Australia Expands Accepted English-Language Tests & Updates Score Benchmarks for Visa Applications

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has introduced major updates to Australia English language test requirements, marking one of the most significant changes to visa eligibility in recent years. From 7 August 2025, the list of accepted English language tests Australia will grow from five to nine, offering applicants greater flexibility while ensuring stronger standardisation across test formats. This reform impacts multiple visa streams, including English test for Australian student visa applications and Australian work visa language requirements.

Expanded Test Options & Validity Guidelines

Under the Australian visa English test changes, newly approved tests include:

• CELPIP General
  
  
• LanguageCert Academic
  
  
• Michigan English Test (MET)

After 7 August 2025, the full approved list will include:

1. IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake)
   
   
2. IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake)
   
   
3. PTE Academic
   
   
4. TOEFL iBT
   
   
5. OET
   
   
6. Cambridge C1 Advanced
   
   
7. CELPIP General
   
   
8. LanguageCert Academic
   
   
9. MET

Transitional Validity: Results from eligible tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid for up to three years, depending on your visa subclass.

Updated Score Requirements by Visa Level

The Department has harmonised minimum scores for various English proficiency levels across all accepted English language tests Australia.

Sample Minimum Scores for Key Visa Types:

Student Visa (Subclass 500) — Functional English (no ELICOS required):

• IELTS Academic: 6.0
  
  
• PTE Academic: 47
  
  
• TOEFL iBT: 67
  
  
• OET: 1210
  
  
• CELPIP: 7
  
  
• LanguageCert: 61
  
  
• MET: 53
  
  

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Standard Stream:

• IELTS: 6.5 average (5.5 per band)
  
  
• TOEFL iBT: 81 overall
  
  
• PTE Academic: 55 overall
  
  
• OET: 1310
  
  
• LanguageCert: 67
  
  
• MET: 58
  
  
• CELPIP: 8 overall

Competent English (General Skilled Migration):

• IELTS: 6.0 in all bands
  
  
• PTE Academic: 47–54 (skill-level)
  
  
• TOEFL iBT: 16–19 (components)
  
  
• OET: B in all skills
  
  
• CELPIP: 7 in all bands
  
  
• LanguageCert: 57–70
  
  
• MET: 56–48
  
  

Superior English (20 points under skilled migration):

• IELTS: 8.0 in all bands
  
  
• PTE Academic: 69–88
  
  
• TOEFL iBT: 26–28 (varied components)
  
  
• OET: Grade A
  
  
• CELPIP: 10–12
  
  
• LanguageCert: 80–89
  
  
• MET: Multiple components not accepted

Who’s Exempt & What’s Not?

Passport Exemptions remain unchanged. Holders of valid passports from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are exempt from most English tests, except when claiming Proficient or Superior English points.

Note: Home-based or remote tests, such as IELTS Online, CELPIP Online, TOEFL Home Edition, OET@Home, are not accepted.

What This Means for Applicants

• Greater flexibility in choosing between multiple accepted English language tests Australia, whether computer-based or paper-based.
• Higher scoring precision, thanks to standardisation across multiple test formats.
  
  
• Urgency for action: Those yet to take their test should confirm if their preferred test and timing align with new rules.
  
  
• Retain validity advantage: If you’ve completed one of the older tests prior to 7 August 2025, you may still leverage those scores under prior thresholds if still valid.

Beyond the Headlines: Industry Perspective

This reform comes as part of Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen international education and skilled migration. Just days before the announcement, the government raised the student cap to 295,000 for 2025/26, signalling a strong commitment to attracting global talent. 

By broadening Australia English language test requirements, the country aims to enhance accessibility without compromising the high proficiency standards necessary for success in study, work, and integration.