English Requirements for Australian Visas: Complete 2026 Guide
If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa, one of the first things you need to confirm is whether you meet the English language requirement. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires proof of English proficiency for most skilled, student, employer-sponsored, and graduate visas. Understanding exactly which level applies to your visa, and which test scores satisfy that level, is critical before you book your exam. Last updated: April 2026 This guide covers the five official English proficiency levels, all accepted tests as of 7 August 2025, score requirements by level, which visa subclasses require which level, and how your English score affects your points for skilled migration. Why English Proficiency Matters for Australian Visas Australia’s immigration system is built around the principle that visa holders can fully participate in the community, workforce, and education system. English proficiency is one of the key eligibility conditions DHA evaluates, and unlike many other visa requirements, it has a direct, quantifiable impact on your application outcome. For skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491), your English level is not just a pass/fail requirement: it directly determines how many points you score in the points test. The difference between Competent and Proficient English is worth 10 additional points. The difference between Competent and Superior English is worth 20 additional points. In a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, those points can determine whether you receive an invitation or not. For student and employer-sponsored visas, English proficiency is a threshold requirement: you either meet the minimum or your application is refused. The Five English Proficiency Levels DHA uses five English proficiency tiers, each requiring a higher test score than the one below. The level you need depends entirely on your visa subclass. Proficiency Level General Context Functional English Entry-level requirement; used for some temporary and family visas Vocational English Required for some employer-sponsored streams Competent English Minimum threshold for most skilled and student visas Proficient English Required for some occupations; awards 10 extra points in skilled migration Superior English Highest level; awards 20 extra points in skilled migration Each level has its own minimum test scores across four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You must meet the minimum in each component individually — an overall average or aggregate score is not sufficient. Failing even one component means failing the level entirely, regardless of how high your other three scores are. For a detailed breakdown of how these levels affect your EOI, see our guide on English test requirements for skilled migration PR. Accepted English Tests from 7 August 2025 On 7 August 2025, DHA updated its list of accepted English tests under the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016). Three new tests were added and score thresholds for several existing tests were revised. Currently accepted tests (for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025): Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid for visa purposes for up to 3 years (until 6 August 2028 inclusive), depending on the visa subclass. IELTS scores are unchanged under the August 2025 update — only PTE Academic scores at higher proficiency levels increased. For the full breakdown of PTE score changes, see our dedicated Australia English Requirement Changes for PTE guide. Not sure whether IELTS or PTE suits you better? Our article on the differences between IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and CAE walks through the format, scoring, and strategic differences. Important: DHA does not accept any test delivered entirely online. IELTS Online, OET@Home, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and CELPIP Online are all rejected. Always book an in-person, centre-based test. Score Requirements by Proficiency Level The tables below show the minimum scores required for each component for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. You must meet or exceed all four component scores at the same sitting (or including a valid One Skill Retake where permitted). Competent English Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 PTE Academic 47 48 51 54 TOEFL iBT 16 16 19 19 OET 290 310 290 330 CELPIP General 7 7 7 7 Proficient English Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 PTE Academic 65 65 65 65 TOEFL iBT 24 24 27 23 Superior English Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 PTE Academic 79 79 79 79 TOEFL iBT 28 29 30 26 Source: Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016), immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, as of April 2026. IELTS scores remain unchanged at all proficiency levels — 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 per band respectively. PTE Academic scores at the Proficient and Superior levels increased from the previous uniform benchmark of 65 and 79. Applicants who were preparing for PTE under old targets should re-check the current component-by-component requirements before registering. Which Visa Requires Which English Level? The English level required varies by visa subclass. The table below summarises the most common categories for Indonesian applicants. Visa Subclass Minimum English Level Required Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Competent (minimum); Proficient/Superior for extra points Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Competent (minimum); higher levels award more points Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Competent (minimum); higher levels award more points Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (TSS) Competent English; varies by occupation stream Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Competent (Direct Entry); some streams require higher Subclass 500 – Student Visa IELTS 5.5 overall or equivalent (course-level dependent) Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Competent to Proficient depending on stream Subclass 462 – Working Holiday Visa Functional English (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) Partner Visa No English requirement for primary applicants Verify requirements on the relevant DHA visa eligibility page before applying — these are subject to policy change. For a detailed guide on the Subclass 189 specifically, including points test strategy and occupation requirements, see our Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) guide. How English Scores Affect Your PR Points For applicants targeting permanent residency through skilled
