If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you’ll need to provide evidence of your functional English language skills. However, this isn’t always the case for visa applicants that come from a country where English is the primary language (e.g. USA or UK) or have studied at an English-speaking institution before.
What Are The Accepted English Language Tests?
There are five different English-language tests accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Each test differs slightly, and before you apply for your visa, you should research which test is most suitable for you. The Department of Home Affairs has different score requirements for each test depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The five English-language tests are IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE and OET.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a set of tests designed to measure your proficiency with the English language. If you’re taking the test for admission into an academic institution, you’ll likely need to take the IELTS Academic test. However, if you require proof of English language proficiency for migration purposes then the IELTS General Training is only required. The test consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. These sections are scored based on how well you perform with a score of 6 representing a competent user while 9 represents expert-level proficiency.
TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL iBT is a test of spoken and written English, which aims to recreate how English is used in real-life academic settings. It’s scored on a scale of 0 to 30 for each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—with a total score of 120 points available across all sections. A score of 18 to 23 in the Reading section represents a high-intermediate level of proficiency.
PTE Academic
The PTE Academic test is an exam of academic English that uses a different scoring system than the IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests. The PTE Academic test can be taken in one 2-hour session at a Pearson testing centre. You will receive 1 overall score and 4 individual scores for Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The scores for the overall test and individual components can range from 10 to 90.
OET
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a test used to assess English language proficiency of healthcare professionals. It assesses the language and communication skills of people working or studying in Australia. The OET consists of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Each test component can receive a score from 0 to 500 including a letter grade ranging from A to E.
CAE
The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test is a general English language test that is used to demonstrate proficiency in English for academic, migration or work-related purposes. The individual components will be given a numerical score and an overall score and letter grade (A, B, C and Level B2) will be provided.
What Is The Difference Between The English Tests?
These 5 tests are designed to assess English language proficiency. The most suitable English test will depend on the type of English you need to demonstrate proficiency in and your preferred test format. It’s worthwhile to research and try some sample test questions to get a feel of each test.
English Language Requirements For Australian Visa
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has different English language requirements for different Australian visas. You may need to demonstrate one of five levels of English proficiency, depending on your visa type.
Functional
This is the most basic level of English language proficiency. It shows that you have the knowledge of basic English to perform everyday tasks. This is usually the level of English language proficiency required for permanent visas that aren’t related to work or study. You can show this by being a citizen of a country where English is the primary language or having completed a significant proportion of your studies at an English-speaking institution. Otherwise, you must receive one of the following scores:
- IELTS – An average band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components
- TOEFL iBT – A total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening
- PTE Academic – A total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – A total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test component
Vocational
This requirement is for Temporary Work visas (Subclass 482). It shows that you will be able to understand basic but unfamiliar topics in English. You can prove this by showing that you are a citizen of a country where English is the primary language or by achieving the below scores:
- IELTS – At least 5 for each of the 4 test components
- TOEFL iBT – At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking
- PTE Academic – At least 36 for each of the 4 test components
- OET – At least B for each of the 4 test components
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – At least 154 in each of the 4 test components
Competent
This is the level of English language proficiency needed for a Skilled visa. It’s high-level, and will make you able to work in an Australian workplace. You can get it by showing citizenship to one of these countries, OR by getting one of these scores:
- IELTS – At least 6 for each of the 4 test components
- TOEFL iBT – At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
- PTE Academic – At least 50 for each of the 4 test components
- OET – At least B for each of the 4 test components
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – At least 169 in each of the 4 components
Proficient
If you’re applying for a points-based visa and want to be considered for the 10-point English language ability bonus, you’ll need to demonstrate an intermediate level of English proficiency. Points can be earned by presenting test scores, regardless of your citizenship. The required score is:
- IELTS – At least 7 for each of the 4 test components
- TOEFL iBT – At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking
- PTE Academic – At least 65 for each of the 4 test components
- OET – At least B for each of the 4 test components
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – At least 185 in each of the 4 test components
Superior
This level of English proficiency will award you 20 points—the highest possible. To demonstrate this level, you’ll need to present the following scores:
- IELTS – At least 8 for each of the 4 test components
- TOEFL iBT – At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking
- PTE Academic – At least 79 for each of the 4 test components
- OET – At least A for each of the 4 test components
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – At least 200 in each of the 4 test components
If you’re planning on migrating to Australia or applying for a temporary visa, you’ll need to think about the English language requirements. Our team of immigration specialists can advise you on the English component of your visa application. Contact us today at Australia Migration Services for more information.
