Australia Updates English Test Rules for Visas from August 7: New Tests and Score Changes

If you’re planning a move or a long stay in Australia, big changes are coming to the English language test requirements for visa applicants. Starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs is expanding its roster of accepted English tests.

This change comes alongside updated score requirements for several existing tests. The goal? Make the system more consistent across all formats and ensure scores reflect the same level of language proficiency.

New English Tests Accepted for Australia Visa

As of August 7, 2025, you can submit results from any of the following newly accepted English language tests. All will be valid for up to 3 years from the test date.

1. CELPIP General

A computer-based test widely used in Canada for immigration, CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program), evaluates everyday English used in work and social settings. It includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, all completed in one sitting. Results are typically available in 4–5 business days.

2. LANGUAGECERT Academic

LANGUAGECERT Academic test focuses on English skills needed in academic and professional contexts. It’s designed to assess real-life language use and offers both paper-based and computer-based formats. Results are usually available within 3 business days.

3. Michigan English Test (MET)

The Michigan English Test (MET) is a flexible test commonly used in the U.S. and Latin America, now gaining recognition globally. It evaluates general English proficiency and is ideal for those using English in work or study environments. It’s available as a 4-skill test and can be taken online or at test centres.

Revised Score Requirements for Existing Tests

Australia is also tweaking the score benchmarks for some well-known English tests to keep things fair across the board. These updated requirements apply to:

• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• TOEFL iBT

If you’ve already taken one of these, double-check your scores against the new thresholds.

Note: The C1 Advanced test is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements. If you’re applying under a visa subclass that requires only Vocational English, you’ll need to choose another test.

Minimum Scores Required for Competent English (Test by Test)

If you’re applying for an Australian visa that requires Competent English, here’s what you’ll need to score on each approved test. You must meet the minimum in all four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

1. IELTS

To meet the Competent English level with IELTS (International English Language Testing System), you need a minimum score of;

• Listening: 6.0
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0

No section can fall below that number, so even if you get a 6.5 in three areas, a 5.5 in one won’t cut it.

2. PTE Academic

For the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English), the score requirements are a bit more varied:

• Listening: 47
• Reading: 48
• Writing: 51
• Speaking: 54

These reflect Australia’s updated scoring to better match real-world English ability across different formats.

3. C1 Advanced

You’ll need slightly higher scores across the board if you’re using the C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English: Advanced):

• Listening and Reading: 163
• Writing: 170
• Speaking: 179

Keep in mind, though: C1 Advanced is no longer accepted for Vocational English, so use it only if you’re applying under pathways that ask for Competent English or higher.

4. TOEFL iBT

Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test (TOEFL) has modest but specific minimums:

• Listening and Reading: 16
• Writing and Speaking: 19

Make sure all four scores meet or exceed the requirement, or your application could hit a snag.

5. OET (Occupational English Test)

OET (Occupational English Test) focuses on English used in medical and clinical settings, making it popular among doctors and nurses. Mostly taken by healthcare professionals, OET score thresholds are:

• Listening and Writing: 290
• Reading: 310
• Speaking: 330

6. CELPIP General

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test is now accepted, and the bar is simple:

• 7 in each skill—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. No variation between sections, just hit 7 across the board.

7. LANGUAGECERT Academic

This test is designed for academic and professional use, and its scoring aligns closely with real-world language skills. For this newly accepted test, the Competent English scores are:

• Listening: 57
• Reading: 60
• Writing: 64
• Speaking: 70

8. MET (Michigan English Test)

MET (Michigan English Test) is flexible and widely used in workplaces and universities outside Australia, and now it’s a valid option for visas too. If you’re going with the MET, here’s the breakdown:

• Listening: 56
• Reading: 55
• Writing: 57
• Speaking: 48

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6	6	6	6
PTE Academic	47	48	51	54
C1 Advanced	163	163	170	179
TOEFL iBT	16	16	19	19
OET	290	310	290	330
CELPIP General	7	7	7	7
LANGUAGECERT Academic	57	60	64	70
MET	56	55	57	48

These minimums are non-negotiable. If your score falls short in even one skill area, it could impact your visa eligibility.

What This Means for Visa Applicants

If you’re just beginning your application or still planning your test, these changes may give you more flexibility of choosing right test. You can now pick a english test that fits your strengths, location, and format preference, whether it’s computer-based, paper-based, or taken at home.

Just make sure to take the test within three years of submitting your visa application, and hit the required scores across all four components.

Final Thoughts

Australia is opening the door a bit wider for visa applicants, but it’s also raising the bar slightly. Choose your test carefully, prep well, and make sure your scores are valid and meet the updated standards.