The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires certain visa applicants to demonstrate their English language ability as part of the visa assessment process. English language requirements are designed to ensure that visa holders can communicate effectively in Australia and are able to participate in everyday life, employment, and the broader community.

English proficiency is particularly important for applicants who intend to work, study, or settle in Australia, as it supports workplace safety, productivity, social integration, and access to services such as healthcare and education. Requiring evidence of English ability also helps employers and regulators confirm that visa holders can meet the communication demands of their occupation.

The level of English required varies depending on the type of visa being applied for. Skilled migration and employer‑sponsored visas generally require higher levels of English, such as Competent, Proficient, or Superior English, while some temporary visas may require only Functional or Vocational English. In certain cases, applicants who do not meet the required level of English may be required to pay an additional visa application charge.

Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025

Accepted Test Results from Secure Test Centres ▼

The Department accepts results from the following tests when taken at a secure test centre:

Cambridge C1 Advanced
CELPIP General
IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)
LANGUAGECERT Academic
Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake
Occupational English Test (OET)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
TOEFL iBT

Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025

Tests Accepted (Subject to Validity Periods) ▼

The Department may still accept results from the following tests, subject to validity periods:

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE / C1 Advanced)
IELTS Academic or General Training (including One Skill Retake)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Occupational English Test (OET)
TOEFL iBT

Test results from this period may be used until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa.

Functional English

Functional English is basic, everyday English. A person at this level can understand and use simple words and phrases for routine situations.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	5	5	5	5
PTE Academic	33	36	29	24
TOEFL iBT	8	8	9	14
CELPIP General	5	5	5	5
OET	220	240	200	270

Vocational English

Vocational English is workplace‑ready English for practical jobs. A person at this level can communicate effectively in a job that involves routine tasks.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	5	5	5	5
PTE Academic	33	36	29	24
TOEFL iBT	8	8	9	14
CELPIP	5	5	5	5
OET	220	240	200	270

Competent English

Competent English indicates a solid, independent level of English. This is the baseline requirement for most skilled migration visas.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	6	6	6	6
PTE Academic	47	48	51	54
TOEFL iBT	16	16	19	19
CELPIP	7	7	7	7
OET	290	310	290	330

Proficient English

Proficient English reflects a high level of fluency and accuracy. Communication is clear, natural, and effective in professional and academic settings.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	7	7	7	7
PTE Academic	58	59	69	76
TOEFL iBT	22	22	26	24
CELPIP	9	8	10	8
OET	350	360	380	360

Superior English

Superior English represents near‑native fluency. Communication is effortless, precise, and sophisticated across all contexts.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	8	8	8	8
PTE Academic	69	70	85	88
TOEFL iBT	26	27	30	28
CELPIP	10	10	12	10
OET	390	400	420	410

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