December 03, 2025

English Requirements for the Australian Student Visa: Complete Guide to Accepted Tests, Validity Rules and 2026 Intake Scores

Australia remains one of the top destinations for international students seeking world-class education, industry exposure and long-term opportunities such as the 485 Post-Study Work Visa and future PR pathways. To be granted the Subclass 500 Student Visa, one of the most important eligibility criteria is demonstrating your English language proficiency.

For the 2026 intake, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has strengthened English requirements under the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) 2025 – LIN 25/090.

This blog explains the accepted tests, score requirements, validity rules, exemptions, unaccepted online formats, pathway options and essential considerations for international students.

At Aussizz Group, we guide students with test selection, pathway planning, GS statement guidance and complete visa assistance to make the process smooth and compliant.

Why English Requirements Matter for Your Visa?

Your English proficiency impacts far more than your visa. It influences:

Your academic success and ability to understand course content
Communication with teachers, classmates and employers
Your GS (Genuine Student) credibility
Overall visa integrity under the 2026 changes
Long-term employability and PR readiness

DHA sees English capability as a key indicator of your genuine intention to study and succeed in Australia.

What DHA Assesses in English Requirements?

To determine whether you meet the English requirement, DHA looks at:

Which English test you took
Whether it is an approved DHA test
Your English score
Whether your test result is still valid
Whether the test format was approved (centre-based vs online)
Whether you fall under any exemption category

Understanding these elements helps prevent avoidable delays or refusals.

DHA-Accepted English Tests

Students must choose a test from the official DHA-approved list. The table below lists the full names exactly as defined in the legislative instrument.

Approved English Tests

Provider	Full Official Test Name
Cambridge	Cambridge Advanced Test – C1 Advanced
CELPIP	Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General – CELPIP General
IELTS	International English Language Testing System – IELTS Academic
IELTS	International English Language Testing System – IELTS General Training
LanguageCert	LANGUAGECERT Academic Test – LanguageCert Academic
MET	Michigan English Test – MET
OET	Occupational English Test – OET
Pearson	Pearson Test of English Academic – PTE Academic
TOEFL	Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test – TOEFL iBT

Validity of English Test Scores

Even if you score well, DHA only accepts your test if it is completed within the approved validity window.

Test Validity Requirements

Scenario	Validity Rule
Test submitted with visa application	Must be taken within 2 years before lodgement
Test submitted after DHA request	Must be taken within 2 years before decision date
Tests taken before 7 August 2025	Assessed under transitional rules but still must meet the 2-year validity requirement
Expired test results	Not accepted

Planning your test timing is crucial to avoid refusals due to expired results.

At-Home or Online English Tests Not Accepted by DHA

DHA does not accept English tests that are delivered remotely, online or taken at home. These formats fail to meet the required integrity standards for visa processing.

Online Test Formats Not Accepted

Test Provider	Online / At-Home Version Not Accepted
IELTS	IELTS Online
LanguageCert	LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
OET	OET@Home
CELPIP	CELPIP Online
MET	MET Digital (home version)
TOEFL	TOEFL iBT Home Edition

TOEFL iBT Tests Not Accepted

TOEFL iBT acceptance depends on the date the test was taken.

Test Date Range	Accepted?	Notes
26 Jul 2023 – 4 May 2024	Not accepted	Version offered was not DHA-approved
Before 26 Jul 2023	Accepted (if still valid)	Approved version
On/after 5 May 2024	Accepted (if still valid)	Approved version resumed

Cambridge C1 Advanced Acceptance Rules

Test Period	Accepted Format	Not Accepted Format	Notes
12 Feb 2024 – 6 Aug 2025	Paper-based	Computer-based	Computer-based tests invalid in this period
Before 12 Feb 2024	Paper + computer-based	–	Accepted if still within validity

Always confirm the format before booking your test.

English Test Format Comparison

Choosing the right test is easier when you understand the format, scoring style and delivery method. This table offers a simple comparison.

