New English Language Requirements Effective for Student Visa Applicants as of 07 August 2025
The Australian Government has revised the English language requirements for the Student Visa (subclass 500) applicants. These changes include new English tests and the minimum score required. These updates are effective on 07 August 2025.
Find the details below and see how it may affect your application.
Accepted English test for meeting the English requirements for Student Visa (subclass 500)
The Australian Government added three new English tests, namely CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET). So, as of 7 August 2025, you can take one of the following English test to demonstrate that you’ve met the English requirements for a Student Visa:
- Cambridge Advanced test (C1 Advanced);
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General);
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic);
- International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training);
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic);
- Michigan English Test (MET);
- Occupational English Test (OET);
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic);
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT).
Read More: All About Visa Subclass 500
Minimum score for each English test
As of 07 August 2025, the minimum score for each English test for the Student Visa (subclass 500) application is:
1. C1 Advanced:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: not accepted
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: not accepted
- All other applicants: overall band score of 161
2. CELPIP General:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 6.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 5.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 7.
3. IELTS Academic & General Training:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 5.5.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 5.0.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 6.0.
4. LANGUAGECERT Academic:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 54.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 46.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 61.
5. MET:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 49.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 44.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 53.
6. OET:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 1090.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 1020.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 1210.
7. PTE Academic
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 39.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 31.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 47.
8. TOEFL iBT:
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS, or if a standard foundation program, or if an extended foundation program, or if an eligible pathway program: overall band score of 51.
- If the principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS: overall band score of 37.
- All other applicants: overall band score of 67.
Exemption to meet the English requirements for Student Visa
If you meet one of the following criteria, you don’t need to take the English test in order to meet the English requirements for a Student Visa application:
- You’re a holder of a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, UK, or USA.
- You’re enrolled only for a course that is registered to be delivered in a language other than English, is an ELICOS, is a registered school course, and is a registered post-graduate research course.
- You’re an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs student, a Defence Student, or a Secondary exchange student.
- If in the 2 years prior of submitting the Student Visa, you have completed:
- the requirements for a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, in a course that was conducted in Australia or in English, or
- a substantial component of a course leading t a qualification from the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) at the Certificate IV level or higher that was conducted in Australia and in English, while you hold a Student Visa.
- You have successfully completed a minimum of 5 years of study in English undertaken in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, UK, or USA.
Why these updates matter
The new English requirements for Student Visa matters, especially if you’re applying after 7 August 2025. Here’s why:
- You must ensure your English test meet the new minimum scores or qualify through the exemptions as mentioned above.
- Institutions that previously accepted lower scores may now require the applicants to sit a new test or enroll in language programs ahead of their main course.
- The changes aim to uphold education integrity and student preparedness.
If you’re preparing a Student Visa application, make sure you’ve met the English requirement according to the latest update or qualifies for an exemption. This is important to get the best outcome for your application and to begin your academic journey with confidence.
If this update confuses you, our experienced migration agents are here to guide you:
How ONEderland Consulting Can Assist You
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you in navigating the new English requirements for the Student visa, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
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Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at [email protected], 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.
