Which English tests are accepted for Student Visa Subclass 500?

Accepted tests differ by test date and include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET and Cambridge/C1 Advanced, with additional accepted tests for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 such as CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET.

Are at-home English tests accepted?

At-home or fully online English language tests are not accepted for Australian Student Visa English evidence.

Can ELICOS reduce the English score requirement?

In some packaged-course scenarios, at least 10 weeks or at least 20 weeks of ELICOS may allow lower minimum English test scores, subject to the accepted test and pathway rules.

Student Visa Subclass 500

English Proficiency Equivalency

Compare accepted English test score requirements for Student Visa Subclass 500. Choose your test date, provider and course package to see the relevant minimum score threshold.

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Smart Equivalency Tool

Check English Score Equivalency

Select your test type and scores from dropdowns. The tool will show module-by-module equivalency and the overall English level.

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Dropdown scores are easier and reduce wrong entries. For visa decisions, always check the official Department requirement and your actual test report.

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Score Equivalency

English Test Scores Taken On Or After 7 August 2025

Test	Standard	10 Weeks ELICOS / Foundation / Pathway	20 Weeks ELICOS
C1 Advanced	161	Excluded	Excluded
CELPIP General	7	6	5
IELTS Academic	6.0	5.5	5.0
IELTS General Training	6.0	5.5	5.0
LANGUAGECERT Academic	61	54	46
MET	53	49	44
OET	1210	1090	1020
PTE Academic	47	39	31
TOEFL iBT	67	51	37

Older Test Table

English Test Scores Taken On Or Before 6 August 2025

Test	Standard	10 Weeks ELICOS / Foundation / Pathway	20 Weeks ELICOS
IELTS	6.0	5.5	5.0
TOEFL iBT	64	46	35
Cambridge English Advanced / CAE	169	162	154
PTE Academic	50	42	36
OET	B each component	B each component	B each component

Evidence Rules

Important English Evidence Notes

Test Validity

English tests must generally be completed within the required two-year period depending on whether the applicant is Regular Evidence or Streamlined Evidence level.

At-Home Tests

Fully online or remote-proctored English tests are not accepted for Australian Student Visa purposes.

TOEFL iBT

From 21 January 2026, applicants must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” during registration. TOEFL iBT tests taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted.

C1 Advanced

For tests between 12 February 2024 and 6 August 2025, the Department only accepts paper-based C1 Advanced results.

LANGUAGECERT

Applicants using LANGUAGECERT Academic should provide both the certificate and the report.

Exemptions

Some applicants may not need English test evidence if they meet a listed exemption category and can provide appropriate evidence.

FAQs

English Proficiency Equivalency FAQs

Which score table should I use?

Use the table that matches the date your English test was taken. The score table changed from 7 August 2025.

Can packaged ELICOS reduce the required score?

In some cases, at least 10 weeks or at least 20 weeks of ELICOS may allow a lower required score, subject to the accepted test provider and eligible pathway rules.

Are online English tests accepted?

No. At-home or fully online English tests are not accepted for Australian Student Visa English evidence.

Do all students need an English test?

No. Some applicants may meet an exemption category, such as eligible passport holders, school course enrolment, standalone ELICOS, postgraduate research enrolment, or certain completed study in English.

Can Think Higher check my English evidence?

Yes. Think Higher can review your test type, score, exemption evidence and Student Visa document readiness before lodgement.