As of 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has expanded the list of accepted English Language Tests (ELTs) for Student Visa applications.
Previously, only five ELT’s were recognised. Now, there are nine that the DHA will accept, giving applicants more flexibility, options, and a fairer system for comparing scores across different providers.
If you’re wondering which ELT you can sit to meet the Australian Student Visa requirements, we’ve got you covered. Refer to the table below to view the tests currently accepted by the DHA and the corresponding minimum scores required.
Note: For an ELT taken on or before 6 August 2025 that was previously accepted, the old requirements will still apply.
| English Language Test (ELT) | Minimum test score | Minimum Test Score – with 10+ Weeks ELICOS | Minimum Test Score – with 20+ Weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS General | Average band score of 6.0. | Average band score of 5.5. | Average band score of 5.0. |
| IELTS Academic | Average band score of 6.0. | Average band score of 5.5. | Average band score of 5.0. |
| PTE Academic | Overall band score of 47. | Overall band score of 39. | Overall band score of 31. |
| TOEFL iBT | Total band score of 67. | Total band score of 51. | Total band score of 37. |
| C1 Cambridge Advanced | Overall band score of 161. | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall band score of 61 | Overall band score of 54. | Overall band score of 46. |
| MET | Overall band score of 53. | Overall band score of 49. | Overall band score of 44. |
| CELPIP General | Overall band score of 7. | Overall band score of 6. | Overall band score of 5. |
| OET | Overall band score of 1210. | Overall band score of 1090. | Overall band score of 1020. |
