English language tests for Australia have undergone major updates in 2025, therefore making it easier for international students, skilled professionals, and migrants to prove their English proficiency. Specifically, the Australian Government has expanded the list of approved English language exams, thereby giving applicants more options beyond the traditional IELTS.
Consequently, if you’re planning to migrate, study, or work in Australia, therefore, here is everything you need to know about the new English test rules, accepted exams, and score requirements.
Table Of Content
1Why Are English Language Tests Important for Australia?2List of Approved English Language Tests for Australia3English Language Requirements for Australia4Updated Fees for English Language Tests in Australia5The Bottom Line6Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are English Language Tests Important for Australia?
Australia requires applicants for student visas, work visas, and permanent residency (PR) to demonstrate English proficiency. This will make sure that newcomers can integrate effectively into society, education, and the workplace.
English test results are often a much important factor in visa approvals, which makes it crucial to know which exams are officially accepted.
List of Approved English Language Tests for Australia
Until recently, IELTS and PTE Academic were the most widely recognized tests. However, in 2025, Australia has approved nine English language tests for visa applications.
As of August 2025, the following exams are accepted:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
- CELPIP General
- IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake – OSR)
- IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake – OSR)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET) (with Single Section Retake – SSR)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
Notably, three new tests have joined the English language tests for Australia list are: LANGUAGECERT Academic, CELPIP General, and Michigan English Test (MET).
Here is a brief overview of each exam:
1. Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
A high-level English exam that proves advanced academic and professional skills, and it is accepted for study, work, and migration visas.
2. CELPIP General
Previously well-established in Canada, this test is now accepted in Australia and focuses on everyday English for work and PR visas.
3. IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake – OSR)
Globally recognised for study and migration; additionally, OSR allows candidates to retake a single skill if needed.
4. IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake – OSR)
Tailored for migration and employment, this exam tests practical English skills needed for life in Australia.
5. LANGUAGECERT Academic
Newly approved in 2025, it offers fast results and secure digital delivery for all visa categories.
6. Michigan English Test (MET) (with Single Section Retake – SSR)
Recently added, it is recognised for migration and study; moreover, SSR gives flexibility to improve one section score.
7. Occupational English Test (OET)
Specially designed for healthcare professionals, this test evaluates English in real clinical and medical scenarios.
8. PTE Academic
Computer-based, AI-scored test with quick results, and it is widely chosen by students and skilled professionals.
9. TOEFL iBT
A globally trusted digital test measuring academic English, therefore popular among international students.
English Language Requirements for Australia
To migrate to Australia, applicants must first meet specific English language requirements, which vary depending on their visa type. Consequently, when applying for an Australian visa, your English language skills play a crucial role not only in determining your eligibility but also, in some cases, in influencing the number of points you can claim under the points test. Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs recognizes different levels of English proficiency, each of which is linked to specific visa pathways and associated benefits.
If you are planning how to migrate to Australia from India, understanding these English language test requirements is essential, as they directly impact your visa options and chances of success.
1. Functional English
This is the most basic level. It is often required for family and partner visas. Generally, it focuses on daily communication rather than job skills.
Functional English – Approved Tests & Scores (from 7 August 2025)
| Test | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CELPIP General | 5 (overall) | – |
| IELTS Academic | 4.5 (average) | One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted for eligible visas |
| IELTS General Training | 4.5 (average) | One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted for eligible visas |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 38 (overall) | Single Section Retake (SSR) accepted for eligible visas |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 1020 (overall) | For health professionals; contact OET for overall results |
| LanguageCert Academic | 38 (overall) | – |
| PTE Academic | 24 (overall) | New scoring system from 7 Aug 2025 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 (total score) | Not approved 26 Jul 2023 – 4 May 2024; now re-approved |
2. Vocational English
Vocational English shows modest skills. It is often needed for employer-sponsored and trade visas. For instance, IELTS 5.0 in each band meets this level.
Vocational English – Approved Tests & Scores (from 7 August 2025)
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – |
| IELTS Academic / General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | OSR accepted |
| MET | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 | SSR accepted |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 | Health professionals |
| LanguageCert Academic | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 | – |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 | New scoring |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 | Not valid Jul 2023–May 2024 |
3. Competent English
Competent English is the baseline for most skilled visas. At this level, applicants must communicate well in personal and work settings. Typically, this means at least IELTS 6.0 in each band. However, this level does not give extra migration points.
Competent English – Approved Tests & Scores (from 7 August 2025).
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 | – |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | – |
| IELTS Academic / General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | OSR accepted |
| MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 | SSR accepted |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 | Health professionals |
| LanguageCert Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 | – |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 | New scoring |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 | Not valid Jul 2023–May 2024 |
4. Proficient English
Proficient English offers a higher standard. Importantly, it provides extra points in skilled visa applications. Usually, it requires IELTS 7.0 in each band. Overall, this level shows strong professional communication skills.
Proficient English – Approved Tests & Scores (from 7 August 2025)
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 | – |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | – |
| IELTS Academic / General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | OSR accepted |
| MET | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 | SSR accepted |
| OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 | Health professionals |
| LanguageCert Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 | – |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 | New scoring |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 | Not valid Jul 2023–May 2024 |
5. Superior English
Superior English is the highest level. In fact, it gives the maximum points in the migration system. To put it simply, IELTS 8.0 in each band or higher proves Superior English.
Superior English – Approved Tests & Scores (from 7 August 2025)
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 | – |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 | – |
| IELTS Academic / General | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | OSR accepted |
| OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 | Health professionals |
| LanguageCert Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 | – |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 | New scoring |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 | Not valid Jul 2023–May 2024 |
The results of English language tests for Australia are generally valid for three years before applying for the visa.
Updated Fees for English Language Tests in Australia
The cost of English language tests in Australia varies depending on the provider and test format. Many applicants often quote outdated or approximate fees, but as of 2025, most test providers have revised their charges. Here is a detailed verification and update regarding the cost of English language tests for Australia in 2025 based on the latest available sources:
- IELTS Academic / General Training – ₹24,920 to ₹26,600 approx.
- PTE Academic – ₹26,600 approx.
- TOEFL iBT – ₹22,932 approx.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) – ₹23,240 to ₹25,480 approx.
- OET (Occupational English Test) – ₹32,872 approx.
- LanguageCert Academic – ₹15,943 approx.
- CELPIP General – ₹17,980 approx.
- Michigan English Test (MET) – ₹11,648 approx. (Not explicitly listed, currently being introduced)
Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on the test centre location and currency exchange rates. Always check the official websites before booking your test and check that it is aligning your expertise with the list of in demand jobs in Australia.
The Bottom Line
With the 2025 updates, proving your English proficiency for an Australian visa has become more flexible than ever. Specifically, the expansion of approved tests and the introduction of new features like One Skill Retake (OSR) and Single Section Retake (SSR) make it easier for international students, skilled professionals, and migrants to meet language requirements.
Therefore, if you’re exploring how to migrate to Australia from India, understanding the visa process, meeting the updated requirements for English language tests for Australia are all crucial to success. Furthermore, with expert guidance from CanApprove, you can confidently move closer to achieving your Australian dream.
