – 90	Fully operational command of English: accurate, fluent, sophisticated control.	Academic research, medical registration, PhD programs, top-tier universities (Oxford, Cambridge, MIT).
C1 – Advanced (Very Good)	7.5 – 8.0	73 – 83	Can handle complex argumentation; fluent, flexible, well-organized speech/writing.	Postgraduate studies, skilled migration, professional employment.
B2 – Upper Intermediate (Good/Competent)	6.0 – 7.0	50 – 72	Effective command of English; can communicate with confidence despite errors.	Undergraduate programs, work visas, daily professional communication.
B1 – Intermediate (Modest)	4.5 – 5.5	29 – 49	Understands main points in familiar topics; may make frequent mistakes.	Foundation courses, vocational training, basic work or travel English.
A2 – Elementary (Limited)	3.5 – 4.0	17 – 28	Communicates simple ideas; struggles with complex grammar and vocabulary.	Pre-sessional English programs or beginner courses.
A1 – Beginner (Very Limited)	3.0 and below	10 – 16	Minimal ability to use English; understands basic words or phrases.	Needs basic English learning before academic/work study.

 

Quick Equivalence Summary

IELTS Band	PTE Score	CEFR Level
9.0	89–90	C2
8.5	84–88	C2
8.0	79–83	C1
7.5	73–78	C1
7.0	65–72	B2
6.5	58–64	B2
6.0	50–57	B2
5.5	42–49	B1
5.0	36–41	B1
4.5	29–35	B1/A2
4.0	23–28	A2
3.5	17–22	A2/A1
3.0 or below	10–16	A1

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How to Use This Chart

When applying for university admission, check the CEFR or IELTS level required — then match your target PTE score.
 For visa or PR purposes, check the IELTS band listed (like 7.0 for “proficient”) and use the equivalent PTE score (≈65–72).
Helps plan your PTE goal clearly:

• Study Abroad (Bachelor): 50–57 (IELTS 6.0 / B2)
• Master’s / PR: 65–79 (IELTS 7.0–8.0 / B2–C1)
• Nursing / Healthcare Registration: 79+ (IELTS 8.0+ / C1–C2)