Australia Approves New English Tests For Visa Applicants, Adjusts IELTS, TOEFL, Other Scores

• Starting August 7, 2025, Australia expands accepted English language tests for visa applications.
• In addition to IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (CAE), three new tests are now accepted.
• The newly approved tests include CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET).

Starting August 7, 2025, the Australian government has broadened its list of accepted English language proficiency tests for visa applications. In addition to the commonly used tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (CAE), applicants can now submit scores from three newly approved tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).

Newly Accepted Tests and Features

These new options provide candidates with greater flexibility and faster result turnaround:

• CELPIP General: This test, widely recognized in Canada, evaluates English proficiency in everyday social and workplace scenarios. It is fully computer-based, covers all four skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking and delivers results within 4 to 5 business days.
• LanguageCert Academic: Suitable for academic and professional purposes, this test can be taken either online or at a test centre. It focuses on practical language use and provides results in about three days.
• Michigan English Test (MET): Commonly used in the U.S. and Latin America, the MET is ideal for general academic or work-related purposes. It also allows for flexible testing formats and assesses all four language skills.

All approved test results will be valid for up to three years from the exam date.

Changes to Existing Test Requirements

Australia has also adjusted the minimum score thresholds for some of the previously accepted exams to more accurately reflect language proficiency across formats. Affected tests include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (C1 Advanced)

It’s important to note that the C1 Advanced is no longer valid for visa categories requiring only Vocational English. Applicants in those categories must now choose an alternative test.

Minimum Score Requirements for Competent English

To meet the “Competent English” standard, applicants must now achieve the following minimum scores:

• IELTS: 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
• PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
• C1 Advanced: Listening 163, Reading 163, Writing 170, Speaking 179
• TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
• OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330
• CELPIP General: 7 in all four skills
• LanguageCert Academic: Listening 57, Reading 60, Writing 64, Speaking 70
• MET: Listening 56, Reading 55, Writing 57, Speaking 48

These updates will apply to all relevant visa applications submitted on or after August 7, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official visa guidelines for the most current information.