PTE 55 Score Accepted Universities in Australia for Masters in 2026

Securing a Master’s degree from a world-class institution in Australia is a dream for many, but the pressure of achieving a high English proficiency score can often feel like a hurdle. If you have achieved a PTE score of 55, you are in a stronger position than you might think. While elite Group of Eight (Go8) universities typically look for scores of 65 and above, a wide range of reputable Australian universities and regional institutions offer direct entry into Master’s programs with a score of 55–58. This score sits comfortably within the “Competent” category, making you eligible for high-demand fields like Business, Information Technology, and Social Sciences.

In this blog, we provide a detailed guide to the top Australian universities that accept a PTE score of 55 for Master’s degrees, an overview of the latest 2026 visa requirements, and strategic tips to help you secure your offer letter.

Top Universities in Australia Accepting PTE Scores 

For students aiming for a Master’s degree in Australia in 2026, a PTE score of 55 opens doors to several high-ranking mid-tier and regional universities. While elite Group of Eight (Go8) universities often set their benchmark at 65, many institutions recognize a 55–58 range as sufficient for admission into competitive programs.

Below is a breakdown of top Australian universities that typically accept PTE scores in the 55–60 range for Master’s programs, along with their popular courses and estimated annual tuition fees.

University Name	Popular Master’s Programs	Estimated Annual Fees (AUD)
University of Tasmania (UTAS)	IT, Engineering, MBA, Public Health	USD 32,000 – USD 40,000
Griffith University	Hospitality, Business, Data Science	USD 31,000 – USD 42,000
Victoria University (VU)	Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, ERP	USD 28,000 – USD 36,000
Swinburne University	IT, Construction Mgt, Design	USD 34,000 – USD 42,000
Charles Darwin University	Education, Nursing (Pre-reg), IT	USD 29,000 – USD 35,000
Flinders University	Social Work, Engineering, Business	USD 33,000 – USD 41,000
La Trobe University	Cybersecurity, Health Admin, MBA	USD 35,000 – USD 44,000
University of Canberra	Information Technology, Commerce	USD 32,000 – USD 38,000

Can I go to Australia with a 55 in PTE?

In 2026, a score of 55 is considered “Competent English” by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This score is sufficient to clear the legal visa threshold and gain admission into many high-quality universities, particularly for Undergraduate degrees and specific Master’s programs.

Here is the breakdown of how your score of 55 fits into the 2026 requirements:

1. Visa Eligibility (Subclass 500)

• Minimum Requirement: For a standard Student Visa, the minimum PTE score required is 47.
• Your Status: With a score of 55, you are well above the minimum requirement for a direct student visa application without needing mandatory English preparation (ELICOS).

2. University Admission Options

While elite “Group of Eight” universities (like the University of Melbourne) often ask for 65+, your 55 is a “sweet spot” for several other categories:

• Direct Entry (Bachelor’s): Most Australian universities accept 50–58 for undergraduate degrees.
• Direct Entry (Master’s): Reputable universities like Victoria University, Charles Darwin University, and Griffith University often have programs (especially in Business or Tourism) that accept 54–58.
• Pathway Options: If a specific Master’s program requires a 58 or 65, your 55 allows you to take a very short “bridging” or English course (usually 5–10 weeks) to gain guaranteed entry.

3. Permanent Residency (PR) & Future Planning

• Points for PR: A PTE score of 55 falls into the “Competent” bracket, which earns 0 points toward skilled migration. To earn 10 or 20 points for your PR application in the future, you would eventually need to aim for a 65 (Proficient) or 79 (Superior).
• Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): To stay and work in Australia after your studies, the current requirement for the Graduate Visa is an overall score of 55. This means you are already at the target needed for your post-study work rights!

Also Read: English Proficiency Tests for Studying Abroad

Top 5 PTE 55 Score Accepted Universities in Australia for Masters

Based on the latest 2026 admission criteria, a PTE score of 55 is a highly versatile score. While many top-tier universities have moved their direct entry requirements to 58 or 65, several reputable institutions still offer direct entry or accessible “Master’s Qualifying Programs” (MQP) for students with a 55.

Here are the top 5 universities in Australia where a PTE score of 55 (or very close to it) can secure your admission into a Master’s program.

Griffith University

Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, Griffith University offers a prestigious degree without the ultra-high English entry barriers of the Go8. For most Master’s programs, such as the Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management or the Master of Finance, a PTE score of 58 is required for direct entry; however, Griffith provides a Direct Entry Program (DEP) via the Griffith English Language Institute for students scoring 55. This 5–10 week English wrap-around ensures you are ready for academic success. Expect to pay between $32,000 and $42,000 AUD per year in tuition, depending on whether you study at the Gold Coast or Brisbane campus.

Victoria University

Victoria University is a pioneer in the “Block Model” of learning, where students focus on one subject at a time, making it an excellent choice for international students who prefer an immersive and less stressful academic environment. For 2026, while the direct entry for many Master’s programs is a PTE 58, students with a PTE 55 can easily gain admission through the Master’s Qualifying Program (MQP). Popular courses include the Master of Business Analytics, Master of Cybersecurity, and the Master of Applied IT. The average tuition fee is quite competitive, ranging from $30,000 to $36,000 AUD per year, and the university’s Melbourne CBD campus offers students direct access to Australia’s tech and business hubs.

Central Queensland University (CQU)

CQUniversity is known for its massive presence across Australia, with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Rockhampton, providing flexibility in location choice. It is a top choice for students with a PTE score of 55 because of its flexible “entry variations” for Master’s programs like the Master of Management and Master of Information Systems. While the standard requirement is 58, CQU often accepts a 55 for students who have relevant work experience or those willing to take a short ELICOS (English) package. The tuition fees are highly affordable, averaging $28,000 to $34,000 AUD per year, and the university is highly regarded for its focus on graduate employability and practical skills.

