English Language Requirements

Understanding the English language levels and test scores required for Australian visas.

Permanent Visa Validity: English test scores are valid for 3 years for Australian Permanent Residency applications, even if the expiration date on your actual test report states 2 years.

Functional English

Basic requirement for secondary applicants (dependents 18+).

You must provide evidence that you have functional English. This can be proof of 5 years of study in English or test scores completed within 12 months of application.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (General/Academic)	Average band score of 4.5
PTE Academic	Overall band score of 30
CELPIP General	Overall band score of 5
TOEFL iBT	Total score of 32 (Pre-Aug 2025) / 26 (Post-Aug 2025)
Cambridge (CAE)	Overall score of 147

Vocational English

Required for some temporary works visas and TRT streams.

Scores must be from a test taken within 3 years before application.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (General/Academic)	At least 5.0 for each of the 4 components
PTE Academic	At least 36 for each of the 4 components
CELPIP General	At least 5 for each of the 4 components
TOEFL iBT	L: 4, R: 4, W: 14, S: 14
Cambridge (CAE)	At least 154 in each component
OET (Medical Professionals)	At least B in each component (Pre-2025) / Check Numerical Req.

Competent English

Minimum requirement for most skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491).

Citizen of UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland are automatically deemed competent. Otherwise, test scores within 3 years.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (General/Academic)	At least 6.0 for each of the 4 components
PTE Academic	At least 50 for each of the 4 components
CELPIP General	At least 6 for each of the 4 components
TOEFL iBT	L: 12, R: 13, W: 21, S: 18 (Pre-Aug 2025) L: 15, R: 15, W: 21, S: 21 (Post-Aug 2025)
Cambridge (CAE)	At least 169 in each component
OET (Medical Professionals)	L: 290, R: 310, W: 290, S: 330 (Post-Aug 2025)

Proficient English

High Level. Gives 10 Points in Points Test.

Required for points claiming. Test must be within 3 years.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (General/Academic)	At least 7.0 for each of the 4 components
PTE Academic	At least 65 for each of the 4 components
CELPIP General	At least 8 for each of the 4 components
TOEFL iBT	L: 24, R: 24, W: 27, S: 23 (Pre-Aug 2025) L: 20, R: 21, W: 26, S: 26 (Post-Aug 2025)
Cambridge (CAE)	At least 185 in each component
OET (Medical Professionals)	L: 350, R: 360, W: 380, S: 360 (Post-Aug 2025)

Superior English

Expert Level. Gives 20 Points in Points Test.

Highest level for maximum points points claiming. Test must be within 3 years.

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS (General/Academic)	At least 8.0 for each of the 4 components
PTE Academic	At least 79 for each of the 4 components
CELPIP General	At least 9 for each of the 4 components
TOEFL iBT	L: 28, R: 29, W: 30, S: 26 (Pre-Aug 2025) L: 26, R: 28, W: 30, S: 29 (Post-Aug 2025)
Cambridge (CAE)	At least 200 in each component
OET (Medical Professionals)	Check Numerical Requirements (Generally A equivalent)