New English Requirements for Australian Visas - August 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has made changes to the English requirements for some Australian visas, including student visas, on 7 August 2025.

The key changes include:

• There are new accepted tests. 

• The required scores for some existing tests have changed for different visas.

What does this mean for you if you’re planning to apply for an Australian visa? What key changes do you need to know? How does this affect your study or long-term PR plans? 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about these updates.

3 additional tests accepted

Three additional English language tests will be accepted for Australian visa applications:

• CELPIP General

• LANGUAGECERT Academic

• Michigan English Test (MET)

Only tests taken at a secure test centre are accepted. 

New scores required for different visa types

• The required IELTS scores are still the same for all these visa types. 

• New PTE scores are required for:

  • Student Visa (subclass 500), Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and Skilled Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491) - 7 August 2025

  • Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) - effective 13 September 2025. 

IELTS One Skill Retake now accepted for Temporary Graduate visa

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs now accepts IELTS test results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Any OSR must be completed before you lodge your application.

This means that if you don’t meet the required scores for just one part of your IELTS, you can only retake the one part you need. With other tests, if you fail one part, you’ll have to redo the entire test. That’s why OSR can be a time-saving and cost-effective option. 

Source: DHA - English language visa requirements

You'll have to look at these tables if you're planning to apply for Skilled Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491). These visas usually require a Proficient or Superior English to boost your EOI points.

Below, you’ll find two tables.

Table 1 outlines the required scores for different English language levels for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. 

Table 2 shows the required scores if your test was taken before this date. 

Table 1: Test taken on or after 7 August 2025

Table 2: Test taken on or before 6 August 2025

Summary:

• The biggest increase in PTE score is at the Proficient and Superior level, which is important when you’re trying to boost your EOI points for skilled visas.

• PTE scores increased on the Writing and Speaking components.

• IELTS Academic and General Training requirements for these same levels remain the same..

Know more about the PTE test format and score changes here. 

Table 3: Student Visa (subclass 500) - Updated required English scores - 7 August 2025 

You can apply for a student visa with lower English test scores if you are enrolled in 10-20 weeks of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) along with your main course.

Source: Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025

Table 4: Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) - Updated required English scores - 7 August 2025 

Source: Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025

Table 5: Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) - Updated required English scores - effective 13 September 2025

These changes to the required scores for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) were announced by the DHA on 7 August. They will be effective on 13 September 2025.

Source: insiderguides.com.au/subclass-482-changes/

If you’re taking your IELTS anytime after 7 August 2025, you won't need to meet new minimum scores. 

The required IELTS score for all Australian visas, including student visas, remains the same. So if you have been preparing to meet a specific band score, you won't have to adjust or start over.  

The required PTE scores, on the other hand, have changed for different visas. That means if you have been preparing to take your PTE anytime after 7 August 2025, you’ll need to meet new scores, depending on the visa you are applying for.

Summary for all visa types:

• Your score is still valid if you took your English test before all these changes.

• IELTS results only become invalid if they are past the validity period. No new IELTS scores are required under the changes.

Source: DHA - English language visa requirements

If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency in Australia, your English score can impact your EOI points.

For Skilled Migration visas, the higher your English level, the more points you get:

• 20 points for Superior English

• 10 for Proficient

Here’s where the change matters: the PTE scores you’ll need to meet to get a Superior or Proficient English have increased, specifically in the Writing and Speaking components (refer to Tables 1 and 2). 

For some test takers, this may be harder to achieve, risking their extra GSM points and their chances of getting invited to apply for PR. 

With IELTS, the required scores for the Superior and Proficient levels have always stayed the same. 

That means whatever preparation materials you are using to eventually get to these levels are still relevant. Since PR is often a long-term goal, sometimes years after your first visa, it’s a big relief if your target ELT score will still be the same when you’re finally ready to lodge your EOI. 

Source: DHA - Points table for Skilled Independent visa

When the required scores shift for your choice of ELT, it can mean you’ll have to restart your preparation.

But here are some more important updates. Aside from required scores, PTE will also have:

1. Two new question types

2. Human assessors for some Speaking and Writing responses

3. Extra questions 

Know more about the PTE test format changes here. 

If you’re preparing to take the PTE for your visa application, you might have to review new materials. You might also have to re-familiarise yourself with their new assessment criteria (especially for Speaking and Writing). 

Why is the test format consistency important for your visa application?

Taking an ELT with a consistent test format and score requirements is especially helpful if you’re planning for more than one visa. 

For example, you might first take IELTS for your Student visa, and later need it again for your Temporary Graduate visa. Because the test hasn’t changed, you’re not starting from scratch. 

You might even perform better the second time because you already know the format.

When you’re looking at a migration journey that could take several years and involve multiple visa applications, having that reliability can make your preparation easier, cheaper, and less stressful.

How do you know the best English language test for your Australian visa?

Think beyond the score you need right now. Ask yourself:

• Will these scores still be the same in a few years if I apply for another visa?

• Do I understand the format well enough to feel confident, or will changes mean that I have to start over?

• If I don’t meet the required score in one skill, can I just retake that part, or will I have to redo the whole test?

With IELTS, the score requirements for Australian visas have stayed stable for years. The test format is consistent, the scoring criteria are clear, and you can even retake just one skill if needed.

Plus, we even provide you with a wide range of preparation materials. From FREE practice and mock tests, and coaching with IELTS experts, you’ll find the support you need to perform at your best. 

If you choose a test where the requirements or format change, be prepared for extra preparation time, possible new materials, and a steeper learning curve.

Your English test is more than just a requirement. It’s an investment in your study and migration goals.  

Choose the one that gives you the most certainty, the least stress, and the best chance of meeting your goals now and in the future.

Immigration rules in Australia change frequently. Even small updates can affect your visa plans. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the latest requirements.

If you’re applying for a student visa, work visa, or permanent residency, you’ll need to submit your application to the Australian Government. 

While this article is based on official, verified information, it’s not a substitute for personalised advice.

Every test-taker’s situation is different. If you have questions we haven’t covered here, our MARA-registered migration agents at IDP can help.

We’ll explain how these changes may affect your English test, visa application, and future plans, so you can make the right decisions with confidence.

Sources:

• Key updates on New English Requirements for Australian Visas: DHA - English language visa requirements

• PTE score changes for different English levels: PTE score changes,
  Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025

• Updated required English scores for Student Visa: Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025

• Updated required English scores for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025

• Updated required English scores for Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482): https://insiderguides.com.au/subclass-482-changes/

• English scores validity: DHA - English language visa requirements

• Could these new required English scores affect your PR chances in Australia? - DHA - Points table for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

• Changes to the PTE test format - PTE has updated its test from 7 August 2025 - here’s what you need to know