Updated English Requirement for Australian Visa – Effective on 7 August 2025
If you’re planning to apply for an Australian Visa, meeting the English language requirement is a crucial step. The Department of Home Affairs recently updated the list of accepted English tests and minimum score requirements, making it more important than ever to understand what’s expected for your visa type.
This guide explains the latest updates, test score requirements for each visa, exemptions, and how to prepare for success.
What changed in August 2025?
As of 7 August 2025, the Australian Government has expanded the list of approved English language tests, which include three new English tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and Michigan English Test.
The Australian Government also banned online or at-home versions of these tests, meaning you must take the tests in person at an authorised test centre. They also updated the score requirements for several visa subclasses.
Approved English Tests for Australian Visa – Updated 7 August 2025
To meet the English requirements, you can take one following English tests prior of submitting your Australian visa applications:
- International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) Academic or General Training
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP Academic)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LanguageCert Academic)
- Michigan English Test (MET)
What is the English Requirement for Australian visa?
It is essential to note that meeting the English requirement for an Australian visa is crucial, as English is the primary language spoken in the country. The Australian government divides English proficiency into five different levels:
- Functional English
- Vocational English
- Competent English
- Proficient English
- Superior English
You’ll need to take a test to determine which level you belong to. Various types of tests are available, and the score you get on your chosen test will determine your points and your level of English ability.
Minimum score for each English proficiency level
Each proficiency level requires a different minimum score. See the table below to find which English proficiency level you are in.
1. Functional English
| English Test | Overall Band Score | Average Band Score | Total Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP General | 5 | |||||
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 4.5 | |||||
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 38 | |||||
| MET | 38 | |||||
| OET | 1020 | |||||
| PTE Academic | 24 | |||||
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | |||||
2. Vocational English:
| English Test | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| MET | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
3. Competent English:
| English Test | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
4. Proficient English
| English Test | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
| MET | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
| OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
5. Superior Visa
| English Test | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
| OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
Note:
- The Department of Home Affairs will accept IELTS test result that include One Skill Rekate (OSR) for certain visa subclasses.
- The Department of Home Affairs will accept MET test result that include Single Section Retake (SSR) for certain visa subclasses.
- For OET, there’s been a slight change in the scoring formats, which previously were alphabetical but are now numerical. OET also doesn’t provide overall test results, but you can get them by contacting OET directly.
Exemption to meet English requirements for Australian visa applications
You may be exempted from meeting the English requirements for Australian visa application purposes if:
- You hold a valid passport from the UK (except British National Overseas), USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, or
- You meet the following study requirements (exemption applicable to Functional English only):
- You completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate in an institution in or outside Australia that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training and all instructions were in English, or
- You completed study in primary and secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English. The duration shoult be all years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary education, or
- You completed study in a secondary school, in our outside Australia, where all instruction was in English at least 5 years of secondary education, or
- You completed study in an institution in Australia, where all instruction was in English to complete a degree, a higher degree, a diploma, or an associate diploma. The duration should be at least 1 year of full-time study toward one of these degrees, or the part-time equivalent of 1 year of full-time study towards one of these degrees.
When should the English test be taken?
Generally, you must take the English test within 3 years before submitting the Australian visa application.
However, if you’ve taken an English test on or before 6 August 2025 as evidence of meeting the English requirements for Australian visa purposes, your test may still be accepted until 6 August 2028 for certain visa subclasses.
Tips to pass the English requirement for Australian visa applications
Here are some tips to pass the minimum English requirement, boosting the chance of getting your Australian visa application approved:
- Take practice tests using official materials.
- Focus on all skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Consider professional coaching if you’re close to the required score.
- Sit for the test early to avoid delays.
Improving your English ability can help you expand your opportunities, mostly for your professional career or even your personal life.
Moving to a new place can make you reflect on your lifestyle. Migration is not always easy. Adapting to a new environment can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when you choose Australia as the destination.
If you do have these kinds of questions:
- English is my second language, but I lack sufficient physical evidence. Should I take the requirement tests?
- Is there any specific process of English requirements for a certain Australian visa?
- Which courses do I need to take to meet the English requirements as a beginner?
We know that you may have many questions about the English requirements that seem simple yet are still complicated for your visa applications, especially for you who aim for higher chances of being granted a visa and migrating to Australia. Here, we provide you with a professional agent who has already mastered their field.
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Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
