IELTS to PTE

IELTS 5.5 to PTE: score 39–46

An IELTS overall band of 5.5 is equivalent to a PTE Academic overall score of 39–46 (CEFR B2) under Pearson's July 2025 concordance. If a requirement says “IELTS 5.5 or equivalent”, most institutions accept the bottom of that range, PTE 39, but aim for 43.
  • PTE 39–46
  • Safe target 43
  • CEFR B2
  • IELTS's own table: 46+
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PTE skill scores that match IELTS 5.5

SkillPTE range for IELTS 5.5
Overall39–46
Listening40–46
Reading42–47
Speaking39–53
Writing41–50

PTE speaking and writing ranges are wider than the overall range, so a candidate can hold IELTS 5.5 overall with a speaking score well outside it. Check per-skill minimums where they apply.

Pearson's table vs IELTS's own table

The IELTS Partners publish their own comparison. Its overall score sits inside Pearson's range, but it asks for more in listening, reading and above all writing, and less in speaking.

PTE for IELTS 5.5Pearson (2025)IELTS Partners
Overall39–4646+
Listening40–4643+
Reading42–4748+
Speaking39–5343+
Writing41–5051+
Neither table decides an application: meet the PTE minimum your university or visa authority states. IELTS Partners' table, checked 27 September 2026.

What IELTS 5.5 is enough for

IELTS 5.5 describes a modest user. Pathway and pre-sessional English programmes usually start here; direct degree entry is rare.

What PTE 43 / IELTS 5.5 means for visas

Immigration bodies set their thresholds per skill, so an overall score only tells you whether you are in range. Use it to pick a target, then check each skill against the official table linked in the row.

Country / levelIELTS (each skill)PTE Academic (each skill)Your overall
Australia: Vocational English5.033 / 36 / 29 / 24 (L/R/W/S)in range
Australia: Competent English6.047 / 48 / 51 / 54 (L/R/W/S)below
Australia: Proficient English (10 points)7.058 / 59 / 69 / 76 (L/R/W/S)below
Australia: Superior English (20 points)8.069 / 70 / 85 / 88 (L/R/W/S)below

Australian levels are set by the Department of Home Affairs and changed on 7 August 2025 to per-skill PTE minimums. “In range” compares your overall band to the per-skill requirement; verify each skill on the official page before relying on it.

Switching from IELTS to PTE?

PTE results arrive in about two days and the test is fully computer-marked. Take a free AI-scored PTE mock to see where you land against the 39–46 range before you book.

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Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does IELTS itself say equals IELTS 5.5?+

The IELTS Partners' own comparison puts IELTS 5.5 at PTE 45.4 overall (46 or more as a whole score), with writing at 51. Pearson's 2025 concordance puts it at 39–46. Check the PTE minimum your university or visa authority states.

What PTE score is equal to IELTS 5.5?+

IELTS 5.5 concords to a PTE Academic overall score of 39–46 under Pearson's July 2025 research. Aim for about 43 so a slightly weaker test day still lands in the band.

Is IELTS 5.5 a good score?+

IELTS 5.5 (CEFR B2) describes a modest user. Pathway and pre-sessional English programmes usually start here; direct degree entry is rare.

What PTE score do I need for IELTS 6.0?+

IELTS 6.0 starts at PTE 47. From the 5.5 range that is 1 to 8 more points.

What score does your university ask for?

Other bands

Source: Pearson, “Establishing score concordance between the enhanced PTE Academic and IELTS Academic” (July 2025). BandLadder is an independent practice platform, not an official Pearson tool. Check the requirement published by your institution or visa authority.

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