English Language Proficiency Requirement
English language requirements typically apply to individuals seeking to study or work in Australia. To determine the required English proficiency level and the necessary evidence, refer to the eligibility criteria on the visa subclass page relevant to your application.
| Visa Type | Level of English |
|---|---|
| Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) |
An IELTS score (or equivalent) of at least 5 in each component is required, consistent with the previous MLTSSL stream. You are exempt from needing to prove English language proficiency if one of the following apply: 1. You are a passport holder from: - Canada - New Zealand - the Republic of Ireland - the United Kingdom - the United States of America 2. You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in at least a secondary level institution and where most classes were in English. 3. Your nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at: - diplomatic or consular mission of another country - an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan 4. Your nominated occupation requires you: - to hold a licence, registration or membership - you were granted the licence, registration, or membership 5. You are: - an employee of an overseas business - the business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia - you will receive a guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400 |
| ENS 186 Visa | IELTS 6 in all skills or equivalent |
| RSMS 187 Visa | IELTS 6 in all skills or equivalent |
| Skilled Migration Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491, 494) |
- IELTS 6 in all skills or equivalent - Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent in all skills) - Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent in all skills) |
| Student Visa |
- IELTS score of 6 or equivalent - For students undertaking ELICOS- IELTS score of 5 or equivalent - For students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs- IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) |
- Minimum test score of 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test - The English proficiency requirement for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders remains at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each component of the test |
| Training Visa (subclass 407) | Have a functional English- An average IELTS band score of at least 4.5 (or equivalent) based on the 4 test components |
| Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887) | Have a functional English- An average IELTS band score of at least 4.5 (or equivalent) based on the 4 test components |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Cambridge English (CAE) | Occupational English Test (OET) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | An average band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components | A total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components | A total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components | A total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening | |
| Vocational English | At least 5 for each of the 4 test components | At least 36 for each of the 4 test components | At least 154 in each of the 4 test components | At least B for each of the 4 test components | At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking |
| Competent English | At least 6 for each of the 4 components | At least 50 for each of the 4 components | At least 169 in each of the 4 components | At least B for each of the 4 components | At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
| Proficient English | At least 7 for each of the 4 test components | At least 65 for each of the 4 test components | At least 185 in each of the 4 test components | At least B for each of the 4 test components | At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking |
| Superior English | At least 8 for each of the 4 test components | At least 79 for each of the 4 test components | At least 200 in each of the 4 test components | At least A for each of the 4 test components | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |