English test requirements for skilled visas
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Free points calculator: Count your points now. Choose your age, English, work, study and nomination, and see your total for the 189, 190 and 491 visas straight away.
Which English levels are there?
- Competent English is the usual level for employer sponsored visas and the minimum for skilled migration. It earns 0 points.
- Proficient English earns 10 points.
- Superior English earns 20 points.
Passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States can show competent English with their passport. This applies when the visa accepts passport evidence.
What scores do I need for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025?
You need at least this score in each of the four parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
| Test | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6 each | 7 each | 8 each |
| PTE Academic | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 / 16 / 19 / 19 | 22 / 22 / 26 / 24 | 26 / 27 / 30 / 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 / 163 / 170 / 179 | 175 / 179 / 193 / 194 | 186 / 190 / 210 / 208 |
| CELPIP General | 7 each | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 |
| MET | 56 / 55 / 57 / 48 | 61 / 63 / 74 / 59 | not listed |
| OET | 290 / 310 / 290 / 330 | 350 / 360 / 380 / 360 | 390 / 400 / 420 / 400 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 / 60 / 64 / 70 | 67 / 71 / 78 / 82 | 80 / 83 / 89 / 89 |
Scores are in the order listening, reading, writing, speaking. The superior level for MET is not shown on the Home Affairs page.
What about tests taken on or before 6 August 2025?
Older results can still be used, depending on the visa, until 6 August 2028. For competent English the old scores were IELTS 6 in each part, PTE Academic 50 in each part, TOEFL iBT 12 / 13 / 21 / 21, Cambridge 169 in each part and OET grade B in each part.
Which tests are not accepted?
Tests delivered completely online or at home are not accepted. That includes IELTS Online, CELPIP Online, LANGUAGECERT Academic Online, MET Digital taken at home, OET@Home and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. For TOEFL iBT you must choose "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when you register.
Can I retake one part of a test?
Some visas accept IELTS with One Skill Retake and MET with Single Section Retake. Check the visa you are applying for.
FAQ
How long is a test valid?
A test result is valid for 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Do I need the minimum in all four parts?
Yes. The score applies to each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Can I be exempt?
Citizens of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, with a valid passport from that country, can show competent English that way.
What English level adds points?
Proficient adds 10 points and superior adds 20. See the points test.