Singapore passport holders aren’t exempt from the English test for Australian skilled visas. Only UK, US, Canadian, New Zealand and Irish passport holders are. To apply for the 189, 190 or 491 visas you need at least competent English. For PTE tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, that’s Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51 and Speaking 54. Higher scores earn 10 or 20 extra points, and for many Singapore-based applicants those points decide whether an invitation comes.
Many skilled applicants apply for Australian PR from Singapore: citizens, permanent residents and professionals from across Asia who’ve built careers there. Most have excellent working English. It’s easy to assume the English test is a formality. It usually isn’t, and the 2025 PTE changes made the top scores harder to reach.
Do Singaporeans need an English test for Australian PR?
Yes, for points-tested skilled visas. Home Affairs exempts citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland who hold a valid passport from those countries (Home Affairs, competent English). Singapore isn’t on that list.
That surprises many Singaporeans. English is an official language at home and the main language of education and work. But for Australian visa purposes, the rule is based on passport, not on how you learned English.
And even if you could meet the minimum another way, you’d still want a test result, because the extra points only come from a test score.
PTE scores and points for Australian PR
| English level | Points | PTE, tests on or after 7 Aug 2025 | PTE, tests on or before 6 Aug 2025 | IELTS (each band) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 (but required) | L 47, R 48, W 51, S 54 | 50 each | 6 |
| Proficient | 10 | L 58, R 59, W 69, S 76 | 65 each | 7 |
| Superior | 20 | L 69, R 70, W 85, S 88 | 79 each | 8 |
Sources: Home Affairs pages for competent, proficient and superior English, and Pearson’s summary of the DHA score changes.
If you’ve read “PTE 65 for proficient” or “PTE 79 for superior” in older guides, those numbers only apply to tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. For any test you book today, it’s the per-skill thresholds in the middle column.
For a full breakdown of how English points fit the points test, read our guide to English points for the 189, 190 and 491 visas.
Why PTE is popular with Singapore-based applicants
PTE is often the first choice for applicants in Singapore, for practical reasons.
- Test centres in Singapore. You can sit PTE Academic locally before you move, and the result counts the same for Australian visas.
- Fast results. Typically within about two days, which helps when you’re timing an Expression of Interest.
- Computer-based. It suits professionals who type all day and are used to screen-based work.
- Predictable format. Busy professionals can prepare efficiently around full-time work.
But PTE isn’t automatically the better test. Since August 2025, superior English in PTE needs Speaking 88 and Writing 85. For some fluent speakers, IELTS 8 in each band is a more realistic route to 20 points. For others, PTE’s speed and format still win. Our complete PTE Academic guide and IELTS preparation guide compare them in detail.
Where Singapore-based candidates tend to lose points
Singaporean candidates usually have strong vocabulary and reading. The points we see lost tend to come from four places.
1. Oral fluency in Speaking. PTE’s AI scores smooth, even delivery. Fast speech with sudden pauses, restarts or trailing sentence endings can lower the fluency score, even when the English itself is perfect.
2. Pronunciation features the scoring engine picks up. Accent isn’t penalised, but clarity is scored. Clipped word endings and very fast delivery can cost marks in Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence. Slowing down slightly and finishing each word helps.
3. Local expressions and grammar patterns in Writing. Everyday Singapore English is perfectly clear in daily life, but some sentence patterns and informal expressions are marked as errors in a formal essay. The Writing 85 threshold for superior leaves very little room.
4. Treating it as easy. Candidates who sit PTE cold, confident in their English, often land at proficient when they could have reached superior with a few weeks of targeted work. That’s a 10-point difference.
A realistic preparation plan from Singapore
If you’re still in Singapore:
- 1Diagnose first. Take a mock test. Our free PTE score predictor gives you a quick starting estimate, and you can register for a free PTE mock test.
- 2Target Speaking and Writing. These are almost always the gap for superior. Record yourself daily, and get feedback on essays.
- 3Use timed practice. Sit full mocks weekly, with sectional tests between them.
- 4Book locally once your mocks clear every threshold with a margin.
If you’re moving to Sydney first (for work or study, or on a Work and Holiday visa, which Singapore citizens aged 18–30 may be eligible for):
- Our PTE preparation course runs at our Sydney CBD campus with new intakes every Monday, weekday and weekend classes, and 24/7 access to our online practice platform.
- If you’re in Singapore now, you can start with our free mock test and score predictor before you arrive, then join classes in Sydney.
For how long it usually takes to move up a level, see how long it takes to prepare for PTE.
Timing your test with your EOI
A few timing rules matter for skilled visas:
- Your English test must generally have been taken within 3 years before you’re invited to apply.
- Home Affairs doesn’t accept English tests delivered completely online, so sit PTE Academic at a test centre, not at home (Home Affairs).
- Older results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain usable until 6 August 2028, if they also meet the 3-year rule.
Check the points test and your eligibility with Home Affairs’ points calculator, and get advice from a registered migration agent for your own case.
Is the points test changing?
The Government has flagged a redesign of the skilled migration points test, with commentary pointing to a possible start in mid-2027. As of September 2026, nothing has been legislated, and the current English points (10 for proficient, 20 for superior) still apply. It’s another reason not to delay your test if your other factors are ready now.
Frequently asked questions
Do Singapore citizens need an English test for Australian PR?
Yes. Only citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland who hold a valid passport from those countries are exempt. Singapore passport holders need an approved English test result.
What PTE score do I need for Australian PR from Singapore?
The minimum is competent English. For PTE tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, that’s Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51 and Speaking 54. Proficient English (10 points) and superior English (20 points) need higher scores in each skill.
Can I take the PTE test in Singapore for an Australian visa?
Yes. PTE Academic is available at test centres in Singapore, and results count the same for Australian visa purposes. It must be taken at a test centre, not online at home.
Is PTE 79 still enough for 20 points?
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025. For tests taken since 7 August 2025, superior English needs Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88.
Is PTE or IELTS better for Singaporeans?
It depends on your strengths. PTE offers fast results and a computer-based format. IELTS may be easier for strong face-to-face speakers aiming for superior English, because it needs 8 in each band.
Can I prepare for PTE with Boston Institute from Singapore?
You can start with our free mock test and score predictor from anywhere. Contact our team about online options, or join our PTE course at our Sydney CBD campus when you arrive.
Start with your score gap
Boston Institute is a CRICOS-registered English school (provider code 04068C; PTE course code 119103E) at Level 1 & 2, 208 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD. We prepare PR-track candidates for every visa English level.
Book a free PTE demo class, register for a free mock test, or apply now. Singapore students are always welcome.
Visa and points test requirements change. This article reflects Home Affairs guidance as of September 2026. Boston Institute is an English language school and doesn’t provide migration advice. For advice about your visa or points, speak to a registered migration agent.
