Planning to study, work, or settle in Australia? This complete 2025 guide explains the updated IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL score requirements after 7 Aug 2025 for student visas, work visas, PR, and partner visas. Learn minimum scores, PR points, exemptions, and test comparisons to choose the right exam for your Australian visa application.
IELTS, PTE and TOEFL Score Requirements for Australia 2025: Complete Guide for Students, Workers & PR Applicants
Australia's English language test requirements changed significantly on August 7, 2025, in the form of new accepted tests, updated score mappings, and revised thresholds across visa categories. Regardless of whether you intend to study, work, or immigrate permanently to Australia, knowing these new requirements is important to your success with your visa application. All you need to know about IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT score requirements for various Australian visa pathways is in this in-depth guide.
Why English Test Scores Are Required for Australia Visas
English proficiency proof is needed in Australia to make sure visa recipients are able to integrate well into Australian society, education, and workplaces. English test scores have various uses beyond being a minimal visa requirement – they can play a significant role in your visa points for skilled migration streams and your direct university entry compared to English pathway programs eligibility.
Accepted English Tests in 2025
From August 7, 2025, Australia is accepting a widened range of English language tests:
Genuine Important Note: Tests undertaken on or prior to August 6, 2025, are valid under the former score mappings until August 6, 2028, based on visa-specific validity durations.
Australian Student Visa Score Requirements (Subclass 500)
Minimum English proficiency is needed for direct entry in the Student visa (subclass 500) with pathway options for lower scores through English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
Direct Entry Requirements (No ELICOS Needed)
From August 7, 2025, the lowest scores for direct entry onto a Student visa are:
| Test | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | CELPIP General | LANGUAGECERT Academic | MET |
| Minimum Score | 6.0 overall | 47 overall | 67 overall | 7 overall | 61 overall | 53 overall |
University-Level Requirements by Study Type
Although visa requirements provide the minimum standard, universities often have higher expectations:
| Study Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma/VET | 5.5-6.0 overall, 5.0+ each | 42-50 overall | 60-67 overall |
| Undergraduate | 6.0-6.5 overall, 5.5+ each | 50-58 overall | 67-79 overall |
| Postgraduate | 6.5-7.0 overall, 6.0+ each | 58-65 overall | 79-94 overall |
Pro Tip: Engineering, Medicine, and Law courses often require IELTS 7.0+ or PTE 65+ no matter what visa minimum is. Always make sure to look at your individual university and program requirements prior to arranging your test.
Score Requirements for Work & Temporary Visas
Graduate 485 Visa (Post-Study Work Stream)
The Temporary Graduate visa (485) allows recent international graduates to work in Australia. Updated requirements from August 7, 2025:
| Test | Overall/Total | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 | 13 | 13 | 18 | 18 |
Key Changes: The overall PTE requirement was lowered from 57 to 55, with component minimums added to balance English skills.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
Employer-sponsored visas have different English requirements based on the stream and occupation:
TSS 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)
ENS 186 & SESR 494 (Permanent Employer-Sponsored)
These usually require Competent English minimum:
| 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 |
Pro Tip: Certain occupations and salaries could be eligible for English requirement exemptions. Refer to the specific stream requirements and refer to the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.
Score Requirements for Permanent Residency (Skilled Migration Pathways)
Australia's points-based skilled migration system rewards higher English skills levels with extra points. The three levels are:
Strategic Insight: Achieving Superior English (20 points) can significantly boost your Express of Interest (EOI) ranking. For example, scoring IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79+ in all skills maximizes your English language points.
Score Requirements for Spouse/Partner Visas
Partner visas require Functional English to avoid additional visa application charges:
| Test | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 4.5 average band score | General or Academic accepted |
| PTE Academic | 24 overall | Reduced from 30 (pre-Aug 2025) |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 overall | Re-approved from Aug 2025 |
| CELPIP General | 5 overall | Newly accepted |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 38 overall | Newly accepted |
| MET | 38 overall | Newly accepted |
Alternative Evidence: You may be exempt from testing if you have completed education in English or hold citizenship from designated English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland).
