IELTS to PTE

IELTS 8.5 to PTE: score 86–89

An IELTS overall band of 8.5 is equivalent to a PTE Academic overall score of 86–89 (CEFR C2) under Pearson's July 2025 concordance. If a requirement says “IELTS 8.5 or equivalent”, most institutions accept the bottom of that range, PTE 86, but aim for 88.
  • PTE 86–89
  • Safe target 88
  • CEFR C2
  • IELTS's own table: 89+
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PTE skill scores that match IELTS 8.5

SkillPTE range for IELTS 8.5
Overall86–89
Listening75–80
Reading75–80
Speaking90
Writing90

PTE speaking and writing ranges are wider than the overall range, so a candidate can hold IELTS 8.5 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 8.5Pearson (2025)IELTS Partners
Overall86–8989+
Listening75–8085+
Reading75–8084+
Speaking9086+
Writing9090+
Neither table decides an application: meet the PTE minimum your university or visa authority states. IELTS Partners' table, checked 27 September 2026.

What IELTS 8.5 is enough for

IELTS 8.5 describes a very good user. It clears every common university, professional-registration and skilled-migration threshold.

What PTE 88 / IELTS 8.5 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)in range
Australia: Proficient English (10 points)7.058 / 59 / 69 / 76 (L/R/W/S)in range
Australia: Superior English (20 points)8.069 / 70 / 85 / 88 (L/R/W/S)in range

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 86–89 range before you book.

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Frequently asked questions

What PTE score does IELTS itself say equals IELTS 8.5?+

The IELTS Partners' own comparison puts IELTS 8.5 at PTE 88.1 overall (89 or more as a whole score), with writing at 89.5. Pearson's 2025 concordance puts it at 86–89. Check the PTE minimum your university or visa authority states.

What PTE score is equal to IELTS 8.5?+

IELTS 8.5 concords to a PTE Academic overall score of 86–89 under Pearson's July 2025 research. Aim for about 88 so a slightly weaker test day still lands in the band.

Is IELTS 8.5 a good score?+

IELTS 8.5 (CEFR C2) describes a very good user. It clears every common university, professional-registration and skilled-migration threshold.

What PTE score do I need for IELTS 9.0?+

IELTS 9.0 starts at PTE 90. From the 8.5 range that is 1 to 4 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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