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Changes to English language test requirements
From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced changes to approved English language tests for Australian visa applications. If you’re planning to apply, understanding these new rules is crucial to ensure you meet the correct English language requirements.
Compare your required IELTS & PTE scores
English score requirements are now applied separately to each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), at most visa levels.
English Language Requirement | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | PTE (A) (listening) | PTE (A) (reading) | PTE (A) (writing) | PTE (A) (speaking) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Functional | 4.5 average | 4.5 average | 24 overall | |||
Vocational | 5 | 5 | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
Competent | 6 | 6 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
Proficient | 7 | 7 | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
Superior | 8 | 8 | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
What do the updated scores mean for test takers?
For tests taken after 7 August 2025, make sure your scores meet the new requirements.
Identify your required English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior) and confirm your scores meet or exceed that level.
Check that your test results are valid for your visa type and lodgement date.
How does PTE compare to IELTS?
"The recent changes to PTE scores have made it less clear for test takers aiming for the Proficient and Superior levels needed for competitive EOI points. In comparison, IELTS scoring remains steady, offering a clearer path for applicants wanting to maximise their points for skilled migration. "
Michael Li, registered migraton agent (MARN 1802068)
Temporary Graduate (485) Visa: One Skill Retake now accepted
You will need to choose an English level of at least competent as the minimum scores required for a Temporary Graduate visa fall between ‘competent’ and ‘proficient’ language ability.
Test sub-skill | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall | 6.5 | 6.5 | 55 |
Listening | 5.5 | 5.5 | 40 |
Reading | 5.5 | 5.5 | 42 |
Writing | 5.5 | 5.5 | 41 |
Speaking | 5.5 | 5.5 | 39 |
Why choose IELTS for your Temporary Graduate (485) visa?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs now accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for the Temporary Graduate visa (485). This is great news for test takers as you can sit your test with confidence. IELTS is the only major test that offers this option, allowing you to resit just one part of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of repeating the entire exam.
Your IELTS One Skill Retake result is also recognised globally by governments, universities, employers, and professional organisations. With PTE Academic, if you don’t get the score you need, you must pay for and take the full test again.
Test types matter too. With IELTS, you have a choice: General Training or Academic. Why take the Academic test when you can choose the General Training option, which focuses on everyday English?
English language skills and points for permanent residency
When applying for permanent residency, your English language ability can earn you additional points to boost your application.
English language skills | Points |
|---|---|
Competent English | 0 |
Proficient English | 10 |
Superior English | 20 |
Improving your English level can significantly increase your chances of success in the skilled migration process. With IELTS, you get a clear path to prepare and succeed. We make it easy for you to prepare with a wide range of official preparation material than any other English test provider.
With IELTS, we set you up to succeed. You can expect consistent preparation and trusted scoring.