Applying for an Australian visa can feel complex, and a key milestone is proving your English language ability. The Department of Home Affairs has recently updated its list of approved English tests and score requirements, effective 7 August 2025.
These changes expand test options, update score thresholds, and introduce stricter rules on test formats. Here’s what you need to know.
🆕 What’s New?
From 7 August 2025, only results from the newly approved list will be accepted:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake)
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET, with Single Section Retake)
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
❌ Online-only or at-home versions (like IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition) are not accepted.
📅 Transition Rule
- Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid for up to 3 years, depending on visa type.
- Tests taken from 7 August 2025 must follow the new scoring system.
📊 Five English Proficiency Levels
Australia recognises five proficiency levels for visa purposes:
- Functional English – basic, needed for some family visas.
- Vocational English – required for certain trade/temporary visas.
- Competent English – standard for most skilled migration visas.
- Proficient English – earns extra points in the skilled system.
- Superior English – maximum points for English ability.
📈 Updated Score Comparisons
The new framework introduces component-based scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). For example:
- Competent English
- IELTS: 6 in each component
- PTE: L47, R48, W51, S54
- TOEFL iBT: L16, R16, W19, S19
- Cambridge: L163, R163, W170, S179
English Test Score Comparison Table
| Proficiency Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Cambridge C1 Advanced | CELPIP General | MET | LanguageCert Academic | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | Average 4.5 | Overall 24 | Total 26 | ✘ Not accepted | Overall 5 | Overall 38 | Overall 38 | Overall 1020 |
| Vocational English | 5 in each component | L33, R36, W29, S24 | L8, R8, W9, S14 | ✘ Not accepted | 5 in each component | L49, R47, W45, S38 | L41, R44, W45, S54 | L220, R240, W200, S270 |
| Competent English | 6 in each component | L47, R48, W51, S54 | L16, R16, W19, S19 | L163, R163, W170, S179 | 7 in each component | L56, R55, W57, S48 | L57, R60, W64, S70 | L290, R310, W290, S330 |
| Proficient English | 7 in each component | L58, R59, W69, S76 | L22, R22, W26, S24 | L175, R179, W193, S194 | L9, R8, W10, S8 | L61, R63, W74, S59 | L67, R71, W78, S82 | L350, R360, W380, S360 |
| Superior English | 8 in each component | L69, R70, W85, S88 | L26, R27, W30, S28 | L186, R190, W210, S208 | L10, R10, W12, S10 | ✘ Not available | L80, R83, W89, S89 | L390, R400, W420, S400 |
🎯 Which Visas Are Affected?
- Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491) → Competent minimum, Proficient/Superior = more points.
- Employer-Sponsored (Subclass 482 – Skill in Demand Visa) → Vocational English for most occupations.
- Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) → Competent English.
- Family Visas (Partner & Parent visas) → Functional English often required.
📝 Strategic Advice
- Identify your visa’s English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior).
- Choose the right test based on format, score system, and availability.
- Check new score requirements carefully, especially for each skill.
- Validate old results (pre-August 2025) to ensure they’re still usable.
🌏 Why This Matters
These changes make the system more flexible (more test options) but also more precise (component scoring). Migrants now need to plan English testing strategy more carefully to maximise visa points.
✅ Next Steps
- Check which English level applies to your visa.
- Book your test with an approved provider only.
- Seek migration advice if unsure how the new scoring affects your pathway.
👉 Check My English Test Requirements
👉 Book a Free Consultation With a Registered MARA Agent
📌 Sources
- Department of Home Affairs – English Language Requirements Update, August 2025
