Australia is updating its English language testing rules for visas from 7 August 2025. Find out about the new tests, minimum scores and changes for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, LanguageCert and MET

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From 7 August 2025, new rules for proving the level of English language for visa applicants will come into force in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs is expanding the list of recognised tests and reviewing the minimum score thresholds in existing assessment systems.

The Australian Government has added the following additional tests to the list of acceptable tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and MET (Michigan English Test). The results of each of them will be recognised for three years from the date of taking them. This gives applicants more opportunities to choose the test that best suits their profile and training format.

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New tests to be accepted from August

According to the Department, from 7 August 2025, applicants will be able to submit the results of the following additional tests:

- CELPIP General is a Canadian computer-based test that assesses everyday English in work and social situations.

- LanguageCert Academic – a test for assessing English language skills in professional and academic environments, available in both paper and computer-based formats.

- MET (Michigan English Test) – a flexible test used in universities and workplaces, available in a format assessing four language skills.

Updated score requirements for existing tests

In parallel, Australia is introducing revised thresholds for existing tests, including:

- IELTS

- PTE Academic

- TOEFL iBT

- C1 Advanced

- OET

It is also separately noted that the C1 Advanced test will no longer be accepted to confirm professional English proficiency, and will only be used for categories where the Competent English level or above is required.

Minimum scores for the Competent English level

To obtain a visa, the applicant must achieve minimum scores in all four components: listening, reading, writing and speaking. A low score in any component may affect your visa eligibility.

- IELTS: Listening – 6.0, Reading – 6.0, Writing – 6.0, Speaking – 6.0.

- 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 (Professional English for Health Professionals): Listening – 290, Reading – 310, Writing – 290, Speaking – 330.

- CELPIP General: All components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – 7.

- LanguageCert Academic: Listening – 57, Reading – 60, Writing – 64, Speaking – 70.

- MET: Listening – 56, Reading – 55, Writing – 57, Speaking – 48.

What does this mean for applicants?

The introduction of additional tests provides greater flexibility for those planning to apply for a visa to Australia. You can now choose a test that matches your strengths or is available at the nearest center. At the same time, updated thresholds make the system more consistent between different test formats.

The Australian Government reminds you that test results must be issued no later than three years before the application, and all four components must meet the updated minimum requirements.

​​Planning to apply for an Australian visa?

To avoid mistakes when choosing a test and preparing documents correctly, contact our migration lawyers. Professionals will help you choose the optimal test and ensure that all results comply with the updated Australian requirements

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