Australia’s migration and study pathways are evolving—and English language requirements have just seen a major update for 2025. If you’re an international student, skilled migrant, or planning any visa application, here’s the comprehensive guide you need to understand the new standards, latest approved tests, and how these changes impact your application.
What’s Changed for 2025?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has refined its English requirements, introducing new score thresholds and expanding the list of approved proficiency tests for visas lodged after August 7, 2025. The objectives are higher English standards, equal access across popular tests, and streamlined migration and study experiences.
Major updates include:
- Only results from secured test centers are accepted. Remote-proctored/at-home testsdo not count.
- Nine approved English tests, including some newly accepted options.
- Updated minimum scores, affecting skilled visas, student visas, and graduate pathways.
Approved English Tests (2025 Onward)
You can now demonstrate your English ability with any of these tests if taken at an official testing center:
- IELTS Academic and General Training
- Pearson PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for healthcare professionals)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- OET (health-stream only)
Starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs is updating its list of accepted English language tests to include three new options:
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
These test results will be considered valid for up to 3 years from the date of testing, aligning with existing test validity standards. This broadens access and caters to candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
As per the new Legislation introduced by the Department of Immigration, Minimum Score Requirements by Proficiency Level
Below is a table summarizing the minimum scores for each proficiency level for tests taken on or after August 7, 2025, based on the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016):
Score Comparison Table
| Level | Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall/Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | IELTS | – | – | – | – | 4.5 (average) |
| PTE Academic | – | – | – | – | 24 | |
| TOEFL iBT | – | – | – | – | 26 | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | – | – | – | – | 38 | |
| MET | – | – | – | – | 38 | |
| CELPIP General | – | – | – | – | 5 | |
| OET | – | – | – | – | 1020 | |
| Vocational | IELTS | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 | – | |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 | – | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 | – | |
| MET | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 | – | |
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 | – | |
| C1 Advanced | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | – | |
| Competent | IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | – |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | – | |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 | – | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 | – | |
| MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 | – | |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | – | |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 | – | |
| C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 | – | |
| Proficient | IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | – |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 | – | |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 | – | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 | – | |
| MET | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 | – | |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | – | |
| OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 | – | |
| C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 | – | |
| Superior | IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | – |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 | – | |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 | – | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 | – | |
| MET | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | – | |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 | – | |
| OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 | – | |
| C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 | – |
Action Steps for Your 2025 Visa Application
- Book Your Test Early: Demand is rising since remote tests are no longer accepted.
- Check Your Target Score: Universities and migration pathways may specify higher scores, especially for competitive courses or PR routes.
- Keep Evidence Ready: Save all test documents for application.
- Consult Official Lists: Eligibility and score benchmarks may change—always verify with Department of Home Affairs or your institution.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s new English language standards mean thorough preparation and careful selection of your test are essential. With nine tests now accepted and more secure examination protocols, students and skilled migrants have clearer options to meet visa requirements and set themselves up for a successful future Down Under.
