English Language Requirements

Which tests are acceptable?

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) has indicated that they will accept any of the following five language tests to confirm the migration English Requirement.

  1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
  3. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  4. Occupational English Test (OET)
  5. Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
Comparative Table

The tests are based on an equivalency to the IELTS test and each test has a specific IELTS equivalency.  IELTS has an academic and general training test but for most purposes, only the general training test is required.  Academic tests are required by certain Universities, registration bodies or sills assessing authorities but these are specific to certain occupations.

TEST SCORE BENCHMARKED AGAINST THE IELTS BANDSCALE
ENGLISH TEST TEST COMPONENT IELTS TOEFL iBT PTE ACADEMIC CAMBRIDGE CAE OET
FUNCTIONAL OVERALL SCORE 4.5 32 30 147 n/a
VOCATIONAL LISTENING 5.0 4 36 154 B
READING 5.0 4 36 154 B
WRITING 5.0 14 36 154 B
SPEAKING 5.0 14 36 154 B
COMPETENT LISTENING 6.0 12 50 169 B
READING 6.0 13 50 169 B
WRITING 6.0 21 50 169 B
SPEAKING 6.0 18 50 169 B
PROFICIENT LISTENING 7.0 24 65 185 B
(for points READING 7.0 24 65 185 B
Tested Visas WRITING 7.0 27 65 185 B
SPEAKING 7.0 23 65 185 B
SUPERIOR LISTENING 8.0 28 79 200 A
(for points READING 8.0 29 79 200 A
Tested Visas) WRITING 8.0 30 79 200 A
SPEAKING 8.0 26 79 200 A
What will I need to do?

Each of the acceptable tests are run by authorised providers either online or in person. Once you choose which test you would like to undertake, you will need to register for the relevant test and score at the required level to be considered to have met the English Requirement for migration and visa category purposes.

If you are completing a skilled visa where assessment is required prior to the lodgement of your visa application, you will need to contact the relevant assessing body for the English language requirements. These are constantly being reviewed and this is an extremely important step of your application.

Your English proficiency is assessed on a scale from 1-9 in four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Where can I do my test?

Most of the English Tests are run worldwide. However, due to the demand on testing, it is wise to investigate when the next available test will be. Sometimes visa applicants facing deadlines due to age or expiry of documents may find that they cannot sit a test in time to lodge their application.

How much do the tests cost?

Each test has its own fee depending on the country it is being conducted in and the provider. It is advisable to contact the advisor or consult their website to determine the fees being charged at that time.