Starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs is updating its list of accepted English language tests and revising score requirements for visa applicants.
New Accepted English Tests
From this date, applicants can submit results from three newly approved tests:
-
CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
-
LANGUAGECERT Academic
-
Michigan English Test (MET)
These test results will be considered valid for up to 3 years from the date of testing, aligning with existing test validity standards.
Updated Score Requirements
To ensure consistency across all testing formats, score thresholds for the following tests have been revised:
-
PTE Academic
-
C1 Advanced
-
OET
-
TOEFL iBT
These changes aim to align required scores more accurately with the levels of English proficiency expected under Australia’s visa framework.
Important Note: The C1 Advanced test is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements.
English requirements for Student (Sc 500) visas
Applicants must meet English test requirements unless exempt based on nationality.
Minimum scores (no ELICOS required):
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 |
| OET | 1210 |
| CELPIP General | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 |
| MET | 53 |
Tests undertaken before commencement of the instrument
A person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency, where:
- the applicant makes a valid application for a Subclass 500 visa on or after 7 August 2025
- the visa application made by that applicant is accompanied by evidence of that visa applicant: has undertaken, one of the specified tests in of the instrument (same requirements as the previous instrument LIN 24/022) , within one of the following periods:
- during the period 6 August 2025 and 7 August 2027 (inclusive), immediately before that visa application was made
- or during the period 6 August 2025 and 7 August 2027 (inclusive), immediately before the decision to grant that visa or to refuse that visa application is made and before the day on which this instrument commences
- the applicant achieved the necessary specified test score in Schedule 3 of the instrument. The test scores in Schedule 3 are the same as the previous instrument LIN 24/022.
English language Requirements for Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) visas
Important: Higher English score requirements apply for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Minimum scores (Standard Stream):
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall/Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 average band |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 81 |
| PTE Academic | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 55 |
| OET | 260 | 280 | 260 | 310 | 1310 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 | 67 |
| MET | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 | 58 |
| CELPIP General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
Tests undertaken before commencement of this instrument
As per section 10 of the instrument, a person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency for the purposes of subparagraphs 485.212(1)(a)(i) and (ii) or 485.212(1)(b) where:
- that person makes a valid application for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa in either of the Post-Vocational Education Work stream or the Post-Higher Education Work stream application on or after 7 August 2025; and
- that applicant has undertaken one of the tests in Schedule 3 and 4 of the instrument (same test providers as previous instrument LIN 24/021) and
- where that test was undertaken during the period 7 August 2024 and 6 August 2025 (inclusive); and
- that applicant provides the necessary evidence of having achieved the necessary score as specified in Schedule 3 and 4 of the instrument. These are the same test scores as the previous instrument LIN 24/021.
Who is Exempt from English Testing?
You do not need to provide English test results if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
-
United Kingdom
-
United States
-
Canada
-
New Zealand
-
Republic of Ireland
Note: If you wish to claim Proficient or Superior English points under GSM, a test is still required regardless of nationality.
Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports
The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016) repeals the Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of Language Tests, Score and Passports 2015 (IMMI 15/005). The instrument operates to specify English language proficiency and related test scores which are used to establish this proficiency. The instrument updates the English language test scores and test providers required for Australian visas.
Tests undertaken before commencement of this instrument
As per section 10 of the instrument a person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency, where they make a valid application on or after 7 August 2025 and they have undertaken a test specified in subsection (2), (4), (6) or (8) (these are the test providers that were included in the previous instrument):
- in the period of 36 months immediately before the day on which the visa application is made; and
- before the day (7 August) on which this instrument commences; and
- where the person achieved the necessary test score specified in subsection (3), (5), (7) or (9). These are the same test scores as specified in the previous instrument IMMI 15/005.
Application
The instrument commenced today on 7 August 2025 and applies to a visa application made on or after 7 August but as noted above there is a saving provision for English language tests undertaken before the commencement of the instrument.
Competent English – Minimum Score Requirements
To satisfy the Competent English level, applicants must achieve the following minimum scores:
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
Functional English
Purpose: Demonstrate basic English proficiency through education or testing.
