The Curtin University PTE requirement for standard admission is an overall PTE Academic score of 58, with minimum scores of 50 in Reading, 50 in Listening, 54 in Speaking and 51 in Writing under the requirements effective from 15 August 2026. Some courses accept lower English proficiency levels, while nursing, teaching and several other professional degrees have higher requirements.
On This Page
- Minimum PTE Score at Curtin University
- Curtin University PTE Score Changes in August 2026
- PTE Requirements for Undergraduate Courses
- Courses With Higher English Requirements
- Nursing and other health degrees
- Teaching degrees
- PTE Requirements for Postgraduate Degrees
- How Long Is PTE Academic Valid for Curtin?
- Can Previous Study Meet Curtin's English Requirement?
- Curtin English Pathways for Students Below the Required Score
- English Language Bridging
- English placement testing
- Applying to Curtin University With PTE Academic
- Preparing for Your Curtin University PTE Score
- Curtin Admission and Australian Student Visa Requirements
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Curtin University accepts PTE Academic for international student admission, but the score needed depends on the course. The university's latest requirements also distinguish between its previous PTE component scores and the updated standards.
Minimum PTE Score at Curtin University
Curtin's current international student handbook stipulates a general English proficiency requirement of an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5, provided that no individual band score falls below 6.0. The equivalent PTE Academic overall score is 58.
The updated Curtin PTE requirement is shown below.
| PTE Academic component | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 58 |
| Listening | 50 |
| Reading | 50 |
| Speaking | 54 |
| Writing | 51 |
These figures apply to Curtin's general English proficiency standard under the requirements effective from 15 August 2026. They should not be treated as the admission criteria for every degree.
For instance, a student who receives 65 overall but scores 49 in Writing would not meet the standard component requirement, despite having an overall score above 58.
The university's English language requirements page provides access to its accepted qualifications, test requirements and information about degrees with higher English standards.
Curtin University PTE Score Changes in August 2026
Students researching Curtin University may encounter two versions of the PTE Academic requirements.
Previously published university information listed PTE 58 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each communicative skill. Curtin's newer international student guide introduces updated individual skill requirements effective from 15 August 2026.
| PTE Academic component | Previous general standard | Updated standard from 15 August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 58 | 58 |
| Listening | 50 | 50 |
| Reading | 50 | 50 |
| Speaking | 50 | 54 |
| Writing | 50 | 51 |
The overall requirement remains unchanged. Speaking and Writing are the two components affected by the updated minimums.
Students who took PTE Academic before the change should confirm how Curtin will assess their existing results. The university's general admissions information and the conditions attached to a particular degree or offer must be considered together.
Curtin also publishes English competency equivalency charts. Older versions may still appear in search results, making the publication date particularly relevant when comparing scores.
PTE Requirements for Undergraduate Courses
There is no single PTE score at Curtin University that applies to every bachelor's degree.
Curtin identifies several undergraduate course groups with English requirements below its general IELTS 6.5 standard. These include Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration and various computing, engineering, data science, geoscience and life sciences programs.
The university's international guide lists IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in each band, for these course groups.
Applicants using PTE Academic should consult Curtin's accepted-test equivalency information for the corresponding score.
A lower English requirement does not reduce the academic admission criteria.
Some courses have more demanding standards, particularly those involving professional placements and registration.
Courses With Higher English Requirements
Health sciences and education contain several of Curtin's higher English requirement programs.
The university identifies these courses, among others:
- Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Science (Midwifery)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Education programs
- Master of Teaching
- Master of Nursing Practice
These courses do not all share an identical English standard. Applicants need to consider the overall requirement, individual skill thresholds and any professional registration conditions.
Curtin maintains a list of courses with higher English requirements, with links to individual course admission criteria.
Nursing and other health degrees
Curtin's international guide identifies IELTS 7.0 in each band as the English standard for several undergraduate health degrees, including Nursing and Midwifery. That is substantially higher than the university's general standard.
Students applying with PTE Academic must satisfy the applicable equivalent scores and any professional English standards attached to the degree. It would be misleading to use PTE 58 as the nursing entry score simply because it meets Curtin's general requirement.
The university's accepted-test information and the specific course page should be consulted before determining a PTE target for a health qualification.
Teaching degrees
Curtin's undergraduate Bachelor of Education programs have higher English requirements than many other bachelor's degrees. Its international guide specifies IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, with 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and 7.0 in Reading and Writing.
The Master of Teaching also has its own English admission requirements. Applicants should use the PTE equivalent approved for the relevant teaching course. These higher thresholds are particularly important when selecting a PTE Academic preparation target.
PTE Requirements for Postgraduate Degrees
Curtin accepts PTE Academic for postgraduate coursework admission, although English standards differ across courses.
Many degrees in business, computing, engineering and related fields use standard or course-specific English proficiency levels. Professional postgraduate programs in areas such as health and teaching may require stronger results.
For postgraduate study, academic eligibility and English proficiency are assessed separately.
A recognised bachelor's degree may satisfy the academic requirement but does not necessarily establish that the applicant has met the English admission condition.
Curtin may recognise certain previous qualifications as English proficiency evidence, particularly qualifications completed in approved circumstances.
Research degree applicants also need to check the requirements of their intended program. Curtin advises applicants for higher degrees by research to consult their course-specific English admission criteria.
How Long Is PTE Academic Valid for Curtin?
Curtin generally requires English proficiency test results to have been obtained within two years of the application date. Its accepted English qualifications guidance also states that an eligible test may be used for entry until the next semester intake.
This distinction can matter to students who apply near the end of their test's validity period. A result accepted at application does not necessarily remain usable for an indefinitely delayed intake.
Curtin does not combine results from multiple English language proficiency tests to meet its general standard.
Students should therefore assess each PTE score report separately rather than assume that higher results from different test attempts can be added together. These conditions are outlined in Curtin's accepted English qualifications and tests information.
Can Previous Study Meet Curtin's English Requirement?
PTE Academic is not the only accepted evidence of English proficiency.
Curtin recognises certain secondary school qualifications, previous tertiary study and approved English language programs.
Examples include eligible GCE qualifications, International Baccalaureate English subjects and recognised senior secondary qualifications from several countries.
Some completed university qualifications may also meet the requirement, provided the study satisfies Curtin's rules concerning the institution, language of instruction, qualification level and completion date.
The university's published criteria include time limits for some qualifications, while others are exempt from those limits.
An applicant who studied in English overseas should not assume that the qualification automatically qualifies for an exemption. Curtin may require academic records and evidence that the qualification meets its accepted English criteria.
Curtin English Pathways for Students Below the Required Score
Students whose results fall short of the Curtin English requirement for PTE Academic may have another admission option through Curtin English.
Curtin English offers language courses that prepare international students for degree-level study.
Its English Language Bridging (ELB) program is intended for students who need to improve their academic English before entering eligible undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
The university offers different ELB levels according to the English requirement of the intended degree.
English Language Bridging
Curtin's 10-week ELB Core program is designed for students progressing towards courses with an IELTS 6.0-equivalent English requirement. The ELB Advanced program supports students preparing for degrees requiring IELTS 6.5 or higher, subject to the specific pathway arrangements.
A student who successfully completes an approved bridging program may satisfy the relevant English admission condition without sitting another external test. Curtin lists a grade of B or higher in its English Language Bridging course as satisfying its general English requirement.
Applicants should confirm whether their particular degree accepts the pathway, especially where professional English standards apply.
English placement testing
Curtin English offers a Password placement test to help assess an applicant's current English level and identify an appropriate course. The Password test is not an alternative to PTE Academic for direct university admission. Its purpose is to determine placement into suitable English language study.
Applying to Curtin University With PTE Academic
International applicants can submit PTE Academic results as part of their admission evidence when the test is accepted for the chosen course.
Before applying, the most useful approach is to identify the course's actual English standard through Curtin's course search, rather than assume that the general 58 overall requirement applies.
Applicants should review:
- The English proficiency level attached to their intended course.
- The relevant PTE Academic score equivalency and individual skill minimums.
- The date and validity of their test result.
- Academic entry requirements and any prerequisites.
- Additional professional or placement conditions where applicable.
Curtin assesses applications against both academic and English admission criteria. Meeting the language requirement alone does not guarantee an offer.
Preparing for Your Curtin University PTE Score
Preparation for PTE Academic at Curtin should be based on the individual skill scores required by the course. Students targeting the current general standard need to reach at least 54 in Speaking and 51 in Writing, alongside the other minimums. Someone with an existing overall score of 58 but weaker Speaking performance may need a different study plan from a student whose main difficulty is Reading.
The PTE practice questions on PTEClasses can help students work through individual test tasks. Students unfamiliar with the examination can review the PTE Academic test format before attempting full practice tests. A practice score is not evidence of university eligibility. Curtin assesses accepted official English proficiency results and other approved qualifications.
Curtin Admission and Australian Student Visa Requirements
Curtin University admission and Australian student visa eligibility involve separate English language assessments.
Curtin determines whether an applicant meets the English proficiency requirement for the chosen degree. The Department of Home Affairs applies its own English test rules, score requirements and exemptions for Student visa (subclass 500) applications.
A student may satisfy the university's English admission requirement without necessarily meeting every visa condition. The PTE for Student Visa guide explains the separate visa-related English requirements and how they differ from university admission scores.
Conclusion
Curtin's general PTE Academic requirement is 58 overall, but individual skill thresholds and course-specific English standards determine whether a student is eligible. Check the current requirements for your intended degree before booking a test, using an existing result or considering an English pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about this topic.
Does Curtin University accept PTE Core?
Curtin identifies PTE Academic as an accepted English proficiency test for university admission. PTE Core is a different examination and is not listed as an accepted test under its general university requirements.
Can I combine two PTE Academic results to meet Curtin's minimum score?
Curtin's general accepted-test policy does not allow applicants to combine results from multiple English proficiency tests. Applicants should use a complete qualifying result unless a specific course policy expressly provides another arrangement.
Does Curtin accept PTE Academic results from overseas test centres?
Curtin accepts PTE Academic as an English proficiency examination and does not generally require international applicants to sit the examination in Australia. Applicants should use an authorised test centre and provide an accepted, verifiable result.
Can I use the Password placement test instead of PTE Academic?
No. Curtin English uses Password to determine a student's English language level and suitable pathway placement. The test does not independently satisfy Curtin's direct-entry English proficiency requirements.
Are Curtin Australia's English requirements the same as its overseas campuses?
Curtin operates across several international locations, including Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Applicants should use the admissions information for the specific campus and program because local admission arrangements may differ.
