“Australia accepts IELTS or PTE” is no longer enough advice. The accepted framework changed on 7 August 2025, and the correct answer depends on the visa subclass, English category, test date, component scores and test-delivery mode.
The Department currently lists Cambridge C1 Advanced, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General), IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, Michigan English Test (MET), Occupational English Test (OET), PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. Acceptance and score tables vary by visa and English level.
The English test must be taken in a secure test centre. Home Affairs says it does not accept fully online or at-home versions, including examples such as IELTS Online, OET@Home, CELPIP Online and TOEFL Home Edition.
The Department uses different score tables based on the date of the test. Some qualifying results obtained on or before 6 August 2025 may remain usable until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa subclass and its specific validity period. Do not convert scores using an unofficial comparison chart.
| Candidate | Practical choice to investigate |
|---|---|
| Comfortable with familiar IELTS tasks | IELTS Academic or General, whichever the subclass requires |
| Fast typist who prefers computer scoring | PTE Academic |
| Healthcare professional | OET, if accepted for the intended route and registration body |
| Already holds an older valid result | Check the pre-7-August-2025 table and subclass validity before retesting |
Use the Australian Department of Home Affairs page on English language visa requirements and then the page for your specific subclass. This article does not replace migration advice.
DIFL offers test-focused English instruction with individual feedback. Visit the English course page or call +91 99295 15151.
Home Affairs currently lists Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, subject to the approved test and score conditions for the visa.
No. The Department says tests must be taken in a secure test centre and does not accept fully online or at-home versions for Australian visa purposes.
Not necessarily. The Department says some results obtained on or before 6 August 2025 may remain usable until 6 August 2028 depending on the particular visa and its validity rules.