2025 English Language Test Requirements for Australian Student Visas

Saturday 9 August 2025

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This article outlines the 2025 English language requirements for Australian Student (Subclass 500) visas, including approved tests, minimum scores for direct entry, ELICOS, and pathway programs, as well as passport exemptions and key application dates.

2025 English Language Test Requirements for Australian Student Visas

From 7 August 2025, the Migration (English Language Requirements for Students) Specification 2025 (F2025L00906) sets the official tests, minimum scores, pathway programs, and exemptions for Student (Subclass 500) visas. This article explains the approved tests, the required minimum scores for each visa pathway, and how these requirements differ for direct entry, ELICOS packages, and specified pathway programs.

Approved English Language Tests

The Australian Government accepts the following tests for student visa purposes:

IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System (Academic)
PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic
TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-Based Test
OET – Occupational English Test
CELPIP General – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General)
LanguageCert Academic – LanguageCert Academic Test
MET – Michigan English Test
IELTS General Training – International English Language Testing System (General)
C1 Advanced – Cambridge Advanced Test

All tests must assess the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The results must be from a test taken within the specified validity period.

Direct Entry Minimum Scores (No ELICOS or Pathway Program)

Applicants who are not completing an ELICOS course or approved pathway program must meet the following minimum component scores for direct entry:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS Academic	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
PTE Academic	50	50	50	50
TOEFL iBT	12	13	21	18
OET	B	B	B	B
CELPIP General	7	7	7	7
LanguageCert Academic	64	60	64	70
MET	56	55	57	48
IELTS General Training	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
C1 Advanced	163	163	170	179

Lower English Scores for ELICOS Packages

If the student is packaged with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, lower entry scores apply:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS Academic	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
PTE Academic	36	36	36	36
TOEFL iBT	4	4	14	14
OET	B	B	B	B
CELPIP General	5	5	5	5
LanguageCert Academic	41	44	45	54
MET	49	47	45	38
IELTS General Training	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
C1 Advanced	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded

Lower English Scores for Specified Pathway Programs

Schedule 2 lists approved pathway programs at specific institutions where students can enter with lower English test scores. These institutions can accept lower minimums if the student is enrolled in a Specified Eligible Pathway Program leading into a main course.

For pathway program packaging, the following apply:

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS Academic	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
PTE Academic	42	42	42	42
TOEFL iBT	8	8	18	16
OET	B	B	B	B
CELPIP General	6	6	6	6
LanguageCert Academic	50	50	50	55
MET	53	53	53	45
IELTS General Training	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
C1 Advanced	155	155	160	165

The full list of institutions offering these programs is in Schedule 2 of the instrument and includes major Australian universities and colleges.

Passport Exemptions

Under Schedule 3, applicants holding a valid passport from the following countries are considered to meet the English requirement without testing:

Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United States of America

Key Dates and Application

The instrument applies to all visa applications lodged on or after 7 August 2025.
All test results must be taken within the specified validity period before application.
Both direct entry and packaged courses are covered.

F2025L00906.pdf