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):
- IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
- IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT (must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” at registration)
- OET (Occupational English Test — primarily for health professionals)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General (newly added from 7 August 2025)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic (newly added from 7 August 2025)
- Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (newly added from 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 migration, English proficiency is a points multiplier — not just an eligibility box to tick. The points awarded for English proficiency in Subclass 189, 190, and 491 are:
| English Level | IELTS Score (each band) | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 6.0 | 0 bonus points (minimum only) |
| Proficient English | 7.0 | +10 points |
| Superior English | 8.0 | +20 points |
This is one of the highest-leverage improvements available to any applicant. Age, qualifications, and work experience are largely fixed at any given point in your migration journey. English proficiency is trainable — and re-testable. Many Indonesian applicants find that moving from Competent to Proficient English adds 10 points to their EOI, which can significantly reduce waiting time for an invitation.
If your current IELTS score is 6.0 across all four bands, consider retesting to target 7.0 in each component before lodging your EOI. The points gain is substantial and the cost of an additional test sitting is low relative to the migration timeline impact of waiting 12–24+ additional months for an invitation.
Important Rules: Online Tests, Validity, and Exemptions
Test validity: English test results are valid for 3 years from the date you sat the test, for visa purposes, as per DHA policy. This differs from the 2-year validity stated by most test providers — DHA extends this period for migration applications. The 3-year period is the standard across skilled, student, and employer-sponsored visa streams, though specific visa subclasses may vary.
Online tests are not accepted: DHA does not accept any remotely proctored or at-home test result. Rejected tests include IELTS Online, OET@Home, CELPIP Online, MET Digital (at-home), LANGUAGECERT Academic Online, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Your visa application may be refused if you submit results from these formats.
TOEFL iBT registration requirement: When registering for TOEFL iBT, you must specifically select “Taking TOEFL for Australia.” Results submitted without this registration pathway may not be recognised by DHA, regardless of your score.
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR): DHA accepts IELTS results that include an OSR for most eligible visas. OSR allows you to retake only the one component you failed, rather than repeating the full test — saving time and money. Note that OSR is not accepted for Subclass 476, Subclass 482, and Subclass 485 applications; those require scores from a single, unbroken sitting.
Passport exemptions from English testing: Citizens who hold a valid passport issued by Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America are exempt from English testing requirements for most Australian visa categories.
How RACC Indonesia Can Help You
Information in this article is general in nature and reflects DHA policy as of April 2026. For advice tailored to your specific visa subclass, occupation, and English test results, consult a registered migration agent.
RACC Indonesia is a Registered Migration and Education Consulting Company (MARN 1572961) with 20 years of experience helping Indonesians apply for visas and courses in Australia. Our consultants are MARA-registered migration agents who provide accurate, current guidance on English requirements, skills assessments, and visa strategy.
We help you with:
- Identifying which English proficiency level applies to your visa and nominated occupation
- Selecting the right test (IELTS, PTE, OET, or others) based on your timeline and strengths
- Reviewing your current scores against the PR points thresholds and EOI competition
- Building a test preparation and migration plan that maximises your invitation chances
Book a free consultation with RACC Indonesia to find out exactly what English score you need, which test to take, and how your current profile measures up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum English score for an Australian skilled visa? The minimum for most skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491) is Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in every band, or an equivalent PTE Academic score (Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54). Meeting this minimum qualifies you to apply but awards zero bonus points. Targeting Proficient (IELTS 7.0) or Superior (IELTS 8.0) adds 10 or 20 extra points to your EOI respectively.
What changed about English requirements for Australian visas in August 2025? On 7 August 2025, DHA updated accepted tests and revised score thresholds under LIN 25/016. Three tests were added: CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test. PTE Academic scores at the Proficient and Superior levels increased. IELTS scores remained unchanged at all levels. Tests taken before 7 August 2025 remain valid for visa purposes until 6 August 2028.
Can I use PTE Academic instead of IELTS for Australian visa applications? Yes. PTE Academic is accepted by DHA for most Australian visa types, including Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, 500, and 485. The score requirements changed on 7 August 2025, particularly at Proficient and Superior levels. Always check the current component-based scores before registering for your test.
Is IELTS Online accepted for Australian visa purposes? No. DHA does not accept results from any test delivered entirely online, including IELTS Online. You must sit your exam at an approved, in-person test centre. Submitting online test results will result in refusal regardless of your score.
How long is an English test result valid for Australian visa applications? DHA accepts English test results for up to 3 years from the date of the test, regardless of the test provider’s own stated validity period. Most providers issue 2-year certificates, but DHA extends validity to 3 years for visa purposes, depending on the specific subclass.
Does a partner visa require English proficiency? No. Partner visas do not require the primary applicant to demonstrate English proficiency. However, if a partner is being included in a skilled migration application to claim partner skill points, that partner must demonstrate Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) and hold a valid skills assessment.
