How to Score PTE 90: Superior English — 20 Extra Australia Points

PTE 90 in every skill unlocks 20 bonus immigration points for Australia PR — Superior English, the maximum language contribution. This is the game changer for candidates who need every possible point. However, PTE 90 demands near-native English proficiency with zero tolerance for error. This guide outlines what 90 requires in each skill and whether it is the right target for you.

Why PTE 90 Is the Game Changer (20 Points)

Superior English at PTE 90 earns 20 immigration points — the maximum for English proficiency. This is 10 points more than Proficient (PTE 79) and can compensate for lower scores in age, work experience, or education. For candidates with total points of 60-65, the 20-point boost from PTE 90 can push them to 80-85 — well above typical invitation cutoffs.

What PTE 90 Requires

At PTE 90, every response must be near-perfect. All enabling skills (Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Written Discourse) must score 85+. The margin for error is essentially zero — one weak section can pull a skill below 90 even if everything else is perfect.

Speaking at the 90 Level

Speaking 90 requires: native-like pronunciation with correct connected speech, elision, and weak forms; perfect oral fluency with zero pauses, zero self-corrections, and completely natural rhythm; full content delivery in Describe Image and Re-tell Lecture covering all key points with advanced vocabulary. At this level, your Read Aloud should sound like a BBC newsreader — smooth, confident, and natural.

Writing at the 90 Level

Writing 90 requires: zero spelling errors in every typed response (essay, SWT, WFD); sophisticated sentence structures including conditionals, inversions, and embedded clauses; C2-level vocabulary (nuanced, less common academic words); and perfect Written Discourse (flawless paragraph structure, logical transitions, well-developed arguments).

Reading at the 90 Level

Reading 90 requires: near-perfect accuracy on all Fill in the Blanks items (collocations at C2 level); flawless Re-order Paragraphs (every set correct); correct MCQ selections across both single and multiple answer types. Extensive reading of academic texts (journals, research papers) builds the reading speed and collocation knowledge needed.

Listening at the 90 Level

Listening 90 requires: 100% WFD accuracy with perfect spelling (every word of every sentence); perfect HIW accuracy (click every incorrect word, never click a correct one); accurate Summarize Spoken Text with sophisticated language; and correct selections across all MCQ and summary tasks. Daily listening practice with academic podcasts and lectures is essential.

Who Should Target PTE 90?

Target PTE 90 if: You are already scoring 80-85 consistently on practice tests, your non-English points total is 45-55 and you absolutely need the 20-point boost, you have near-native English proficiency (English-medium education, years of work in English), and you are willing to invest 3-4 months of intensive preparation.

Do NOT target PTE 90 if: You are currently scoring below 75 (target 79 first), your non-English points already total 65+ (79 is sufficient), or you are not confident in all four skills simultaneously.

EEC PTE 90 Advanced Track

EEC offers an advanced PTE 90 track for students already at the 80+ level — focusing on pronunciation refinement, C2-level vocabulary building, spelling perfection, and full-length mock test simulation under test conditions. This track is available at select centres and online. For the 65→79 preparation, see our 65 to 79 guide.

“Scoring PTE 90 is not about being a native speaker. It is about understanding exactly what the AI scoring engine rewards — fluency, pronunciation accuracy, and grammatical precision in every single item.”

— Vikram Patel, EEC PTE Trainer — 200+ students at 79+

Related Resources & Further Reading

Ready to begin? Register for a free demo class. PTE is also accepted for study in New Zealand. Planning Canada? See our study in Canada options. Read our PTE Academic complete guide. Read our PTE fee structure in India. Read our PTE Academic vs PTE Core. Read our PTE scores for Australia PR. Read our PTE vs IELTS comparison. Read our PTE preparation tips for 79+. Also explore our IELTS complete guide. Also explore our IELTS vs PTE comparison. Also explore our IELTS Band 7 tips. Visit EEC Ahmedabad or EEC Surat for in-person guidance. Use our IELTS vs PTE comparison page for a side-by-side breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

PTE 90 questions from advanced students: