Australia's English Language Requirement System
The English language is one of the most common basic eligibility criteria that most English-speaking countries ask for across all visas. Different levels of visas require different levels of English language proficiency. Australia has a simple system that categorizes language test scores into different bands, which the applicant must meet to satisfy the criteria. This system makes it less complicated for people to understand the levels of English that a person must demonstrate to apply for a particular visa. Australian immigration accepts a wide variety of tests, such as the IELTS, PTE, Cambridge English which is also known as C1 Advanced, OET for health professionals, and TOEFL iBT, etc.
Millions of candidates take these tests every year. A majority of test takers come from Asia for IELTS. Most use the exam for university admission, while many take it for job applications and other visa applications such as skilled visa and partner visa etc. PTE experienced a significant 76% global growth in test volumes during the first half of 2023, driven by rising demand, especially in India. This allows students from 14 countries, including India, China, and Pakistan, to apply for student visas in Australia.
English Language Requirement Levels for Australian Visas
Australia has five different slabs of English levels for visa applicants: Functional English, Vocational English, Competent English, Proficient English, and Superior English. Each visa has different English language requirements. For some visas, Functional English is acceptable for basic communication needs. Vocational English supports applicants seeking work opportunities that require moderate language skills. Competent English is the standard for many skilled visas. Proficient English, usually linked to higher test scores, is needed for competitive migration pathways. Superior English is required for applicants with the highest level of language ability. Tests taken at home or online are not accepted for immigration purposes to Australia.
Language Proficiency Test Scores for Australia Visa Applicants
| Test | Functional | Vocational | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
| IELTS | 4.5 avg | 5 per component | 6 per component | 7 per component | 8 per component |
| TOEFL | 32 total | 4(L), 4(R), 14(W), 14(S) | 12(L), 13(R), 21(W), 18(S) | 24(L), 24(R), 27(W), 23(S) | 28(L), 29(R), 30(W), 26(S) |
| PTE | 30 total | 36 per component | 50 per component | 65 per component | 79 per component |
| CAE | 147 total | 154 per component | 169 per component | 185 per component | 200 per component |
| OET | N/A | B per component | B per component | B per component | A per component |
Alternative Evidence to Satisfy English Language Requirement
There are exceptions that allow some applicants to skip the language test. To prove you have competent English, you may show evidence that you are a citizen and hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. British National (Overseas) passports are not acceptable. The same passport evidence also works for vocational English. To prove you have functional English, you can provide a valid passport from these countries or show that you completed a degree, higher degree, diploma, or trade certificate at an institution where all instruction was in English and your study lasted at least two years full-time.
Restrictions on English Test Scores for Australian Visa Applications
As of March 2025, the Australian government has the following restrictions in place:
- Home Affairs does not accept scores from tests taken at home or online. Only scores from approved tests at secure test centers are accepted.
- From 14 December 2022, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is available for certain test takers. OSR allows a one-time retake of one of the four test components (reading, writing, speaking, or listening). For Australian visa purposes, IELTS results that include OSR are accepted except for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which require scores from a single sitting.
- From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for visa and migration purposes. Test scores from both paper-based and computer-based tests taken before this date, within the specified validity period, remain accepted.
- TOEFL iBT tests completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for visa and migration purposes, as the TOEFL iBT test offered during this period was not approved.
- For Functional English, test results must be from within the 12 months before the visa application.
- For Competent English, evidence is required for subclasses 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 489, 491, and 494, with test scores provided at application or invitation and not older than 3 years.
- To prove Proficient English, you must provide evidence from the three years prior to receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