English Test Format Overview

Test Name	Sections	Duration	Mode	Scoring	Notes
IELTS Academic / General	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	~2 hr 45 min	Paper/Computer	0–9	Globally accepted
PTE Academic	Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening	~2 hrs	Computer	10–90	Fast AI-based scoring
TOEFL iBT	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing	~2 hrs	Computer	0–120	American English style
Cambridge C1 Advanced	RUE, Writing, Listening, Speaking	~4 hr 15 min	Paper/Computer	160–210	Advanced academic English
CELPIP General	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	~3 hrs	Computer	Levels 1–12	More common in Canada
LanguageCert Academic	RL + W + S	~2.5 hrs + Speaking	Computer	0–100	Flexible modular format
MET	Listening, Reading + optional Speaking	~100 mins + S	Paper/Computer	0–80	US-style
OET	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	~3 hrs	Paper/Computer	A–E	For healthcare applicants

Minimum English Scores Required for the 2026 Intake

DHA sets minimum scores for direct entry and ELICOS-packaged pathways.

Test	Direct Entry	10 Weeks ELICOS	20 Weeks ELICOS
Cambridge C1 Advanced	161	Not accepted	Not accepted
CELPIP General	7	6	5
IELTS Academic / General	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

Some universities may require higher scores than DHA, especially for Nursing, Teaching, Social Work and Health programs.

Who Is Exempt from English Testing

Several student categories do not need to provide English test evidence. Proof is mandatory.

English Test Exemptions

Exemption Category	Who Qualifies	Evidence Required
Passport Exemption	UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland citizens	Passport
Course-Based	ELICOS-only, School-only, Postgrad Research, Non-English-medium programs	COE + course details
Special Categories	Foreign Affairs, Defence, Secondary Exchange	Sponsorship/approval
Australian Study	Year 12 or Cert IV+ completed in Australia	Transcript + certificate
English-Medium Education	5 years study in approved countries	Academic records
BNO Passport Rule	BNO passport holders	May still need test
General Exemption Rule	Any exemption group	Supporting documents required

Pathway Programs Allowing Lower English Scores

Students who do not meet direct entry scores can still qualify through structured English + Academic pathways.

Pathway Options and English Requirements

Pathway Type	Institutions Offering	Minimum English	Outcome
10-Week ELICOS + Pathway	Monash, UTS, Deakin, Griffith, UniSA, QUT	IELTS 5.5	Progress to Diploma/Foundation
20-Week ELICOS + Pathway	Same + extended options	IELTS 5.0	Strong English preparation
Standard Foundation	Monash, UNSW Global, UTS, QUT	IELTS 5.5	Entry to Bachelor Year 1
Extended Foundation	UTS, UniAdelaide, QUT	IELTS 5.0–5.5	Additional support
Diploma to Bachelor	Deakin, Griffith, Monash, La Trobe	IELTS 5.5	Entry to Bachelor Year 2
First Year Degree Transfer	UWA College, UniAdelaide College, QUT	IELTS 5.5	Equivalent to Year 1
International First Year Diploma	UTAS, UWA College	IELTS 5.5	Smooth university transition

Aussizz Group helps students choose the best option for their academic and migration goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which English test should I choose?

All nine approved tests are valid; choose based on your strengths.

2. Is PTE Academic accepted for 2026?

Yes. PTE Academic remains fully accepted by DHA.

3. How long is my English test valid?

Two years from the test date.

4. What score is required for direct entry?

Most programs require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

5. Can I apply with IELTS 5.0?

Yes – with 20-week ELICOS or pathway programs.

6. Who is exempt from English testing?

Passport exemptions, Australian study, English-medium education and certain sponsored categories.

7. Are BNO passport holders exempt?

No. They may be asked to provide English results.

8. Can DHA request English evidence later?

Yes. At any stage.

9. Does English level affect GS?

Yes. Your English must match your course and background.

10. Can I switch between English tests before applying?

Yes – as long as the final score meets DHA and university requirements.

Conclusion

Meeting the English language requirement is one of the most important steps in preparing for your Australian Student Visa for the 2026 intake. Understanding accepted tests, validity rules, exemptions and pathway options helps ensure a smooth visa process and strengthens your GS profile.

At Aussizz Group, we assist students with:

English test guidance
GS statement guidance
ELICOS and pathway packaging
University admissions and COE assistance
Visa preparation and lodgement
OSHC and settlement support
Long-term PR and migration planning

If you need help choosing the right English pathway, preparing your GS statement or lodging your visa, contact Aussizz Group today for personalised guidance and expert support across all services.

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