Deakin University PTE Requirements: What Score Do Indian Students Actually Need?

Deakin University PTE Score Requirements by Course Level

Deakin University sets PTE requirements at three levels, aligned to the IELTS and CEFR framework. The table below shows the official PTE Academic scores required for each level, sourced directly from the Deakin Admission Minimum Eligibility Criteria Procedure (effective December 2025).

The PTE score of 60 for postgraduate courses is the updated requirement as per the December 2025 policy. Some older third-party sources still cite PTE 58 for postgraduate courses. The official Deakin Policy Library (the authoritative source) specifies PTE 60 with no skill below 50 for postgraduate admission.

Note for Indian students: PTE Academic scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Your score must be current at the time you commence your studies at Deakin, not just at the time of application. Plan your test date accordingly based on your intended intake.

Deakin University PTE Requirements for Popular Courses

The PTE requirement varies by course at Deakin. Most courses follow the standard university minimum, but health, nursing, and law courses have higher requirements due to professional registration standards. The table below covers the most popular courses for Indian students.

Always verify the PTE requirement on the specific course page on the Deakin website before applying. Course-specific requirements can change between academic years and may differ from the university-wide minimum.

Explore all Deakin courses and eligibility: Deakin University Courses and Fees 2026

PTE vs IELTS at Deakin: Which Should Indian Students Choose?

Both PTE Academic and IELTS are accepted at Deakin University. The choice depends on your test-taking strengths, preparation time, and how quickly you need results. The table below compares both tests on factors that matter most to Indian students applying to Deakin.

Indian students who find face-to-face speaking tests stressful often prefer PTE because the speaking section is recorded and assessed by AI. Students who are stronger in writing and reading sometimes find IELTS more predictable. Both are equally valid for Deakin admission and the Australian student visa.

Note for Indian students: A common misconception is that PTE is easier than IELTS. The difficulty depends on your individual strengths. PTE's integrated tasks (where speaking, reading and writing overlap in a single question) can be challenging if you are not specifically prepared for the format. Take a practice test for both before deciding which to attempt.

Other Ways to Meet Deakin's English Requirement Without PTE or IELTS

Deakin University accepts several alternatives to PTE Academic and IELTS for demonstrating English proficiency. These are officially listed in the Deakin Admission Minimum Eligibility Criteria Procedure (effective December 2025).

For Indian students who have completed a bachelor's degree taught entirely in English at an Indian university, this does not automatically satisfy Deakin's English requirement. India is not on Deakin's list of recognised English-speaking countries. You will still need to submit a valid PTE, IELTS, or equivalent test score.

The recognised English-speaking countries for Deakin's purposes include Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Zambia.

Read more: PTE Academic: Exam Pattern, Scores and Preparation Tips

What Happens If You Don't Meet Deakin's PTE Requirement: DUELI Pathway

If your PTE score falls below the required minimum, you can still gain entry to Deakin through the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI). DUELI is Deakin's own English language program and is registered on the CRICOS register, making it a valid pathway for international students on a student visa.

Successful completion of DUELI's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program can satisfy the English language requirements for most Deakin degrees. The specific DUELI level required depends on the course you want to enter:

• EAP Level 3 with 60%: Satisfies the IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 requirement for undergraduate courses.
• EAP Level 4 with 60%: Satisfies the IELTS 6.5 / PTE 60 requirement for postgraduate courses.
• EAP Level 4 with 70%: Satisfies the IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65 requirement for higher-requirement courses like Nursing and Law.

DUELI programs are offered on campus at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood and Geelong campuses. The duration of the DUELI program depends on your current English level at the time of assessment. Deakin assesses your level before placing you in the appropriate EAP course.

Note for Indian students: Choosing the DUELI pathway adds time and cost to your overall study plan. If you are close to the required PTE score, it is often more efficient to retake the PTE test rather than enrol in DUELI. However, if your English level is significantly below the requirement, DUELI provides a structured pathway with guaranteed entry to your chosen Deakin course upon successful completion.

Explore Deakin University full profile: Deakin University 2026 on Collegedunia

Deakin University PTE Requirements vs Other Australian Universities: Quick Comparison

Deakin's PTE requirements are broadly in line with other Australian universities for standard courses. The comparison below helps Indian students understand where Deakin sits relative to other popular study destinations in Australia.

Deakin's undergraduate PTE minimum of 50 is lower than most comparable Melbourne universities, making it more accessible for Indian students who are still building their English proficiency. The postgraduate minimum of 60 is competitive with other universities in the same tier.