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Changes in English Language requirements

Effective 7st August 2025

From 7 August 2025, updated English language requirements apply for overseas students applying for a Student visa (subclass 500).

These requirements are set out in the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 25/090) and apply to all Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by education providers.
When creating or updating a CoE in PRISMS, providers must record:
• Whether the student is exempt from an English language test;
• If the student has taken an approved test – the test name, score and test date; or
• If other evidence is used – details of how the provider has confirmed the student meets the course entry requirements.

Please refer the following table for some frequently asked questions.

An applicant is exempt if they are:

1. A citizen and hold a valid passport from:

  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland

2. Enrolled in a principal course that is:

  • Delivered in a language other than English
  • A registered ELICOS course
  • A registered school course
  • A registered postgraduate research course

3. One of the following:

  • Foreign Affairs student
  • Defence student
  • Secondary exchange student

4. In the two years before applying, has completed:

  • An Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in English; or
  • A substantial component of an AQF Certificate IV or higher in English while holding a student visa

5. Has completed at least 5 years of study in English in one or more of:

  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Republic of Ireland

Yes – for all the students forming part of exemption list above.

No – for all other students

Approved English Language Tests and Minimum Scores

(test must be taken within two years before the visa application date)

Test Standard Minimum Score Minimum Score with Approved Pathway/ELICOS
IELTS (Academic or General) Overall band score 6.0 Overall band score 5.5
TOEFL iBT Total score 67 Total score 51
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Overall score 47 Overall score 39
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE/C1 Advanced) Overall score 161 N/A
CELPIP General Overall score 7 Overall score 6
Occupational English Test (OET) At least B in each component N/A
LanguageCert Academic Overall score 60 Overall score 50
Michigan English Test (MET) Overall score 55 Overall score 46
TOEFL Essentials Overall score 8 Overall score 6.5

Approved Pathway Programs

Applicants who have an offer to undertake an approved pathway program (such as ELICOS or a foundation program listed in the legislative instrument) may meet reduced English language scores as shown above.
From 23 May 2025, the list of approved pathway programs has expanded to include new providers, including merged institutions such as Adelaide University.

All students who do not fall under an exemption category must undertake some form of English language testing.

  • For students required by the Department of Home Affairs to provide evidence of English proficiency for student visa purposes, an approved English language test must be undertaken. Refer to the current table of acceptable English language tests and the required minimum scores.
  • For students who are exempt from the Department’s English test requirement (for example, citizens of certain English-speaking countries or applicants with recent Australian study), Acumen Education may still require them to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (LLND) assessmentprior to enrolment. Acceptable LLND scores will be determined based on the AQF level of the qualification.

In all cases, the RTO will record in PRISMS the English test name, score, and date taken (if applicable), or the exemption reason. Test results must be valid at the time of the visa application and course commencement.

At acumen it is our endeavour to provide the best possible support and create awareness in view of the frequent and rapid changes.