7 August 2025 – The Department of Home Affairs implemented significant changes to the approved English-language tests for Australian visa applications. These changes affect the types of tests accepted, the required scores for different proficiency levels, and the validity periods of test results.
Here is a summary of the key changes, based on the information provided:
General Changes
- Expanded Range of Accepted Tests: The Department now accepts a broader range of English tests. In addition to the previously accepted tests, three new tests have been added:
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- MET (with Single Section Retake)
- Test Validity: English tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid if used within applicable timeframes, which is generally up to three years, depending on the visa type.
- One Skill Retake: The Department now accepts IELTS test results that include the One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. Similarly, MET test results that include Single Section Retake (SSR) are also accepted for eligible visas.
Breakdown of Score Changes by English Proficiency Level (from 7 August 2025)
The following tables show the new score requirements for each level of English proficiency, compared to the previous requirements.
Functional English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
| IELTS | Overall score of 4.5 | Average score of 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 30 | Overall score of 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of 32 | Total score of 26 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Total score of 147 | Not accepted for this level |
| MET | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
| CELPIP General | N/A | Overall score of 5 |
| OET | N/A | Overall score of 1020 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | N/A | Overall score of 38 |
Vocational English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
| IELTS | 5 in each component | 5 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 36 in each component | Listening: 33, Reading: 36, Writing: 29, Speaking: 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14 | Listening: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 9, Speaking: 14 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 in each component | Not accepted for this level from 7 Aug 2025 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45, Speaking: 38 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 5 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 220, Reading: 240, Writing: 200, Speaking: 270 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45, Speaking: 54 |
Competent English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
| IELTS | 6 in each component | 6 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each component | Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21 | Listening: 16, Reading: 16, Writing: 19, Speaking: 19 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 in each component | Listening: 163, Reading: 163, Writing: 170, Speaking: 179 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 56, Reading: 55, Writing: 57, Speaking: 48 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | 7 in each component |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 290, Reading: 310, Writing: 290, Speaking: 330 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 57, Reading: 60, Writing: 64, Speaking: 70 |
Proficient English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
| IELTS | 7 in each component | 7 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 65 in each component | Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23 | Listening: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 26, Speaking: 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 185 in each component | Listening: 175, Reading: 179, Writing: 193, Speaking: 194 |
| MET | Not accepted | Listening: 61, Reading: 63, Writing: 74, Speaking: 59 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 10, Speaking: 8 |
| OET | B in each component | Listening: 350, Reading: 360, Writing: 380, Speaking: 360 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 67, Reading: 71, Writing: 78, Speaking: 82 |
Superior English
| Test | Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 | Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 |
| IELTS | 8 in each component | 8 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 79 in each component | Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26 | Listening: 26, Reading: 27, Writing: 30, Speaking: 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 200 in each component | Listening: 186, Reading: 190, Writing: 210, Speaking: 208 |
| CELPIP General | Not accepted | Listening: 10, Reading: 10, Writing: 12, Speaking: 10 |
| OET | A in each component | Listening: 390, Reading: 400, Writing: 420, Speaking: 400 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not accepted | Listening: 80, Reading: 83, Writing: 89, Speaking: 89 |
Important Considerations for Visa Applicants
- Test Date: The date you took your test is crucial. If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, you must meet the previous requirements. If it was taken on or after 7 August 2025, you must meet the new requirements.
- Validity Period: The validity of your test results depends on the specific visa subclass you are applying for and the date you lodge your application. You should always double-check the validity period for your particular visa type.
- Required English Level: Before taking a test, determine the specific level of English proficiency (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior) required for your visa application. Your test scores must meet or exceed the requirements for that level.
- Online Tests: The Department of Home Affairs does not accept results from tests that are delivered completely online (e.g., ‘at-home’ or ‘remote-proctored’ versions of tests).
Disclaimer: This content is general information about studying, working, and migrating to Australia and is not personal migration advice. Immigration rules change and every situation is different. For advice tailored to your circumstances, book a consultation with RACC Indonesia’s MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 1572961).
