Introduction
The 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa requires applicants to demonstrate Competent English. Since August 2025, both the Michigan English Test (MET) and PTE Academic are approved English language tests accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This is a practical choice between two very different tests — one traditional and human-rated, the other fully automated and AI-scored.
Both tests satisfy the Competent English requirement for the 485 visa, but they differ significantly in format, scoring, cost, result turnaround, and overall experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right test for your circumstances.
Table of Contents
Score Requirements Comparison
For the 485 Graduate visa, you need to achieve Competent English at minimum. The table below shows the exact score requirements for both MET and PTE Academic at this level.
| Requirement | MET | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English Overall | Must meet all 4 components | No overall score, component minimums apply |
| Listening | 56 | 40 |
| Reading | 55 | 42 |
| Writing | 57 | 41 |
| Speaking | 48 | 39 |
| 12-month validity | Yes | Yes |
| Must be at test center | Yes | Yes |
Important: MET requires you to meet the minimum score in every individual component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) to qualify for Competent English. PTE Academic also applies component-level minimums but does not require an overall score for visa purposes. Both tests must be completed at an approved test center and results are valid for 12 months from the test date for Australian visa applications.
The MET component minimums are relatively higher in absolute terms, but MET uses a 0–80 scale while PTE Academic uses a 10–90 scale. The thresholds reflect different scoring methodologies — neither test is objectively "harder" at the Competent English level.
Test Format Comparison
The structure of each test is fundamentally different. MET follows a traditional four-skill format with separately timed sections. PTE Academic integrates Speaking and Writing into a single combined section, which changes the test-taking experience considerably.
| Feature | MET | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 155 min | ~120 min |
| Sections | 4 | 3 (Speaking & Writing combined) |
| Speaking | 10 min recorded | Integrated with Writing (~30 min, speaking to computer) |
| Writing | 45 min (2 tasks) | Integrated with Speaking (20 min writing) |
| Reading | 65 min (50 MCQ) | 30–40 min |
| Listening | 35 min (50 MCQ) | 45–60 min |
| Question types | All multiple choice | Mixed (MCQ, fill blanks, essay, summarise) |
| Scoring | Human-rated + IRT | AI-scored (fully automated) |
The most noteworthy structural difference is that PTE Academic combines Speaking and Writing into a single integrated section that runs approximately 50–60 minutes. This means you will switch between speaking into a computer and typing written responses in the same continuous session. MET, by contrast, keeps all four skills in separate, clearly timed sections — a format many test-takers find more familiar and less mentally demanding.
PTE Academic's entirely AI-based scoring also stands in contrast to MET's combination of human raters and Item Response Theory (IRT) statistical scoring. AI scoring means no human subjectivity, but it also means your performance is evaluated against a fixed algorithm with no room for nuanced interpretation.
Cost & Logistics
Cost and result turnaround times are among the most practical considerations when choosing between MET and PTE Academic, especially if you are on a tight visa application deadline.
| Aspect | MET | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate cost | ~$150 USD | ~$300–350 USD |
| Results turnaround | ~5 business days | 2–5 days |
| Test center required | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Budget-conscious applicants with time | Applicants needing fast results |
MET is significantly more affordable — roughly half the cost of PTE Academic. However, PTE Academic delivers results in as little as 2 days, compared to approximately 5 business days for MET. If your visa deadline is approaching, the faster turnaround of PTE Academic may justify the higher price. If you have time to plan ahead, MET's lower cost is a compelling advantage.
Which Is Easier for Competent English?
There is no universally "easier" test — the right choice depends on your personal strengths, weaknesses, and timeline. Here is how each test plays to different types of test-takers.
MET May Be the Better Choice If:
- Grammar is your strength. MET includes a dedicated grammar section as part of the Reading test, giving you a chance to directly demonstrate grammatical knowledge. PTE Academic assesses grammar indirectly through your speaking and writing responses.
- You experience speaking anxiety. MET Speaking is recorded — you speak into a microphone without a live interlocutor. PTE Academic also involves speaking to a computer, but in a noisy test room alongside other test-takers speaking simultaneously, which can be distracting.
- You prefer all multiple-choice questions. MET Listening and Reading use exclusively MCQ format. There is no risk of losing marks due to wrong format, spelling errors in fill-in-the-blanks, or missing word limits — issues that can affect PTE Academic scores.
- Budget is a priority. At approximately $150 USD, MET costs about half of PTE Academic.
- You prefer traditional section separation. Keeping Speaking and Writing as distinct, separately timed sections may help you focus and perform better than PTE Academic's integrated format.
PTE Academic May Be the Better Choice If:
- Speed matters. PTE Academic results arrive in 2–5 days. MET takes approximately 5 business days. If your 485 visa deadline is within 1–2 months, PTE Academic is the safer option.
- You want fully automated scoring. PTE Academic is 100% AI-scored, which eliminates concerns about human subjectivity or rater inconsistency. Your score is based purely on your performance against the algorithm.
- You are comfortable with mixed question types. PTE Academic uses a variety of formats — multiple choice, fill in the blanks, essay writing, summarise written text, describe images, and more. If you are versatile across formats, this variety can work in your favour.
- You want a shorter test day. PTE Academic takes approximately 2 hours. MET takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.
- Speaking into a computer in a busy room is not an issue for you. PTE test centers typically have multiple test-takers speaking at once. Some people find this noisy environment challenging; others are unfazed.
Tips for Both Tests
- Practice under timed conditions. Both tests are strictly timed. Use MET practice tests or official PTE Academic mock tests to build your pacing and stamina before test day.
- Take official sample tests before booking. Both MET and PTE Academic offer official sample or practice tests. Familiarising yourself with the exact interface, question types, and instructions can significantly reduce test-day anxiety.
- Book at least 6–8 weeks before your visa deadline. MET results take approximately 5 business days, so you need a comfortable buffer. Even for PTE Academic, test center availability can be limited — do not leave booking until the last week.
- Check component scores carefully. For Competent English on the 485 visa, both tests require you to meet the minimum in every component, not just an overall score. A strong overall performance with one weak section can still disqualify you.
- Understand the scoring system. MET uses human raters combined with IRT statistical analysis. PTE Academic uses fully automated AI scoring. Knowing how your test is scored helps you prepare strategically — for example, PTE Academic's oral fluency and pronunciation scores are algorithmically assessed, so clear enunciation matters more than in human-rated tests.
For more information, see our guides on MET score requirements for Australian visas and our MET vs IELTS comparison. If you are also considering IELTS, check out our MET to IELTS score conversion guide.