Australia Migration

Important Update: New English Language Test Requirements for Australian Visa Applications (Effective 7 August 2025)

As of 7 August 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has introduced crucial updates to the approved English language tests required for various Australian visa applications. These revisions impact the accepted test types, minimum score criteria, test formats, and validity periods—making it essential for visa applicants to stay up to date with the latest guidelines.

Key Highlights of the Updated English Language Requirements:

  • Tests completed on or before 6 August 2025 may still be accepted, provided they fall within the relevant validity period (typically up to 3 years, depending on the visa subclass).
  • A wider range of English proficiency tests is now officially recognized by the Department, giving applicants more flexibility in meeting language requirements.

Approved English Tests for Australian Visas:

  • IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake where applicable)
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • OET (Occupational English Test)
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced
  • CELPIP General
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic
  • MET (Michigan English Test, now with Single Section Retake option)

Functional English

TestAccepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTSOverall score of 4.5Average score of 4.5
PTE AcademicOverall score of 30Overall score of 24
TOEFL iBTTotal score of 32Total score of 26
Cambridge C1 AdvancedTotal score of 147N/A
METN/AOverall score of 38
CELPIPN/AOverall score of 5
OETN/AOverall score of 1020
LANGUAGECERT AcademicN/AOverall score of 38

Vocational English

TestAccepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS5 in each component5 in each component
PTE Academic36 in each componentListening: 33, Reading: 36, Writing: 29, Speaking: 24
TOEFL iBTListening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14Listening: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 9, Speaking: 14
Cambridge C1 Advanced154 in each componentNot accepted for this level from 7 Aug 2025
METNot acceptedListening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45, Speaking: 38
CELPIP GeneralNot accepted5 in each component
OETB in each componentListening: 220, Reading: 240, Writing: 200, Speaking: 270
LANGUAGECERT AcademicNot acceptedListening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45, Speaking: 54

Competent English

TestAccepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS6 in each component6 in each component
PTE Academic50 in each componentListening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54
TOEFL iBTListening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21Listening: 16, Reading: 16, Writing: 19, Speaking: 19
Cambridge C1 Advanced169 in each componentListening: 163, Reading: 163, Writing: 170, Speaking: 179
METNot acceptedListening: 56, Reading: 55, Writing: 57, Speaking: 48
CELPIP GeneralNot accepted7 in each component
OETB in each componentListening: 290, Reading: 310, Writing: 290, Speaking: 330
LANGUAGECERT AcademicNot acceptedListening: 57, Reading: 60, Writing: 64, Speaking: 70

Proficient English

TestAccepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS7 in each component7 in each component
PTE Academic65 in each componentListening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76
TOEFL iBTListening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23Listening: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 26, Speaking: 24
Cambridge C1 Advanced185 in each componentListening: 175, Reading: 179, Writing: 193, Speaking: 194
METNot acceptedListening: 61, Reading: 63, Writing: 74, Speaking: 59
CELPIP GeneralNot acceptedListening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 10, Speaking: 8
OETB in each componentListening: 350, Reading: 360, Writing: 380, Speaking: 360
LANGUAGECERT AcademicNot acceptedListening: 67, Reading: 71, Writing: 78, Speaking: 82

Superior English

TestAccepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS8 in each component8 in each component
PTE Academic79 in each componentListening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88
TOEFL iBTListening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26Listening: 26, Reading: 27, Writing: 30, Speaking: 28
Cambridge C1 Advanced200 in each componentListening: 186, Reading: 190, Writing: 210, Speaking: 208
CELPIP GeneralNot acceptedListening: 10, Reading: 10, Writing: 12, Speaking: 10
OETA in each componentListening: 390, Reading: 400, Writing: 420, Speaking: 400
LANGUAGECERT AcademicNot acceptedListening: 80, Reading: 83, Writing: 89, Speaking: 89
Key Takeaways for Visa Applicants:
  • If your English test was taken before 7 August 2025, make sure it aligns with the previous testing requirements.
  • For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, you must follow the new guidelines introduced by the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Always confirm the validity period of your English test results based on your visa subclass and application lodgement date.
  • Identify the level of English proficiency required for your visa—Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior—and ensure your test scores meet or exceed the relevant benchmarks.
  • For newer tests taken after 7 August 2025, ensure they comply with the updated formats, score requirements, and accepted test types.
Staying informed about these updates is essential for a smooth Australian immigration process.

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