1. Transitional Rules – Old vs New Test Scores
Your required score depends on when you took the test, not just when you apply for the visa.
- Test taken before 7 August 2025 ? Old scores and providers still apply, even if you apply after this date (within the validity period).
- Test taken on or after 7 August 2025 ? New scores and providers apply.
2. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
| Test Provider | Minimum score | With 10+ weeks ELICOS/Foundation | With 20+ weeks ELICOS |
| IELTS Academic/General | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
| OET | B in each component | 1090 | 1020 |
| C1 Advanced | 161 | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 54 | 46 | 46 |
| MET | 49 | 44 | 44 |
Validity:
At application: test no more than 24 months old.
If provided after lodgement: must be valid on decision date.
3. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
| Test Provider | Overall score | Minimum per skill |
| IELTS Academic/General | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 57 | 43 |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 | 12–18 |
| OET | 1310 | B in each component |
| C1 Advanced | 176 | 162 |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 5.5–6 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 49–54 |
| MET | 58 | 38–53 |
Special rule for Hong Kong & British National (Overseas) passport holders: lower minimums apply.
Validity: Test must be less than 12 months old at lodgement and completed in one sitting (except OET).
4. Skilled Visas – Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior English
These levels apply to visas such as Subclass 186 ENS, GSM visas, and others that refer to English levels in legislation.
Example – Competent English (most common requirement for skilled visas):
| Test Provider | Overall score | Minimum per skill |
| IELTS Academic/General | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 36–50 |
| TOEFL iBT | 73 | 12–18 |
| OET | 350 | B in each component |
| C1 Advanced | 169 | 163–170 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 60 | 45–47 |
| MET | 54 | 38–47 |
Validity: No more than 36 months old at time of invitation or lodgement (depending on the visa subclass).
5. Functional English
Functional English is required in situations such as including family members in a skilled visa.
| Test Provider | Minimum overall score |
| IELTS Academic/General | 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 |
| OET | 1020 |
| CELPIP General | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 38 |
| MET | 38 |
Validity: Taken within 12 months at time of decision (generally).
6. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
English requirements remain unchanged until 13 September 2025. After this date, updates will apply.
So in summary
- From 7 August 2025, there are more accepted tests and updated score requirements.
- Whether you need the old or new scores depends on when you took the test.
- Check validity periods carefully to avoid a refused application.
- Skilled visa applicants should confirm which English level (Competent, Proficient, Superior) is required for their specific subclass.
