There are usually English language requirements for studying or working in Australia.
You will need to check the type of visa that you want to apply for at the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. The page for each visa will tell you what level of English you need and what evidence you must provide.
One of the requirements of the Student visa (subclass 500) is to provide proof of your English language ability.
To prove your English language level, you will need to provide one of the following:
- Proof that you are a citizen of (and hold a valid passport issued by) the United Kingdom*, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland. *British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted.
- A certificate of results from one of the approved English language tests listed below.
Approved English language tests
From 7 August 2025, the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs will accept scores from the following tests, undertaken at a secure test centre, for Student visa English language requirements:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic),
- International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).
See what evidence you need to provide for:
Online (at-home) English language tests
Some test providers offer tests that you can take at home or online, such as TOEFL iBT – Special Home Edition, OET@Home, IELTS Indicator, and IELTS Online. However, the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs does not accept scores from these tests or other 'at-home' or 'online' tests.
