Changes to Australian Immigration English Language Tests & Requirements as of 7 August 2025
On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs implemented significant changes to the approved English‑language tests for visa applications.
These changes affect test types, score requirements, formats and accepted validity periods. These changes are important for anyone preparing to apply for a visa in Australia to ensure they are still meeting the correct English requirements.
Below we have provided a breakdown of the changes.
Overview of the English language test changes
- English tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid if used within applicable timeframes (generally up to three years, depending on the type of visa being applied for).
- The Department now accepts a broader range of test types: Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake where applicable), LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET (with Single Section Retake), OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
Functional English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 4.5 | Average score of 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 30 | Overall score of 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of 32 | Total score of 26 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Total score of 147 | N/A |
| MET | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
| CELPIP | N/A | Overall score of 5 |
| OET | N/A | Overall score of 1020 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
Vocational English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5 in each component | 5 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 36 in each component | Listening: 33, Reading: 36, Writing: 29, Speaking: 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14 | Listening: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 9, Speaking: 14 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 in each component | Not accepted for this level from 7 Aug 2025 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45, Speaking: 38 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 5 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 220, Reading: 240, Writing: 200, Speaking: 270 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45, Speaking: 54 |
Competent English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|
| IELTS | 6 in each component | 6 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each component | Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21 | Listening: 16, Reading: 16, Writing: 19, Speaking: 19 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 in each component | Listening: 163, Reading: 163, Writing: 170, Speaking: 179 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 56, Reading: 55, Writing: 57, Speaking: 48 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 7 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 290, Reading: 310, Writing: 290, Speaking: 330 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 57, Reading: 60, Writing: 64, Speaking: 70 |
Proficient English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 in each component | 7 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 65 in each component | Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23 | Listening: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 26, Speaking: 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 185 in each component | Listening: 175, Reading: 179, Writing: 193, Speaking: 194 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 61, Reading: 63, Writing: 74, Speaking: 59 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 10, Speaking: 8 |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 350, Reading: 360, Writing: 380, Speaking: 360 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 67, Reading: 71, Writing: 78, Speaking: 82 |
Superior English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
|---|
| IELTS | 8 in each component | 8 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 79 in each component | Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26 | Listening: 26, Reading: 27, Writing: 30, Speaking: 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 200 in each component | Listening: 186, Reading: 190, Writing: 210, Speaking: 208 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 10, Reading: 10, Writing: 12, Speaking: 10 |
| OET | A in each component | Listening: 390, Reading: 400, Writing: 420, Speaking: 400 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 80, Reading: 83, Writing: 89, Speaking: 89 |
What this means for visa applicants
- If you have taken an English test prior to the 7 August 2025, ensure you meet the previous requirements. If taken after 7 August 2025, ensure you meet the new requirements.
- Double check the validity of your test results based on your visa type and lodgement date.
- Determine your required English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior) and make sure your test scores either meet or exceed the requirements.
- For tests taken after 7 August 2025, ensure they meet the changes outlined above.
Further information or questions
For further information, please contact our office by submitting an online enquiry, or calling us on 1300 083 843.