Planning to study or work abroad is a milestone in itself. Although it requires preparing for the PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam to prove your English skills. This test allows you to show your grasp of English in everyday and academic circumstances.
In Australia, many universities, professional companies, and the government highly recognise the PTE exam for inviting students and professionals worldwide to fulfil their dreams. Before preparing for this exam, understanding its most crucial fee structure is important to plan your budget.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about the PTE exam fees in Australia, including registration costs, additional services, and refund policies.
PTE Academic Exam Fees
As of 2024, the standard fee for the PTE Academic exam in Australia is AUD 460. This fee includes a 10% GST tax applicable on standardised professional exams in Australia. You can later claim this fee while filing tax returns if you are taking this test to upskill in work or if it is a part of the course for current employment.
The fee covers the cost of the exam itself, which includes the administration, scoring, and receiving reports for the results. Apart from the PTE Academic test, Pearson officially administers a few other English exams like PTE Core, PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home A1, PTE Home A2, and PTE Home B1.
Here is a breakdown of all the PTE exam fees in Australia.
| Type of Test | Exam Fees |
| PTE Academic Online | AUD 460 |
| PTE Core | AUD 460 |
| PTE Academic UKVI | AUD 445 |
| PTE Home A1 | AUD 375 |
| PTE Home A2 | AUD 375 |
| PTE Home B1 | AUD 375 |
Factors Influencing Exam Fees
1. Location:
Currently, Australia has a total of 35 test centres across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and other cities. While the standard fee is consistent across Australia, the costs can vary slightly depending on the availability of test dates and additional services in a particular test centre.
2. Currency Fluctuations:
As the PTE exam fee is set in AUD, international students or professionals paying in other currencies should consider exchange rates and potential conversion fees.
3. Promotions and Discounts:
Occasionally, Pearson also offers promotions or discounts on the PTE exam fee. You can avail yourself of this benefit through the official Pearson website.
Additional Fees and Services
In addition to the standard registration fee, there are several other costs associated with the PTE exam that candidates need to consider:
● Late Booking Fee
If you register for the PTE exam less than 48 hours before the test date, a late booking fee of AUD 82.50 applies. You should book your exam well in advance to avoid this additional cost.
● Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees
Rescheduling:
If you need to reschedule your exam due to any plan changes, you must rebook the test when there are more than 14 calendar days left before the test date. This will get you a free reschedule without incurring any additional PTE exam fee.
Remember that rescheduling the test is not possible when you are doing it within 14 days before the exam date. In such cases, you have to cancel the test and book a new test.
Cancellation:
If you cancel your exam up to 14 calendar days before your test date, you will receive a full refund minus a processing fee of AUD 82.50. This processing fee is only applicable if you are booking the exam again.
If you cancel within 13 to 8 days before the PTE exam date, you can expect a 50% refund. No refunds are provided for cancellations within seven days of the test date.
● Additional Score Reports
The PTE exam fee includes the cost of sending your scores to unlimited institutions. However, if you require physical copies of your score reports, there may be additional fees for printing and mailing.
● Enabling Test Accommodations
Pearson provides accommodations for test takers with disabilities or special needs at no additional cost. However, the process requires advance notice and appropriate medical evidence. It’s crucial to contact the test centre well ahead of your planned test date to arrange these accommodations.
● Express Score Service
Pearson offers an express score service for applicants who want their scores urgently. This service ensures that your scores are available within 24 hours of taking the test. The fee for this service is typically higher than the standard processing fee and varies depending on the test centre.
Payment Methods
Pearson accepts several payment methods for the PTE exam in Australia:
- Credit/Debit Cards involving Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- PayPal payments.
- Bank transfers are for group bookings or institutional payments.
Ensure that you use a secure payment method and keep a transaction record for future reference.
How to Save Costs of PTE Exams?
Some institutions and organisations in Australia offer financial assistance or sponsorships for taking the PTE exam. It’s worth exploring these options, especially if the exam fee is a significant barrier.
● University and College Sponsorships
Many universities and colleges in Australia provide scholarships or fee waivers for international students, which may include covering the cost of English proficiency tests like the PTE.
● Employer Sponsorships
Professionals seeking employment opportunities in Australia do not have to worry about the PTE exam fees, especially if the test is a requirement for the job.
● Government and NGO Assistance
Various government programs and non-governmental organisations offer financial assistance for individuals seeking educational or employment opportunities abroad. Research and apply for such programs if you qualify.
Final Words
The PTE exam fees in Australia is a crucial consideration for anyone planning to take the test for studying, working, or settling in Australia. Understanding the standard fees, additional costs, payment methods, and refund policies can help you prepare better for the exam.
Planning ahead, exploring financial assistance options and keeping track of any discounts can also help manage the costs associated with the PTE exam. Ultimately, investing in the PTE exam is a step towards achieving your educational and career goals in Australia and beyond. Choose EnglishWise for comprehensive and fair guidance on preparing for the PTE exam in Australia.
