What are the accepted English language tests for Australian immigration purposes?

Accepted English Tests for Australian Immigration: Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET and C1 Advanced, including 2025 changes, score requirements and visa-specific English rules.

Why Choose Edvise Hub?

Expert Visa Consultation
Tailored Eligibility Check
Transparent Pricing

PR Pathway Planning
Free Initial Consultation

Admission

Expert support for Australian university admissions, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.

Degree Assessment

Reliable degree assessments to align your credentials with Australian standards, boosting your academic or career prospects.

Visa Assistance

Simplified visa application support for students, guiding you through Australia’s visa requirements and procedures smoothly.

Migration Services

Strategic migration planning for Australia, ensuring compliance and aligning with your educational and career objectives.

What English Tests Are Accepted for Australian Immigration?

The accepted English tests for Australian immigration have changed, and the correct test depends on the visa you are applying for and the level of English you need to demonstrate. For visa purposes, the Department of Home Affairs currently recognises tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET, subject to the applicable requirements and test conditions.

English proficiency can be important for skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, student visas and other Australian visa pathways. For points-tested skilled migration, achieving a higher level of English can also increase your points. If you are planning your pathway, reviewing the relevant visa services alongside the official requirements can help you understand which evidence you need.

One important change took effect on 7 August 2025: Australia introduced updated approved tests and score requirements. Tests taken on or after that date are assessed under the new framework, while some older results may remain usable for a specified period depending on the visa. Completely online or at-home versions of approved tests are generally not accepted for Australian visa purposes.

Important: There is no single English score that applies to every Australian visa. Always check the specific visa subclass and the date and format of your test before relying on a result.

Which English Tests Can You Use for Australian Visa Applications?

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists several approved English tests. The required score depends on whether your visa requires functional, competent, proficient or superior English, or a different visa-specific standard. For example, the Department's current functional English page lists IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET, while Cambridge C1 Advanced is also approved for higher English levels and relevant visa pathways.

The following overview can help you identify the main English tests for Australian visa purposes:

English Test	Commonly Relevant For	Key Point
IELTS	Skilled, student and other visas	Academic and General Training versions may be accepted depending on the visa.
PTE Academic	Skilled and other visa pathways	Current scoring requirements apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025.
TOEFL iBT	Eligible visa pathways	For current tests, applicants must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” when registering.
OET	Especially relevant to health professionals	Current numerical scoring applies from 7 August 2025.
C1 Advanced	Eligible migration and visa pathways	Visa-specific score and validity rules apply.

If you are choosing between IELTS for Australian immigration and PTE for Australian immigration, compare the exact score requirements for your intended visa rather than choosing solely because one test is considered easier. Test format, preparation style and the visa's accepted test rules can all matter.

Fahad Shamim

Migration & Education Consultant

MARA Registered MARN 2619225

QEAC G12906

As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.

Phone +61 424 295 050

Email fahad@edvisehub.com

Contact on WhatsApp

English Requirements for Australian PR and Skilled Migration

For points-tested skilled migration, English ability can affect both eligibility and your points position. SkillSelect guidance states that applicants may need at least competent English, while proficient or superior English can provide additional points. The exact requirement depends on the visa and your circumstances.

This means an English proficiency test for Australia PR should be selected with your complete migration strategy in mind. A test result that satisfies a minimum requirement may not give you the highest possible English points. Before booking an exam, check the current requirements for your intended visa and whether your test date, test type and score are valid.

Also remember that the Department does not accept English tests delivered completely online or remotely at home. For example, IELTS Online, PTE alternatives that do not meet the approved testing conditions, OET@Home and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.

How Edvise Hub Can Help With English Test Requirements

Choosing an English test is only one part of an Australian immigration application. Edvise Hub can help you understand the English requirement alongside your broader visa pathway, including skilled migration and other Australian visa options. You can explore migration services to assess how English results may fit into your overall strategy.

Not Sure Which English Test You Need?

Get guidance on the English test and score requirements that apply to your Australian visa pathway.

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the accepted English tests for Australian immigration?
The Department of Home Affairs currently recognises tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET for relevant Australian visa purposes. The exact test and score requirements depend on the visa subclass and the English level required.

2. Is IELTS accepted for Australian immigration?
Yes. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are among the English tests accepted for relevant Australian visa purposes. However, the required IELTS score, test validity and whether a particular IELTS format is accepted depend on the visa pathway.

3. Is PTE accepted for Australian permanent residency?
Yes. PTE Academic is an approved English test for relevant Australian visa pathways, including skilled migration where the applicable requirements are met. The score required depends on the English level and visa subclass, and the current scoring system applies to tests taken from 7 August 2025.

4. Can I take an English test online for an Australian visa?
Generally, no. The Department does not accept evidence from English tests delivered completely online, including remote-proctored or at-home versions such as IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

5. What English score do I need for Australian immigration?
There is no single score for every visa. Requirements vary according to the visa subclass and the English level required. Skilled migration applicants may need competent English, while proficient or superior English can provide additional points. Check the current requirements for your specific visa before taking the test.