If you’re dreaming of studying or working in Australia, one thing stands between you and your goal — proving your English language proficiency. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), a Skilled Migration Visa, or a university scholarship, Australia’s English requirements are now broader, more flexible, and more transparent than ever before.
This 2025–2026 guide explores everything you need to know about the latest English language requirements, approved proficiency tests, minimum scores, and special rules for scholarships and visa applications.
Why Australia Requires English Proficiency for Work or Study?
English is the primary language of instruction, work, and daily communication in Australia. To ensure international students and workers can succeed in their academic or professional environments, both universities and the Department of Home Affairs require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency.
The requirements vary depending on your purpose:
- For Study: To meet university admission and Student Visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
- For Work: To qualify for skilled or employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482, 186, 189, 190, 491).
- For Scholarships: To meet eligibility standards for merit-based or government-funded awards such as Australia Awards or university-specific scholarships.
Major 2025 Updates to English Language Requirements
From 7 August 2025, the Australian Government introduced a major update known as Migration Instrument LIN 25/090, which expands accepted tests and defines clearer score thresholds.
| Policy Update | What Changed | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| More Approved Tests | Now nine English tests are accepted instead of the previous limited set. | 7 August 2025 |
| New Instruments | Separate instruments now define rules for Student Visa applicants (LIN 25/090) and Skilled/Work visas (LIN 25/016). | 2025 |
| Lower Pathway Program Scores | Students enrolled in approved English pathway programs can apply with slightly lower scores. | 24 May 2025 onward |
| Test Validity Period | Test results remain valid for 24 months for Student Visas and 36 months for Work Visas. | Ongoing |
List of 9 Acceptable English Proficiency Tests for Australia in 2026
As of August 2025, the following tests are accepted for Student, Skilled, and Work visa applications:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training; One Skill Retake allowed)
- TOEFL iBT (centre-based only; home edition not accepted)
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- CELPIP General (newly added)
- LanguageCert Academic (newly added)
- Michigan English Test (MET) (newly added)
- IELTS One Skill Retake (accepted for specific cases).
English Requirements for Study Visas of Australia
| English Test requirements | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Band / Component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 6.0 | 5.5 each band |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | L 12 R 13 W 21 S 18 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 42 each component |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) | 161 | none below 154 |
| OET | 1210 | across all skills |
| CELPIP General | 7 | minimum 6 each |
| LanguageCert Academic | 61 | equivalent component scores |
| MET (Michigan) | 53 | equivalent component scores |
Students entering via approved pathway or foundation programs may qualify for lower entry thresholds under LIN 25/027, typically IELTS 5.0–5.5 equivalent.
English Requirements for University Scholarship in Australia
Each university sets its own criteria — usually higher than the visa minimums. For example:
- University of Melbourne: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 79.
- University of Queensland: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 each); PTE 64; TOEFL iBT 87.
- University of Sydney: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 each) or equivalent.
- Flinders University: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and DET accepted; requirements vary by faculty.
For scholarships such as the Australia Awards Scholarship or Research Training Program (RTP), the expected proficiency level is IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent. Competitive awards may even require higher scores.
English Test Requirements for Government Scholarships in Australia
English proficiency is not just a visa requirement — it can determine your eligibility for scholarships too. Here’s how it ties in:
- Australia Awards Scholarships: Minimum IELTS 6.0 (or TOEFL iBT 60 / PTE 50); higher preferred for postgraduate courses.
- University Research Training Program (RTP): IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent for PhD/Master by Research.
- Vice-Chancellor Scholarships: Many Australian universities (e.g. Deakin, Adelaide, Melbourne) require IELTS 6.5 or higher.
- Fully Funded Scholarships: DAAD–Australia partnerships and international schemes like Fulbright Australia usually require IELTS 7.0 equivalent.
Tip: Even if your program or visa only demands IELTS 6.0, aim for 6.5–7.0 to boost your scholarship competitiveness.
English Requirements for Work, Skilled, and Employer-Sponsored Visa
Australia’s skilled migration system defines five official English levels that correspond to specific visa subclasses.
| English Level | Visa Example | IELTS (each band) | TOEFL iBT (approx.) | PTE Academic | CELPIP | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | Partner / Family | 4.5 avg | 32 total | 30 overall | 5 overall | Basic communication |
| Vocational English | Subclass 482 TSS | 5.0 | L 8 R 8 W 9 S 14 | L 33 R 36 W 29 S 24 | 5 each | Operational work English |
| Competent English | Skilled Independent 189 / Employer 186 | 6.0 | L 16 R 16 W 19 S 19 | 47 each | 7 each | Minimum migration threshold |
| Proficient English | Points boost for GSM | 7.0 | L 22 R 22 W 26 S 24 | 65 each | 8–9 each | Bonus migration points |
| Superior English | Maximum points | 8.0 | L 26 R 27 W 30 S 28 | 79 each | 10 each | Highest tier for points |
The Competent English level (IELTS 6.0 each) is the standard requirement for most skilled or employer-sponsored visas. Higher levels yield additional points under the General Skilled Migration scheme.
How to Choose the Right English Test for You?
| If You’re… | Recommended Test | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Applying to a top university (Melbourne, Sydney, ANU) | IELTS Academic / TOEFL iBT / PTE Academic | Universally recognized and accepted for scholarships |
| Applying for migration or skilled visa | IELTS General / PTE Academic / CELPIP General | Meets Department of Home Affairs visa criteria |
| Applying for healthcare programs | OET | Tailored for health professionals |
| Seeking flexible test options | LanguageCert Academic or MET | New 2025 entrants with modern digital reporting |