Australia’s government has updated the English language requirements for student and temporary graduate visas. The changes, announced in the Migration Strategy on December 11, 2023, affect applications submitted from March 23, 2024, onwards.
The aim, as outlined in the strategy, is to ensure international students can thrive academically in Australia and be better prepared for career opportunities post-graduation.
English language student visa requirements
The English language requirements for Temporary Graduate visas (TGV) and Student visas have been changed from 23rd March 2024
IELTS Score for Australia Student Visa
The required IELTS test score has gone up from 5.5 to 6.
10 weeks ELICOS with a 5.5 band score.
20 Weeks with a 5.0 band score.
You must take an English test within two years before you apply or before a decision is made on your application, whichever comes first.
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
The total score is 64.
10 weeks ELICOS with 46
20 Weeks ELICOS with 35
Occupational English Test (OET)
Ensure to achieve a B grade or higher in listening, reading, writing, and speaking to fulfill English proficiency requirements for an Australian student visa.
Cambridge English Advanced CAE Test
Overall, 169
162 score with 10 weeks of ELICOS.
154 score with 20 weeks of ELICOS.
English requirement waived for certain visa applicants.
To demonstrate your English proficiency, you have two options:
- You can provide evidence that you are a citizen of one of the specified countries.
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
And possess a valid passport issued by the country listed above.
2) You can present documentation showing that within the 12 months before your visa application, you achieved a certain level of English proficiency as outlined by the requirements in the form of English test scores above.
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Student Visa English Requirement
What are the English language requirements for Australian student visas?
The English language requirements for Australian student visas typically involve achieving a minimum score on approved English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
How many PTE scores are required for an Australian study visa?
Overall score of 50.
10 weeks of ELICOS with a 42 score.
20 weeks of ELICOS with a 36 score.
What is the minimum required score for English proficiency tests?
The minimum required score varies depending on the type of test and the level of study. A minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5 in IELTS is required, with specific minimum scores in each section (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
How long is an English proficiency test score valid for Australian student visa applications?
The test score must be obtained two years before the visa application or decision date.
Are there any exemptions to the English language requirements for Australian student visas?
Some applicants may be exempt from providing English proficiency test scores, such as those from English-speaking countries, those who have completed certain levels of education in English, or those who have completed recognized English language programs.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).