
The following tables showing comparison tables of different English levels and test that Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts for different immigrant and non-immigrant visa purposes.
Functional English Level
Test | Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | An average band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | A total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. | |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | A total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | A total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components |
From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. | |
Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted. |
Vocational English Level
Test | Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 5 for each of the 4 test components |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking |
TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. | |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 36 for each of the 4 test components |
Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 154 in each of the 4 test components |
From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. | |
Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted. |
Competent English Level
Test | Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 6 for each of the 4 components |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024, will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. | |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 50 for each of the 4 components |
Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 components |
Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 169 in each of the 4 components |
From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. | |
Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted. |
Proficient English Level
Test | Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 7 for each of the 4 test components |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking |
TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. | |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 65 for each of the 4 test components |
Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 185 in each of the 4 test components |
From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. | |
Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted. |
Superior English Level
Test | Score |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 8 for each of the 4 test components |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |
TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. | |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 79 for each of the 4 test components |
Occupational English Test (OET) | At least A for each of the 4 test components |
Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 200 in each of the 4 test components |
From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. | |
Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted. |
NB. For Visa application purpose from Vocational to Superior Level, evidence should be provided that in the 3 years before Department of Home Affairs (DHA) invite to apply for the visa, the applicant achieved the claimed score.
For Vocational Level, evidence should be provided in the 12 months before you applied for the visa, you achieved the score.
Some test providers offer alternative versions of their tests that you can take at home or online, such as TOEFL iBT – Home Edition, OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online (General and Academic) and IELTS Indicator. Home Affairs does not accept any ’at-home’ or ‘online’ test for Australian migration purposes.
The Department accepts scores from approved tests undertaken at secure test centres. The tests accepted by the Department are listed in the table below. If you have questions about a particular test, you can contact the test provider.