Southern Cross University (SCU)

outhern Cross University is an ideal destination for students seeking a balance between a relaxed lifestyle and academic excellence, particularly with campuses in popular locations like the Gold Coast. For 2026, SCU offers direct entry into several Master’s degrees, including the Master of IT and MBA, with a PTE score around 55–58. If your score is exactly 55, SCU provides robust English Language Proficiency Pathways that allow you to package your English study with your degree, ensuring you don’t have to retake the PTE exam. Annual fees range from $30,000 to $35,000 AUD, and studying at their Gold Coast or Lismore campuses provides additional post-study work visa benefits due to their regional status.

Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University is one of the most popular choices for students aiming for migration benefits, as its main campus is located in the Northern Territory, qualifying for additional post-study work rights. CDU maintains a highly accessible English policy; while their standard postgraduate requirement is a PTE 58, they frequently accept students with a PTE 55 into their Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (MQP). This bridge program allows students to transition smoothly into degrees like the Master of Information Technology, Master of Public Policy, or Master of Education. The average annual fee is roughly $29,000 to $35,000 AUD, making it one of the most affordable options in the country for high-quality postgraduate study in a regional setting.

50 PTE Score Accepted Universities in Australia for Masters 

In 2026, a PTE score of 50 remains a viable gateway to Australian higher education. While many standard Master’s entries have shifted toward a 58+ requirement, a score of 50 comfortably meets the Australian Government’s student visa baseline (minimum 47) and qualifies you for direct entry at several regional universities or prestigious Postgraduate Qualifying Programs (PQP).

Here is a detailed guide to universities accepting a PTE 50 for Master’s-level study.

University	Min. PTE for Masters	Entry Type	Avg. Annual Fee (AUD)
University of Tasmania	50 – 58	Direct / Regional	USD 32,000 – USD 40,000
Charles Sturt University	50	Direct (Professional)	USD 28,000 – USD 34,000
Victoria University	55 – 58	Pathway / Direct	USD 30,000 – USD 36,000
Central Queensland Univ.	54 – 58	Direct / Pathway	USD 28,000 – USD 34,000
Griffith University	55 – 58	Pathway (DEP)	USD 32,000 – USD 42,000
Southern Cross University	50 – 58	Regional Pathway	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000
FedUni (Federation)	50	Direct / Pathway	USD 27,000 – USD 32,000
Kaplan Business School	50	Direct Entry	USD 24,000 – USD 30,000

48 PTE Score Accepted Accepted Universities in Australia for Masters 

In 2026, a PTE score of 48 is a critical number. While it is just above the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ minimum student visa requirement of 47, most universities set their Master’s entry bar at 58.

However, you can still secure admission by “packaging” your degree with an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) program or a Master’s Qualifying Program (MQP).

University	Popular Master’s Programs	Entry Strategy for PTE 48
Federation University	MBA, Applied IT, Health Mgt	10-week ELICOS + Direct Entry
Charles Darwin University	IT, Data Science, Public Health	MQP (1 Semester Bridge)
Southern Cross University	Business, Engineering Mgt	10-week ELICOS + Direct Entry
Central Queensland Univ.	Management, Project Mgt	Pathway / MQP
Western Sydney Univ.	Data Science, IT, Engineering	WSU College Pathway
University of Tasmania	Social Work, MBA, Finance	ELICOS Package

Is a 55 PTE Score Good?

A PTE score of 55 is decent enough to get you admission into a university in Australia. However, only a limited number of universities are accepting this score.

This is because a good PTE score is between 65-75. Therefore, scoring between this range (65-75) will easily help you clear the language requirements of the top universities in Australia. 

To know the difference between IELTS, TOEFL, & PTE exam watch the video below:

How to Prepare & Get Admission to the PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

To secure admission to a Master’s program in Australia in 2026 with a PTE score of 55, you need to follow a structured process that balances academic requirements with the strict “Genuine Student” visa regulations.

Here are the 10 essential steps for your preparation and admission:

1. Select Your Course & Intake: Choose a program (IT, Business, etc.) and check if you are targeting the primary February intake or the secondary July intake.
2. Verify University Specifics: While your 55 is a “good” score, verify if your chosen university requires a higher score (like 58) for your specific Master’s degree.
3. Prepare Your “Admission Toolkit”: Gather certified copies of your academic transcripts, your valid passport, and any relevant work experience certificates.
4. Draft a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP): In 2026, this is critical. Explain why you chose this specific course and how it connects to your future career goals in your home country.
5. Submit Your University Application: Apply directly or through an authorized agent. If your score is 55 but they require 58, you will receive a Conditional Offer pending a short English course (ELICOS).
6. Secure an Unconditional Offer: Fulfill any conditions (like providing final semester marks) and accept your offer by paying the initial tuition deposit.
7. Receive Your eCoE: After payment, the university will issue an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which is the “golden ticket” for your visa application.
8. Obtain OSHC (Health Insurance): Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover for the entire duration of your course; this is a mandatory legal requirement for all international students.
9. Clear the “Genuine Student” (GS) Requirement: Prepare to answer specific visa questions about your financial ties to home, your research on the university, and your intent to return after study.
10. Apply for the Subclass 500 Visa: Use your eCoE and proof of funds (minimum $29,710 AUD for living costs) to lodge your visa application via the ImmiAccount portal.

Also Read: Learn about the TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE

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