03/04/2024
Increased English Language test scores for Student visas
Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) 2024 increases the required English language test scores applicable to a student (sc 500) visa.
The amendments to the test scores can be found in the table below. Please note that the old scores are in black and the new scores are in bold red.
Test name Minimum test score
Principal course accompanied by 10 weeks ELICOS/
standard foundation program/extended foundation program/
eligible pathway program
Principal course accompanied by at least 20 weeks ELICOS
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Overall band score 5.5 /Overall band score 6.0
Overall band score 5.0 /Overall band score 5.5
Overall band score 4.5 /Overall band score 5.0
Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE)**
162 / 169
154 / 162
147 / 154
Occupational English Test (OET) A score of at least B for each component a score of at least B for each test component a score of at least B for each test component
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
42 / 50
36 / 42
30 / 36
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)*
46 / 64
35 / 46
32 / 35
*On 26 July 2023 the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) stopped offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes. A score for a TOEFL iBT test taken on or after 26 July 2023 will no longer satisfy the English language requirement for Student visa purposes. Only TOEFL iBT scores from a test taken on or before 25 July 2023 are accepted for Student visa purposes.
**From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, within the specified validity period are still accepted.
The instrument commences on 23 March 2024 and applies to an application for a Student (SC 500) visa lodged on or after 23 March 2024.
The instrument repeals Migration (IMMI 18/015: English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2018. However, IMMI 18/015 continues to apply in relation to an application for a student (sc 500) visa made but not yet finally determined before 23 March 2024.
Increased English language test scores for Temporary Graduate visas
Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024 increases the English language test scores applicable to a Temporary Graduate (sc 485) visa and reduces the period in which the scores must have been achieved from three years to one year before the day on which the visa application was made..
The amendments to the test scores can be found in the table below. Please note that the new required test scores are in the final column in bold.
Test name Old required test score New required test score
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
(a) an overall band score of 6; and
(b) a score of at least 5 for each test component
(a) an overall band score of at least 6.5; and
(b) a score of at least 5.5 for each test component
Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE)
(a) an overall band score of at least 169; and
(b) a score of at least 154 for each test component
(a) an overall band score of at least 176; and
(b) a score of at least 162 for each test component
Occupational English Test (OET)
a score of at least B for each test component
a score of at least B for each test component
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
(a) an overall band score of at least 50
(b) for listening a score of at least 36; and
(c) for reading a score of at least 36;
(d) for speaking a score of at least 36
(e) for writing a score of at least 36
(a) an overall band score of at least 57; and
(b) for listening a score of at least 43; and
(c) for reading a score of at least 48;
(d) for speaking a score of at least 42
(e) for writing a score of at least 51
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)*
(a) a total overall score of at least 64; and
(b) for listening a score of at least 4
(c) for reading a score of at least 4
(d) for speaking a score of at least 14
(e) for writing a score of at least 14
(a) a total overall score of at least 83; and
(b) for listening a score of at least 7
(c) for reading a score of at least 8
(d) for speaking a score of at least 16
(e) for writing a score of at least 18
The test scores have not increased for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders. The required test scores for this cohort remain at an overall band score of 6.0 for IELTS (or equivalent), and a score of at least 5.0 for each component of the IELTS (or equivalent) test.
The instrument commences on 23 March 2024 and applies to a Temporary Graduate (SC 485) visa lodged on or after 23 March 2024.
The instrument repeals IMMI 15/062- Migration Regulations 1994 - Specification of English Language Tests, Scores and Passports 2015. However, IMMI 15/062 continues to apply in relation to an application for a Temporary Graduate( sc 485) visa made but not yet finally determined before 23 March 2024.
