The Department of Home Affairs expanded its list of approved English language tests on August 7, 2025. Nine tests from eight different providers are now recognized for Australian visa purposes. This gives applicants more flexibility in demonstrating English proficiency while maintaining security and quality standards.

All tests must be completed at secure testing centers. Remote or online versions are no longer accepted for visa applications, even for tests taken before August 7, 2025. The three-year validity period remains standard across all approved tests.

Understanding which test suits your situation helps you prepare effectively and avoid unnecessary delays. Some tests are better for specific occupations or visa types. This guide covers all nine approved tests, score equivalents, and recommendations for different situations. For detailed information about Australia's 2026 migration program, refer to our complete guide.

Complete List of Approved English Tests

The Department of Home Affairs recognizes these nine English language tests for visa applications lodged from August 7, 2025, onwards:

1. IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is the most widely recognized English test globally. It measures English proficiency in academic contexts. The test includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. IELTS Academic is accepted by all Australian universities and professional registration bodies.

Test format includes face-to-face speaking interviews with trained examiners. Many test takers prefer this human interaction over computer-based speaking assessments. Results are available within 13 days. The test is available at centers across Australia and worldwide.

IELTS Academic remains the benchmark against which other tests are compared. Score requirements have stayed consistent through the August 2025 updates.

2. IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training assesses English in everyday social and workplace contexts. It uses the same listening and speaking tests as IELTS Academic but has different reading and writing components. IELTS General Training is particularly suitable for skilled migration applications.

The reading section includes extracts from advertisements, notices, and company handbooks. The writing section includes letter writing and essay tasks on general topics. Many applicants find IELTS General Training slightly easier than Academic, though score requirements are identical for visa purposes.

Both IELTS tests now allow One Skill Retake (OSR) for most visa subclasses. This means you can retake a single component if you fall short in just one area.

3. PTE Academic

PTE Academic is a computer-based test that delivers results within 2-5 business days. The fast turnaround makes it popular among visa applicants facing tight deadlines. The test uses AI scoring for objectivity and consistency.

PTE requirements changed significantly on August 7, 2025, with new component-level thresholds. The test includes integrated skills tasks where speaking and writing combine, or reading and listening overlap.

PTE Academic offers flexible booking with tests available almost daily in major cities. The test centers provide headphones that reduce distractions from other test takers. All sections are completed in a single three-hour session.

4. TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test widely accepted in North America and increasingly popular for Australian visa applications. The test measures academic English proficiency through reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.

Score requirements increased slightly on August 7, 2025. TOEFL total scores range from 0-120, with each section scored 0-30. The test takes approximately four hours to complete.

TOEFL iBT uses integrated tasks that combine multiple skills. For example, you might read a passage and listen to a lecture, then speak about how they relate. This approach reflects real academic communication.

5. OET (Occupational English Test)

OET is designed specifically for healthcare professionals. It's the preferred test for nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health practitioners seeking registration in Australia. The test content uses realistic healthcare scenarios and terminology.

OET assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking in healthcare contexts. The writing and speaking tests are profession-specific, meaning nurses take different tasks than doctors. This targeted approach makes OET highly relevant for healthcare migration.

All Australian healthcare registration boards accept OET. The test provides detailed feedback on performance, helping candidates identify specific areas for improvement if they need to retest.

6. Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

Cambridge C1 Advanced demonstrates high-level English proficiency. The test is accepted for skilled migration and other visa categories. Cambridge tests are available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.

C1 Advanced is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements under the August 2025 updates. However, it remains valid for Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels.

Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale ranging from 100-210. The test includes reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking sections. Cambridge certificates don't expire, though for visa purposes, results must be from within three years of application.

7. CELPIP General

CELPIP General is a Canadian test now accepted for Australian visas. It was added to the approved list on August 7, 2025. The test is entirely computer-based and completed in a single session.

CELPIP assesses everyday English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test reflects Canadian English pronunciation and vocabulary, though this doesn't affect its validity for Australian applications.

Results are available within 4-5 business days online. The speaking component uses computer-delivered questions with responses recorded for later assessment. Test centers are primarily in Canada, with limited availability in other countries.

8. LanguageCert Academic

LanguageCert Academic is another new addition to the approved list from August 7, 2025. The test uses cutting-edge security measures and offers fast results. LanguageCert is recognized by UK Home Office, Ireland, New Zealand, and now Australia.

The test format includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. It's available at approved centers with both computer-based and paper-based options in some locations. Results are delivered within 3-7 business days.

LanguageCert emphasizes candidate experience with flexible scheduling and clear result reporting. The LanguageCert exam guide provides detailed preparation information.

