Authored by Zenrin Rosillon Duenas, Head of Education and Visa Counselling, Marketing and Talent Acquisition
Expanded List of Accepted English Tests
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has introduced significant changes to the English language proficiency requirements for international students applying to study in Australia, with new rules taking effect from August 7, 2025. One of the most notable updates is the expansion of the number of accepted English language proficiency tests for visa purposes. International students can now choose from nine different English tests approved by the DHA, including:
- IELTS (Academic and General Training, including One Skill Retake)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- TOEFL iBT
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
Several of these are newly added to the list, such as CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET.
New Minimum Score Requirements
Alongside the new test options, the DHA has also updated the minimum score benchmarks required for each test. These updates aim to standardize expectations and bring consistency across different testing formats. Notably, the minimum scores for some existing tests, such as PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, OET, and TOEFL iBT, have also changed based on recent concordance studies and government consultation with stakeholders across education and migration sectors.
Here’s an example of the new minimum requirements for the “Competent English” level (commonly required for student and skilled visa subclasses):
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall/Total Score Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.0 (main course); or 5.5 (if packaged with ELICOS) | Minimum IELTS score may be 5.5 for packaged ELICOS courses |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 47 overall (Student Visa Subclass 500) | 55 overall with component minimums (40L, 42R, 41W, 39S) for Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 |
These scores represent the minimum required in each section to meet “Competent English” for most academic and skilled visas from August 7, 2025 onward.
Transitional Arrangements
If visa applicants completed an English test on or before August 6, 2025, their results remain valid for up to 36 months (three years) after the test date, provided their scores meet the requirements from the previous rules. The new requirements only apply to tests taken on or after August 7, 2025.
Implications for Student Visa Applicants
These changes are especially critical for international students seeking to obtain or renew a Student (Subclass 500) visa. Students must ensure that their chosen English test and corresponding scores align with the new requirements if their test occurs from August 7, 2025 onwards.
Key Details for International Students
- Nine English tests now accepted for proving English proficiency
- Students must ensure their test is taken at an approved, secure test centre
- Scores from tests before August 7, 2025: still accepted if application is made within the validity window and previous requirements are met
- New minimum score thresholds for most tests; students should check specific visa subclass requirements
- Changes developed in consultation with regulatory and migration advisory bodies
Conclusion
The DHA update reflects Australia’s continued emphasis on genuine English proficiency for international students, in line with its evolving migration and education policies. Prospective international students should review the official DHA and Australian embassy websites, as well as their institution’s admissions guidance, to ensure compliance with the latest requirements and to select a suitable English test for their visa application.
This update applies to all applications submitted from August 7, 2025 onward, marking a significant change in how students can meet the English language criteria for Australian visas.
