Student visa English requirements
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Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Test | Minimum score | With 10+ weeks ELICOS, Foundation or eligible pathway | With 20+ weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
| C1 Advanced (Cambridge) | 161 | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 54 | 46 |
| MET | 53 | 49 | 44 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| OET | 1210 | 1090 | 1020 |
C1 Advanced scores below IELTS 6.0 are not accepted. TOEFL iBT applicants must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" during registration (required from 21 January 2026).
Tests taken before 7 August 2025
| Test | Minimum | With 10+ weeks ELICOS or pathway | With 20+ weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 | 46 | 35 |
| Cambridge CAE | 169 | 162 | 154 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 42 | 36 |
| OET | B in each component | B in each component | B in each component |
ELICOS packages
For a package of ELICOS and a main course, 10 weeks and 20 weeks are minimums. At least 10 weeks of ELICOS lets you use the 5.5 level. At least 20 weeks lets you use 5.0.
Test rules
- A Regular evidence level test must be within the 2 years before you lodge.
- Fully online or "at-home" tests are not accepted. This includes IELTS Online, LANGUAGECERT Academic Online, OET@Home, CELPIP Online, MET Digital taken at home and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- LANGUAGECERT: include both the certificate and the report.
- TOEFL iBT tests taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted.
Who does not need a test?
- Citizens holding a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland (BNO passport holders may still be asked)
- DFAT or Defence sponsored students and secondary exchange students
- A principal course that is a registered school course, a standalone ELICOS course, or taught in a language other than English
- A registered postgraduate research course
- At least 5 years of study in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or Ireland in the 2 years before applying
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education completed in Australia in English while on a Student visa in the last 2 years
- A substantial part of a Certificate IV or higher course completed while on a Student visa
If you rely on an exemption, attach evidence that shows it.
FAQ
Which English test is easiest to use?
Any approved test works. Choose the one you can score best on, and avoid online-only versions.
Do I need IELTS 6.0 for every course?
No. ELICOS, Foundation and eligible pathway programs lower the score needed.
Can my test be older than 2 years?
Not at the Regular evidence level.