Test score requirements (valid for 12 months):
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Average band score of 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of 26 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 24 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall score of 38 |
| MET | Overall score of 38 |
| CELPIP General | Overall score of 5 |
| OET | Overall score of 1020 |
The test needs to be undertaken in the period of 12 months immediately before the day the relevant nomination or visa application is made or on or after the day on which a relevant nomination or visa application is made. This is the same as the previous instrument, but the new instrument has been rephrased to improve clarity.
Tests undertaken before commencement of the instrument
As per section 7 of the instrument, a person will be determined to possess the necessary functional English (paragraph 5(2)(b) of the Act) and satisfy the requirements of paragraph 5.17(a) of the Regulations, where:
- the relevant application was made on or after 7 August 2025; and
- that person has undertaken one of the tests specified in subsection 7(2), (3), (4) or (5) of this instrument which is the same test providers as the previous instrument (IMMI 15/004); and
- where that test was undertaken during the period 5 August 2024 and 6 August 2025 (inclusive); and
- that person provides the necessary evidence of having achieved the necessary score in the specified test in subsection 7(2), (3), (4) or (5) of this instrument (same scores as IMMI 15/004).
Vocational English
Purpose: Required for certain skilled and employer-sponsored visas.
**Minimum score in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking):
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
Proficient English
Purpose: For General Skilled Migration (GSM) applicants claiming 10 points for English.
Minimum score in each component:
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
| MET | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
Superior English
Purpose: For GSM applicants claiming 20 points for English.
Minimum score in each component:
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
| C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
| MET | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Functional English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 4.5 | Average score of 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 30 | Overall score of 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of 32 | Total score of 26 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Total score of 147 | N/A |
| MET | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
| CELPIP | N/A | Overall score of 5 |
| OET | N/A | Overall score of 1020 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
Vocational English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5 in each component | 5 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 36 in each component | Listening: 33, Reading: 36, Writing: 29, Speaking: 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14 | Listening: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 9, Speaking: 14 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 in each component | Not accepted for this level from 7 Aug 2025 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45, Speaking: 38 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 5 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 220, Reading: 240, Writing: 200, Speaking: 270 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45, Speaking: 54 |
Competent English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|
| IELTS | 6 in each component | 6 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each component | Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21 | Listening: 16, Reading: 16, Writing: 19, Speaking: 19 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 in each component | Listening: 163, Reading: 163, Writing: 170, Speaking: 179 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 56, Reading: 55, Writing: 57, Speaking: 48 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 7 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 290, Reading: 310, Writing: 290, Speaking: 330 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 57, Reading: 60, Writing: 64, Speaking: 70 |
Proficient English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 in each component | 7 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 65 in each component | Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23 | Listening: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 26, Speaking: 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 185 in each component | Listening: 175, Reading: 179, Writing: 193, Speaking: 194 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 61, Reading: 63, Writing: 74, Speaking: 59 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 10, Speaking: 8 |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 350, Reading: 360, Writing: 380, Speaking: 360 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 67, Reading: 71, Writing: 78, Speaking: 82 |
Superior English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|
| IELTS | 8 in each component | 8 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 79 in each component | Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26 | Listening: 26, Reading: 27, Writing: 30, Speaking: 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 200 in each component | Listening: 186, Reading: 190, Writing: 210, Speaking: 208 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 10, Reading: 10, Writing: 12, Speaking: 10 |
| OET | A in each component | Listening: 390, Reading: 400, Writing: 420, Speaking: 400 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 80, Reading: 83, Writing: 89, Speaking: 89 |
If you are applying for Skilled Migration, you will need to prove your English language ability. The required level of English depends on the visa subclass you are applying for and there are 4 different levels of English which may be relevant:
- Superior English: 20 points in GSM points test
- Proficient English: 10 points in GSM points test
- Competent English: threshold requirement for General Skilled Migration and 186 ENS/187 RSMS Direct and Transition stream
- Vocational English
- Functional English: for secondary applicants seeking to avoid paying the English Language Charge
From 14 December 2022, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) will be available for certain test takers. OSR allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking or listening (once only).
For Australian visa purposes, the Department will accept IELTS test results that include OSR, with the exception of applications for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which need scores from a single sitting/attempt.
Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
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