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Which Test Should You Choose for Australia?
| Factor | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Paper/Computer options | Computer-based only | Computer-based only |
| Speaking Assessment | Human examiner | AI-scored | AI + Human scoring |
| Results Timeline | 1-13 days | 2 business days | 4-8 days |
| Score Range | 1-9 bands | 10-90 scale | 0-120 scale |
| Popularity in Australia | High (traditional choice) | Very High (60%+ market share) | Moderate (recently re-approved) |
| Retake Policy | Unlimited | 12 times per year | Unlimited (3-day gap) |
| Best Suited For | Traditional test-takers, human interaction preference | Fast results, tech-comfortable candidates | US education background, academic focus |
Test Selection Strategy by Visa Type
Pro Tip: Consider taking practice tests across multiple formats to identify which test type aligns best with your strengths before committing to preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I apply for PR with PTE scores?
Yes, PTE Academic is completely acceptable for all Australian permanent residency streams. PTE, indeed, has over 60% market share in Australia and is usually preferred for its AI scoring reliability and quicker results.
Q. Is TOEFL still accepted after August 2025?
Yes, TOEFL iBT was re-approved for Australian visa purposes from August 7, 2025, after a temporary suspension period. However, only test center-based TOEFL iBT is accepted, not the at-home version.
Q. What is the minimum IELTS requirement for student visa?
From August 7, 2025, the minimum IELTS requirement for Australian student visa (subclass 500) is 6.0 overall for direct entry, or lower scores with ELICOS packaging (5.5 with 10 weeks, 5.0 with 20 weeks).
Q. Do PR points differ based on which test I take?
No, PR points are awarded based on English proficiency levels (Competent=0, Proficient=10, Superior=20), not the test type. However, different tests may have varying difficulty levels for achieving these thresholds.
Q. How long are English test results valid for Australian visas?
Most English test results are valid for 3 years from the test date for visa purposes. However, some visa types may have shorter validity periods – always check the specific visa requirements.
Q. Can I combine scores from different test sittings?
This varies with the type of test. One Skill Retake (OSR) is permitted in IELTS for some visa types, and Single Section Retake (SSR) is permitted for MET. All skills must be attained on a single attempt in PTE and TOEFL.
Q. What if I fail the English requirement for partner visa?
If you don't meet Functional English for partner visa, you'll need to pay a second Visa Application Charge (VAC) or provide alternative evidence such as completing 500 hours of AMEP classes.
Q. Are there exemptions from English testing requirements?
Yes, citizens of designated countries (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland) are typically exempt. Some visa streams also offer exemptions based on qualifications, salary levels, or intra-company transfers.
Q. What impact do the new August 2025 updates have on tests I have already taken?
Tests taken up to and including August 6, 2025, are valid under previous score maps until August 6, 2028, pending visa-specific validity periods. This gives a transition phase for applicants.
Q. Which test provides the quickest results for urgent visa applications?
PTE Academic generally returns results within 2 business days, which is the quickest for emergency applications. IELTS computer-delivered can return results within 1-3 days, whereas TOEFL iBT returns results in 4-8 days.
Conclusion
The August 7, 2025 changes to Australia's English language test rules give more choices and clearer routes to visa applicants for all categories. Whether you're going for Student visas with IELTS 6.0/PTE 47, Graduate 485 with IELTS 6.5/PTE 55, or PR with Superior English for highest points, getting to know these new rules is very important for visa success.
Key Takeaways
• Student visas: Direct entry involves IELTS 6.0/PTE 47/TOEFL 67, with ELICOS alternatives for lower band scores
• Work visas: Graduate 485 requires IELTS 6.5/PTE 55; employer-sponsored depends on stream
• PR applicants: Aim for Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts) English for competitive edge
• Partner visas: Functional English at IELTS 4.5/PTE 24 level avoids extra charges
Select your test according to your time schedule, format preference, and target scores. PTE Academic has fastest results with high acceptance, IELTS has traditional reliability and university familiarity, while TOEFL iBT is for those with US academic backgrounds.
Ready to Begin Your Journey? Get tested on your readiness with a free IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL practice test on ExamsDojo before submitting your Australian visa application. Our detailed practice tests and expert advice will assist you in attaining your goal scores and turn your Australian dreams into reality.