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Australia PR English Language Tests: The Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Changes
Australia PR English Language Tests: The Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Changes
Australia PR English Language Tests: The Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Changes
Updated: 18 August 2025
Thinking about applying for Australia PR or another Australian visa? You’re not alone. Australia continues to be one of the most popular destinations for skilled workers, families, and students. With its high quality of life, strong economy, and diverse culture, the country offers incredible opportunities—but the immigration process requires careful planning.
One of the most critical steps in this journey is proving your English language proficiency.
As of 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has implemented major updates to English language test requirements. These changes affect:
Which English tests are accepted
The minimum scores needed
How results are evaluated across visa subclasses.
This guide will break down the new rules and help you prepare for a successful application.
What’s New in 2025?
The DHA has expanded the list of accepted English language tests from five to nine, giving applicants more flexibility.
Accepted Tests from 7 August 2025:
IELTS (Academic & General Training) – including One Skill Retake
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge C1 Advanced
OET (Occupational English Test)
CELPIP General
MET (Michigan English Test) – including Single Section Retake
Language Cert Academic
OET (for healthcare professionals)
Important: Online or at-home versions of these tests are NOT accepted. All exams must be taken at approved test centers.
If you took your test before 7 August 2025, your results may still be valid (typically up to 3 years, depending on your visa subclass).
English Proficiency Levels
The DHA measures English proficiency in five levels:
Functional English – basic ability, often for partner/family visas
Vocational English – practical communication, for some skilled visas
Competent English – minimum requirement for most skilled visas
Proficient English – adds 10 points for points-tested visas
Superior English – adds 20 points for points-tested visas
Each level has new score requirements for different tests.
Highlights of Score Changes
Here are the key updates you need to know:
Functional English (basic level)
IELTS: Average score 4.5
PTE: Overall 24 (down from 30)
TOEFL iBT: Total 26 (down from 32)
New accepted tests: CELPIP, MET, OET, Language Certificate.
Vocational English (work-ready level)
IELTS: 5 in each band (unchanged)
PTE: Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24
OET: New component-based scores instead of B grade
Cambridge:No longer accepted at this level.
Competent English (minimum for PR).
IELTS: 6 in each band (unchanged).
TOEFL iBT: 16 in listening & reading, 19 in writing, 19 in speaking
CELPIP & MET: ? Now accepted
Component-based scores introduced for most tests
Proficient English (+10 PR points).
IELTS: 7 in each band (unchanged).
PTE: L-58, R-59, W-69, S-76
CELPIP: L-9, R-8, W-10, S-8
Cambridge & OET: Higher, more detailed band scores
Superior English (+20 PR points)
IELTS: 8 in each band (unchanged)
PTE: L-69, R-70, W-85, S-88
TOEFL iBT: Slightly reduced scores in listening & reading compared to before.
CELPIP & Language Certificate.
What This Means for You?
More choice: You now have 9 test options. If IELTS feels tough, you can try CELPIP, PTE, or Language Cert.
Component-based scores matter: No more relying on a high overall score.You must meet the minimum in each skill.
Check test validity: If you tested before 7 Aug 2025, confirm if your scores are still valid.
No online tests: Book your exam at an official test center.
Next Steps for Applicants
Identify your required English level – based on your visa subclass.
Choose the right test – pick one that suits your strengths.
Understand the new score breakdowns – prepare for all four skills.
Book your test early avoid last-minute stress.
Get expert help consider consulting a registered migration agent for tailored advice.
The 2025 changes to Australia PR English test requirements give applicants more flexibility but also demand better balance across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
By understanding these updates and planning your test strategy wisely, you can turn English proficiency from a challenge into a stepping stone toward your Australian dream.
