From August 7, 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has introduced major updates to the approved English language tests and score requirements for Australian visas. The changes affect which tests are accepted, the scores you’ll need, and how long results remain valid.
Here’s everything you need to know
QUICK SUMMARY
Here is a quick summary of all the changes
- Newly accepted tests (from 7 Aug 2025): CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET) join the accepted list
- Score tables updated: Minimum scores for each English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior) have been revised across tests.
- Validity & transition: Results from tests taken on or before 6 Aug 2025 can still be used within their normal validity windows
- Minimum score benchmarks for the Student (500), Temporary Graduate (485) and Skills in Demand (482) visas (covered in the second blog)
ACCEPTED TESTS
Three additional English language tests are now recognised for Australian visa applications, and join the existing list of accepted providers:
Already approved providers include:
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE
- IELTS
- OET
- Cambridge English: Advanced(C1 Advanced)
MINIMUM ENGLISH TEST REQUIREMENTS AUSTRALIA
To meet the Functional English requirement, you can either provide the minimum test scores listed below or show that you’re a citizen of — and hold a valid passport from — one of the following countries (attach a copy with your application):
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
Note: British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted as evidence of Functional English.
Test | Minimum Test Scores Required before 7 August 2025 | Minimum Test Scores Required on or after 7 August 2025 |
IELTS | Overall score of 4.5 | Average score of 4.5 |
PTE Academic | Overall score of 30 | Overall score of 24 |
OET | N/A | Overall score of 1020 |
TOEFL iBT | Total score of 32 | Total score of 26 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced | Total score of 147 | N/A |
CELPIP | N/A | Overall score of 5 |
MET | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
LanguageCert Academic | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
Vocational, Competent, Proficient & Superior English
To meet the Vocational, Competent, Proficient & Superior requirement, you can either provide the minimum test scores listed below
Exemption
You are exempted from proving Vocational & Competent English if you can show that you’re a citizen of — and hold a valid passport from — one of the following countries (attach a copy with your application):
- United Kingdom
- the United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand or
- the Republic of Ireland.
Note: British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted as evidence of Vocational English.
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT/WHAT TO CHECK
Before you apply, double-check:
- Which test you took, and whether it’s accepted after 7 Aug 2025
- When you took the test
- For tests taken before 7 Aug 2025: May still be valid if used within applicable timeframes (generally up to 3 years, depending on the type of visa you are applying for).
- For tests taken on/after 7 Aug 2025: Use the new test list.
- Your target English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient or Superior) for your visa pathway.
STUDENT VISA (SUBCLASS 500): Updated English Requirements Australia
The Department has also made changes to the English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. Below are the new minimum overall scores required to apply for a Student visa.
Test | Minimum Test Scores Required before 7 August 2025 | Minimum Test Scores Required on or after 7 August 2025 |
IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 6.0 average band |
PTE Academic | 50 | 47 overall |
TOEFL iBT | 64 | 67 total |
OET | A score of at least B in each component | 1210 overall |
C1 Advanced | 169 | Overall band of 161 |
CELPIP General | N/A | 7 overall |
LanguageCert Academic | N/A | 61 overall |
MET | N/A | 53 overall |
Lower scores may be acceptable if the applicant is enrolled in 10–20 weeks of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). The scores required, in this case, are outlined as below:
- 10+ weeks ELICOS / Standard or Extended Foundation / eligible pathway: IELTS 5.5 / PTE 39 / TOEFL 51 / OET 1090 / CELPIP 6 / LanguageCert 54 / MET 49.
- 20+ weeks ELICOS: IELTS 5.0 / PTE 31 / TOEFL 37 / OET 1020 / CELPIP 5 / LanguageCert 46 / MET 44.
GRADUATE VISA (SUBCLASS 485): Updated English Requirements Australia
Higher English score requirements apply for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
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 |
NEED ASSISTANCE?
If you’re unsure which English test to take, what score you need, or how the new dates apply to your case, our Registered Migration Agents can help. We’ll review your situation, confirm the right pathway, and map out next steps so your Student (Subclass 500) / Graduate (subclass 485) application is lodged correctly the first time. Reach out to our team to book a consultation today.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and isn’t legal advice. Requirements can change and may vary by stream and personal circumstances. Contact us for personalised guidance before you apply.
