Australian Student Visa Update: Expanded English Language Test Options Effective 7 August 2025

Last updated on 44 minutes ago

Exciting news for international students planning to study in Australia!

On 7 August 2025, the Australian Government announced an expansion of approved English language tests for Student visa (Subclass 500) applications, increasing the options from five to nine. This change provides greater flexibility for demonstrating English proficiency. Below, we dive into the details of the new tests, updated score requirements, validity periods, and key considerations for applicants.

Nine Approved English Language Tests

As of 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs now accepts nine English language tests for Student visa applications. The approved tests are:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic – Including One Skill Retake (OSR)
2. IELTS General Training – Including One Skill Retake (OSR)
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
4. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) – In-person at a secure test center
5. OET (Occupational English Test)
6. Cambridge C1 Advanced
7. CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – Newly added
8. LanguageCert Academic – Newly added
9. Michigan English Test (MET) – Including Single Section Retake (SSR), newly added

Important: Online or at-home versions of these tests (e.g., TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, OET@Home, or IELTS Online) are not accepted for visa purposes. Tests must be taken at approved, secure test centers.

Updated Score Requirements

The English proficiency level required for a Student visa remains unchanged, but minimum score thresholds for some tests have been adjusted for consistency. These apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

• Standard Student Visa (Subclass 500):
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0 (up from 5.5)
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 67 (up from 64)
  • PTE Academic: Updated score requirements (check official guidelines for specifics)
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum total band score of 162 (previously 147 for some requirements)
  • CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET, OET: Specific score requirements apply (consult the Department of Home Affairs website).
• ELICOS or Pathway Programs:
  • For applicants enrolled in at least 10 weeks of an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a standard/extended foundation program, or an eligible pathway program, lower scores are accepted:
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 5.0 (previously 4.5)
    • TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET, OET: Specific lower thresholds apply (check official guidelines).
• Note: The Cambridge C1 Advanced test is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements, so confirm eligibility for your visa subclass.

Test Result Validity Periods

The validity of test results depends on when the test was taken and the visa subclass:

• Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025: Valid for up to 36 months from the test date, provided they meet previous score requirements (e.g., valid from 5 August 2022 to 6 August 2028 for some subclasses).
• Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: Must be no more than 12 months old at the time of Student visa lodgement. For other visa subclasses, validity may extend to 36 months (check specific requirements).
• Student Visa (Subclass 500): For applications lodged on or after 7 August 2025, tests must be taken between 6 August 2025 and 7 August 2027, either before lodgement or before a visa decision.

Exemptions from English Testing

You may be exempt from providing an English test result if you meet one of these criteria:

• Citizenship: Hold a passport from the UK (excluding British National Overseas), USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland (applies to Competent or Vocational English levels, not Proficient or Superior for skilled migration points).
• Education in English: Completed at least 5 years of study in English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, the UK, or the USA.
• Pathway Programs: Enrolled in one of the 166 approved Australian pathway programs (per LIN 25/027), which may allow lower score requirements.
• Australian Qualifications: Completed a substantial component of a Certificate IV or higher course in Australia, conducted in English, while on a Student visa.

Practical Tips for Applicants

1. Select the Right Test: Choose a test that aligns with your strengths and is available at a secure test center. IELTS and PTE Academic are widely available, while CELPIP General or LanguageCert Academic may suit specific regions.
2. Verify Score Requirements: Confirm the exact scores needed for your visa or course, as educational institutions may require higher scores than the visa minimum.
3. Plan Ahead: Book test slots early, as popular tests like IELTS and PTE Academic can have limited availability.
4. Use Official Materials: Practice with official test preparation resources under timed conditions.
5. Submit Results Properly: Ensure test results are sent directly by the provider to the Department of Home Affairs, as unofficial copies are not accepted.
6. Consider ELICOS/Pathway Programs: If your scores are slightly below requirements, enrolling in an ELICOS or pathway program can lower the score threshold and enhance your language skills.
7. Check with a Migration Agent: The new rules can be complex. A registered migration agent can provide clarity to avoid application issues.

Why This Matters

The addition of CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and MET provides more options, particularly for students in regions with limited access to IELTS or TOEFL iBT. However, higher score requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0) may require extra preparation for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. If you took a test before this date, your results may still be valid under the old thresholds within the 36-month period. Always check with your education provider, as their requirements may differ.