If you’re planning to live, work, or study in Australia, big news is on the horizon: starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will accept three new English language tests for visa applications and will also update the score requirements for several existing tests.
New Tests Now Accepted
From 7 August, applicants can submit scores from:
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CELPIP General – A Canadian test assessing everyday English skills.
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LanguageCert Academic – Measures academic and professional English, with fast results.
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Michigan English Test (MET) – A flexible exam used internationally for work and study.
All results will be valid for up to three years from the test date.
Revised Scores for Existing Tests
Score benchmarks for IELTS, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, TOEFL iBT, and OET are changing to align results across different formats and ensure consistency.
For example:
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IELTS now requires at least 6.0 in each skill area for Competent English.
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PTE Academic minimums range from 47 (Listening) to 54 (Speaking).
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C1 Advanced requires higher section scores, but is no longer accepted for Vocational English.
(Full updated score table is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.)
Why This Matters
This update gives visa applicants more choice in selecting a test that fits their strengths, schedule, and location. However, it also means applicants must be more careful to meet the exact minimum scores in all four skills — falling short in just one area can affect visa eligibility.
Key Takeaways
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More test options mean greater flexibility.
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Score requirements are now stricter and more standardized.
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Test results remain valid for three years.
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C1 Advanced is no longer valid for Vocational English visas.
If you’re applying for an Australian visa, check your test choice, prepare well, and ensure your scores meet the new requirements before lodging your application.