Student visa English language requirements can feel overwhelming. At Jameson Law, we’ve helped countless students navigate these standards and find the right pathway for their situation.
Whether you’re preparing for a standardised test, exploring alternative qualifications, or considering a bridging program, this guide covers your options. We’ll walk you through accepted tests, minimum scores, and routes that don’t require traditional exams for the Subclass 500 visa.
What Tests Does Australia Accept for Student Visas?
Australia accepts nine English language tests for student visa applications as of 7 August 2025. The Department of Home Affairs recognises Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
This expansion offers you genuine flexibility. The critical point here is that you must take your test at a secure testing centre—online or at-home versions like IELTS Online simply don’t count for Australian visa purposes.
How Long Your Test Results Stay Valid
Your test results remain valid for 24 months from the date you sat the exam. The TOEFL iBT minimum score increased from 64 to 67 to align with other accepted tests. Verify the exact minimums for your chosen test before booking.
Why IELTS and PTE Stand Out
IELTS remains the most widely accepted option globally, with 100% of Australian universities accepting it. PTE Academic offers results within 48 hours and uses AI scoring, making it attractive if you need a quick turnaround.
Exemptions Save Time and Money
You may not need to sit any test at all. If you completed your final year of secondary school or an undergraduate degree taught entirely in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, or New Zealand, you qualify for an exemption. Check the English language requirements page for your exact situation.
Your Institution Sets Its Own Minimums
Different institutions set different minimums. A university offering a postgraduate degree might require IELTS 6.5 overall, while another requires 7.0. Your institution’s specific requirement takes precedence. Contact your university’s international office directly.
How to Prepare for Your English Language Test?
Choose the Right Test for Your Situation
Select a test that matches your strengths. IELTS separates skills into distinct modules, while TOEFL and PTE use integrated tasks. If you prefer human assessment for speaking, IELTS suits you better. If you want faster results, PTE is often preferred.
Access Official Practice Materials
IELTS offers a free Prep Hub with practice tests. For TOEFL iBT, ETS provides official practice sets. These resources let you identify weak areas before you commit to your test date, saving time and money on unnecessary preparation.
Plan Your Test Date Strategically
You should sit your test at least three months before your planned visa lodgement date. Book your test so results arrive with at least one month before you lodge your visa application to protect against delays.
Target Your Weakest Areas
If your institution requires IELTS 6.5 overall, focus on your weakest module. IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake a single component like Speaking or Writing, which saves money if you narrowly miss your target.
Verify Your Institution’s Specific Requirements
Always contact your university’s international office directly rather than relying solely on Home Affairs minimums. Some universities offer pathway programs that allow conditional admission.
What If You Don’t Quite Meet the Test Score?
Pathway Programs Offer a Direct Route
Many Australian universities offer pathway programs and English language bridging courses (ELICOS). These programs function as conditional admission routes where you complete an intensive English course before starting your degree.
English-Medium Qualifications Exempt You
If you completed your education in English at an approved institution, you may qualify for a complete exemption. This applies only to specific qualifications completed within defined timeframes. Verify your eligibility directly on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Final Thoughts
You now have multiple pathways to meet student visa English language requirements. The Department of Home Affairs accepts nine tests, exemptions apply for English-medium education, and pathway programs offer support.
Your next step depends on your current position. If you need assistance with your visa application, documentation, or understanding exemptions, contact our immigration team for expert support.