9. Michigan English Test (MET)

MET is trusted by Canadian immigration and now accepted for Australian visas from August 7, 2025. The test underwent extensive validation to meet Australian government requirements.

MET includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections with scores reported on a scale up to 300. The test allows Single Section Retake, meaning you can retake individual components if needed.

MET is widely available in North America with growing international presence. Results are delivered quickly through online portals. The test provides detailed diagnostic feedback helping candidates understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

Score Comparison Across Tests

Understanding equivalent scores helps you choose the right test and set realistic targets. Here are the score equivalents for each English proficiency level:

Competent English Equivalents

  • IELTS: 6.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: Overall 50, components 47, 47, 54, 54
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 67, components 15, 15, 21, 21
  • OET: Grade B in each component
  • CAE: Overall 169, components 162, 162, 169, 169
  • CELPIP: 6 in each component
  • LanguageCert: Overall 35, components 30, 30, 35, 35
  • MET: Overall 172, components 148, 148, 172, 172

Proficient English Equivalents

  • IELTS: 7.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: Overall 65, components 58, 59, 69, 70
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 82, components 20, 21, 26, 26
  • OET: Grade A in each component
  • CAE: Overall 185, components 176, 176, 185, 185
  • CELPIP: 8 in each component
  • LanguageCert: Overall 50, components 45, 45, 50, 50
  • MET: Overall 224, components 193, 195, 224, 224

Superior English Equivalents

  • IELTS: 8.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: Overall 79, components 69, 70, 85, 88
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 100, components 26, 28, 30, 29
  • CAE: Overall 200, components 191, 193, 200, 200
  • CELPIP: 9 in each component
  • LanguageCert: Overall 67, components 60, 62, 67, 67
  • MET: Overall 271, components 242, 245, 271, 271

Note that OET doesn't have a Superior English equivalent. The highest grade is A, which equals Proficient English only.

Important Test Rules for 2026

All English tests for Australian visa purposes must meet specific requirements. Remote or online versions are not accepted under any circumstances. This rule applies regardless of when you took the test.

Tests must be taken at approved secure testing centers. The Department of Home Affairs maintains a list of approved test centers for each test provider. Taking your test at an unauthorized location means the results won't be accepted for visa applications.

Results remain valid for three years from the test date. You must hold valid test results at the time you lodge your visa application. For skilled migration applications, your scores must still be valid when your visa is decided, which can be many months after lodgement.

You cannot combine scores from multiple test attempts. Your visa application must use all four component scores from a single test sitting. Some tests allow component retakes, but for visa purposes, all scores must come from one complete test.

Choosing the Right Test for Your Situation

The best English test depends on your occupation, timeline, and personal strengths. Here are recommendations for different situations:

For healthcare professionals: OET is strongly recommended. It's designed for healthcare contexts and accepted by all Australian health registration boards. Taking OET prepares you for professional registration while meeting visa English requirements simultaneously.

For fast results: PTE Academic delivers results in 2-5 business days. This speed is valuable when facing tight visa deadlines or needing to lodge applications quickly. TOEFL iBT and CELPIP also offer relatively fast turnaround times.

For global recognition: IELTS remains the most widely recognized test worldwide. If you might apply for visas in other countries or pursue education internationally, IELTS results provide maximum flexibility.

For computer comfort: Applicants confident with computers often prefer PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP, or LanguageCert. These tests use computer-based formats that some find more comfortable than paper-based exams.

For speaking anxiety: IELTS face-to-face speaking interviews feel more natural to some test takers compared to speaking into a microphone. The human interaction can be less stressful than computer-based speaking assessments.

For cost consideration: Test fees vary. IELTS and PTE Academic are generally most expensive at $370-$395. TOEFL iBT costs around $300-$350. Newer tests like LanguageCert and MET may offer competitive pricing.

Test availability matters. PTE Academic offers the most frequent test dates in Australia with daily availability in major cities. IELTS has good availability but books out weeks in advance during peak periods. TOEFL iBT and other tests have more limited scheduling options.

Practice materials and preparation resources are most abundant for IELTS and PTE Academic. These established tests have extensive preparation books, online courses, and practice tests available. Newer tests have fewer third-party preparation materials, though official resources exist.

Personal learning style affects test choice. Some people excel at integrated tasks that combine skills, while others prefer sections testing one skill at a time. Review sample questions from different tests before deciding which format suits your strengths.

Consider retake flexibility. Tests allowing component retakes (IELTS OSR, MET Single Section Retake) can save time and money if you fall short in only one area. Full test retakes cost more and take longer to complete.