Australia's 2025 English Test Changes: The Definitive Guide to New Visa Scores

Part 1: The Key Changes Summarized

1. Recalibrated Scores: Minimum scores for PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT have been adjusted to align more closely with IELTS. This is the most important change for most applicants.

2. More Test Options: Australia now officially accepts scores from three new tests: CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).

3. Transitional Rules: If you took your test before August 7, 2025, your results are assessed against the old rules, provided they are still within the 3-year validity period at the time you apply.

Why the change? The government's goal was to ensure fairness and consistency. They conducted research to make sure that a "Proficient" score on one test represents the same level of English ability as a "Proficient" score on another.

Part 2: The New Score Requirements (The Master Chart)

Part 3: English Requirements by Visa Type

• Skilled Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491):
• Minimum: You need at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all bands) just to be eligible.
• Strategy: To be competitive, you must aim for Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points). These points are often the deciding factor for an invitation.

• Student Visas (Subclass 500):
• The requirement is set by your chosen educational institution, not just the visa. Most universities require an overall IELTS score of 6.0-6.5, but this can vary significantly. Always check with your institution first.

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visas (Subclass 482):
• Short-term stream: Requires an IELTS score of 5.0 overall, with a minimum of 4.5 in each band (or its equivalent).
• Medium-term stream: Requires a minimum of 5.0 in each band of the IELTS test (or its equivalent).

• Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100):
• Applicants and their sponsors may need to show Functional English. This can often be proven through methods other than a test, such as holding certain passports or evidence of specific schooling.

Part 4: How to Choose the Right Test for YOU

• Choose IELTS if: You prefer a face-to-face speaking test with a human examiner and are comfortable with paper-based or computer-based options for the other sections. It's the global standard and a consistent benchmark.

• Choose PTE Academic if: You are comfortable with computers, want fast results (often within 48 hours), and perform well in a test environment where the speaking section is scored by an algorithm.

• Choose TOEFL iBT if: You are familiar with American English and the test is widely available in your region. It is highly regarded by academic institutions.

• Consider the New Tests (CELPIP, etc.) if: They are more accessible in your country or if their test format (e.g., CELPIP uses Canadian English) is a better fit for your background.

Part 5: Definitive FAQ - Your Questions Answered

• How long is my English test result valid for a visa? For Australian visa purposes, your test result is valid for three years immediately before the date you lodge your application.

• I got IELTS 7, 7, 6.5, and 8. Is that "Proficient"? No. To achieve a level like Proficient or Superior, you must meet the minimum score in all four bands in a single test sitting. A single 6.5 would mean your score is considered Competent overall.

• Can I combine scores from two different tests? No. You must meet all the requirements in a single attempt of one approved test.

• Do I have to provide a test result if I am from the UK, USA, etc.? If you hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, you are considered to have Competent English and do not need to sit a test for most skilled visa purposes. However, to claim points for Proficient or Superior English, you must still take and pass a test.

Don't Risk Your Application on Outdated Information