Specified Language Tests and The Test Scores Required for Australian Visas
Australian Migration legislation prescribes the following five levels of English proficiency:
- Functional English
- Vocational English
- Competent English
- Proficient English
- Superior English
The Six Specified Language Tests
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has specified the six language tests listed below, and the minimum test scores required to be achieved in each test, as the specified evidence of English language proficiency.
- The IELTS Academic Test (IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
- The IELTS General Training Test
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- The Occupational English Test (OET)
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- The Cambridge C1 Advanced Test, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
In the tables below, the minimum specified test scores are displayed for each level of English proficiency. For Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior English you must achieve at least the minimum score in every test component: listening, reading, writing and speaking. For Functional English, an overall or average score applies.
Functional English
| Test | Minimum score required |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| IELTS General Training | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | An overall band score of at least 24 |
| OET | An overall band score of at least 1020 |
| TOEFL iBT | A total band score of at least 26 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Not accepted for Functional English |
Vocational English
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| IELTS General Training | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
The Cambridge C1 Advanced Test is not accepted as evidence of Vocational English.
Competent English
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| IELTS General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
Proficient English
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| IELTS General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| OET | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
Superior English
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| IELTS General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| OET | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
Online Test Restrictions
The Department of Home Affairs does not accept evidence from English language tests that are delivered completely online (also known as ‘remote-proctored’ or ‘at-home’ tests). Examples of online tests that are not accepted for Australian visa purposes include:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital (taken at home)
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
You should research which test option suits your individual situation best. If you are not certain which level of English proficiency you are required to prove, engage the services of an Australian Registered Migration Agent and ask them to confirm it with you before you book a test.
General information is provided on this page. Please note that information, rules, criteria and requirements change frequently; the information provided is current as at 22 July 2026.