From August 7, 2025, anyone applying for an Australian visa will have more English test options to choose from.
The Australian government has approved three additional tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).
These join existing options like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced — although some rules have changed.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the move is aimed at making the process fairer and faster. “All test results will be valid for three years from the exam date,” the Department said.
More Choices, Faster Results
CELPIP General is already popular in Canada. Fully computer-based, it assesses English in work and social settings, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking in one sitting. Results arrive in 4–5 business days.
LanguageCert Academic is designed for academic and professional needs. Candidates can take it online or at a centre, and results come in about three days.
The MET, well known in the U.S. and Latin America, is a general-purpose English test for work and study. It offers both online and in-person formats and the option to take all four skills together.
Score Requirements Now Stricter for Some Tests
Alongside the new approvals, the government has revised minimum scores for existing tests. The changes affect IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (C1 Advanced).
One big change: C1 Advanced will no longer be accepted for visas that require only Vocational English. Applicants in those categories must now choose another approved test.
If your visa requires Competent English, you’ll need to meet the following minimum scores:
- IELTS: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
- PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
- TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
- OET (healthcare): Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330
- C1 Advanced: Listening 163, Reading 163, Writing 170, Speaking 179 (not for Vocational English)
- CELPIP General: Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 7
- LanguageCert Academic: Listening 57, Reading 60, Writing 64, Speaking 70
- MET: Listening 56, Reading 55, Writing 57, Speaking 48
With the updates, applicants have more flexibility but also need to pay attention to the stricter score benchmarks.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
