FAQ - English Language Requirements for Australian Visas
Which English tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs?
The DHA accepts scores from the following English tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Cambridge Advanced
How are the English tests administered?
| IELTS | Paper Test |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper/ online (TOEFL ibt internet version) |
| PTE Academic | Computer |
| OET | Paper Test |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | Computer or paper-based |
How are scores awarded for the English tests?
| IELTS | IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | An overall score out of 120 (each paper is marked out of 30). |
| PTE Academic | The range for the overall score is 10-90 points. |
| OET | Graded A (highest) to E (lowest) for each sub-test. |
| Cambridge (CAE) | The range for the overall score is 180-210 points. |
How long does it take for the English test results to be published?
| IELTS | IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | An overall score out of 120 (each paper is marked out of 30). |
| PTE Academic | The range for the overall score is 10-90 points. |
| OET | Graded A (highest) to E (lowest) for each sub-test. |
| Cambridge (CAE) | The range for the overall score is 180-210 points. |
How long are the English test results valid for?
Tests conducted up to 3 years prior to lodgement of an application will be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. The only exception to this is for functional English – this requires testing to have been done at most 12 months before lodgement.
What are the points awarded for English language skills for general skilled visas?
| Points | Level of English |
|---|---|
| No points awarded | Competent |
| 10 Points | Proficient |
| 20 Points | Superior |
What are the English language requirements for Australian visas?
In order, to apply for general skilled, employer sponsored, business or student visas, applicants need to demonstrate that they have the required English language ability.
Depending on the visa you are applying for, you can prove that your English language ability through one of the following means:
- Providing evidence that you have studied in English for at least five years in one or more of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- Providing evidence of being enrolled by your education provider
- Providing evidence of having passed an approved English language test.
When and where can you appear for the English tests?
| IELTS | Up to 48 times a year in over 900 locations in 130 countries worldwide. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Up to 50 times a year in 9,000 test locations in 130 countries |
| PTE Academic | Up to 363 times a year in over 200 locations worldwide. |
| OET | Up to 10 times a year in 30 countries |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | Up to 3 times per month in 130 countries |
How many components are there in the English tests?
| IELTS has four components | TOEFL has four components | PTE Academic has three main parts | OET has four components | Cambridge (CAE) has four components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening: (30 minutes) | Reading: (60 – 100 minutes) | Speaking and writing: (77- 93 minutes) | Reading: (60 minutes) | Reading and Use of English: (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Reading: (60 minutes) | Listening: (60 – 90 minutes) | Reading: (32- 41 minutes) | Listening: (50 minutes) | Writing: (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Writing: (60 minutes) | Speaking: (60 – 100 minutes) | Listening: (45 – 57 minutes) | Speaking: (20 minutes) | Listening: (about 40 minutes) |
| Speaking: (11–14 minutes) | Writing: (50 minutes) | Writing: (45 minutes) | Speaking: (15 minutes per pair of candidates) | |
| Total test time: 2 hours 45 minutes | Total test time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Total test time: 3 hours 50 minutes | Total test time: 3 hours and 55 minutes |
What are the costs of the English tests in Australia?
| IELTS | AU$460 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | US$288 |
| PTE Academic | AU$475 |
| OET | AU$587 |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | AU$ 330 |
What are the equivalent English test scores accepted by the Department of Home Affairs?
| English Language proficiency level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | OET | Cambridge (CAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational | 5.0 | Listening & Reading 4.0 Writing & Speaking 14 | 36 | B | 154 |
| Competent | 6.0 | Listening: 12 Reading: 13 Writing: 21 Speaking: 18 | 50 | B | 169 |
| Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) | 7.0 | Listening & Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 23 | 65 | B | 185 |
| Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) | 8.0 | Listening: 28 Reading: 29 Writing: 30 Speaking: 26 | 79 | A | 200 |
What is the level of English required for different visas?
You will need to show at least competent level of English for most general skilled and employer sponsored visas. You will need to how vocational/competent English for most business visas. You do not have to demonstrate your English language ability if you are applying for any type of family visa.