Australia Expands Accepted English Tests for Visa Applicants, Revises Score Thresholds For IELTS, TOEFL, Others

The Australian Department of Home Affairs is set to implement new changes to its English language test requirements for visa applicants. These changes include the acceptance of three additional English proficiency tests and updated score benchmarks for existing ones.

Newly Approved English Tests

Australia will begin accepting results from the CELCIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET) with the new and existing results all valid for up to three years from the test date.

• CELPIP General
  Widely used in Canada, the CELPIP General is a computer-based test that evaluates English used in daily life, especially in work and social settings. It includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, all assessed in one session. Results are typically available within 4–5 business days.

• LANGUAGECERT Academic
  Designed for academic and professional contexts, LANGUAGECERT Academic offers both paper-based and computer-based testing options. It focuses on practical language use, with results usually released within three business days.

• Michigan English Test (MET)
  The MET is a flexible English proficiency exam used extensively in the U.S. and Latin America. It can be taken online or in person and assesses all four skills. It is now recognized by Australia for visa purposes.

Updated Score Requirements for Existing English Tests

The Department has also revised the score requirements for existing tests to ensure equivalency across different formats. These apply to the following tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Listening: 6.0

  • Reading: 6.0

  • Writing: 6.0

  • Speaking: 6.0
    Applicants must meet the minimum in each section; lower scores in any area will result in disqualification.

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

  • Listening: 47

  • Reading: 48

  • Writing: 51

  • Speaking: 54
    These updated scores reflect practical language proficiency for work and everyday life.

• C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Advanced English)

  • Listening & Reading: 163

  • Writing: 170

  • Speaking: 179
    Important note: C1 Advanced is no longer accepted for Vocational English pathways. It remains valid only for Competent English or higher levels.

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

  • Listening & Reading: 16

  • Writing & Speaking: 19
    Applicants must meet or exceed the thresholds in all four components.

• OET (Occupational English Test)
  Designed for healthcare professionals, OET assesses English in clinical settings.

  • Listening & Writing: 290

  • Reading: 310

  • Speaking: 330

Minimum Scores for Newly Accepted Tests

To qualify under the Competent English category, visa applicants must meet the following minimum scores for each newly accepted test:

• CELPIP General

  • All Components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): 7

• LANGUAGECERT Academic

  • Listening: 57

  • Reading: 60

  • Writing: 64

  • Speaking: 70

• MET (Michigan English Test)

  • Listening: 56

  • Reading: 55

  • Writing: 57

  • Speaking: 48