(AUSTRALIA) Australia’s government has tightened English test settings from August 7, 2025, standardizing scores across providers. Critics accuse Labor of lowering the English test bar, but official changes raise some thresholds.
What changed, and when
From August 7, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs implemented a revised English testing framework under the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016).
Key points:
– Standardizes score requirements across tests.
– Adds three new approved tests: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).
– Keeps passport-based exemptions for citizens of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, New Zealand 🇳🇿, and Ireland 🇮🇪 for baseline English (note: tests are still needed to claim higher points).
The policy took effect on August 7, 2025. Transitional rules protect eligible applicants who took tests before that date.
PTE Academic — higher scores at key bands
For tests taken on or after August 7, 2025, several PTE Academic thresholds used across visas have increased. The updated bands:
| English level | New PTE Academic score | Previous score |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | 32 | 30 |
| Vocational | 36 | 36 (unchanged) |
| Competent | 51 | 50 |
| Proficient | 66 | 65 |
| Superior | 84 | 79 |
These increases are small but significant. A single point can determine whether a Skilled applicant reaches Competent or Proficient English, affecting points, eligibility, and timing.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the August 2025 changes reflect score alignment across test systems rather than a policy to open the gates.
Is Australia lowering the English test bar?
No. Claims that the government has lowered the English test bar are not supported by LIN 15/016. The government has:
- Raised several PTE Academic thresholds.
- Aligned expectations across approved tests.
- Maintained the 2024–25 permanent migration planning level at 185,000 places, with a stronger shift to employer sponsorship and fewer Skilled Independent places.
In short: the direction is standardization and quality control, not a looser intake.
Which visas are affected
The new settings apply across programs that use English bands (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior). This includes, but is not limited to:
- Student (subclass 500)
- Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
- General Skilled Migration (e.g., 189/190/491)
- Other visas that reference these English levels for eligibility or points
Always check your subclass rules to confirm the exact level and accepted tests.
Transitional safeguards for earlier test-takers
If you sat an approved English test before August 7, 2025, transitional clauses in LIN 15/016 allow you to use the prior score mappings within the usual validity window.
Practical advice:
– Keep proof of your test date and official score report.
– Confirm your subclass’s evidence timing and validity rules (for example, Temporary Graduate 485).
New test choices and what they mean
Australia now accepts three additional tests:
- CELPIP General: Computer-delivered; widely available in North America and parts of Asia; useful when local seats for other tests are limited.
- LanguageCert Academic: Flexible scheduling windows in many countries.
- Michigan English Test (MET): Adds capacity and locations in certain regions.
More choice can mean:
– Shorter wait times
– Better locations
– Test formats that suit different learning styles
But the standards remain consistent across tests.
Practical steps to stay on track
- Confirm your target English level — Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior — and match it to your visa subclass.
- Pick your test — IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET, C1 Advanced (with limitations), or the new options: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET.
- Aim for the updated scores — if sitting PTE Academic on or after August 7, 2025, plan for the higher targets.
- Use transitional relief if eligible — tests before August 7, 2025 can rely on older thresholds during the normal validity period.
- Track validity windows — most results remain valid up to three years under the new alignment, but always check subclass rules.
- Keep clean documentation — submit official score reports showing the required minimums and any sub-score needs, within valid dates.
For official guidance on English language evidence, visit the Department of Home Affairs English page: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
Real-world scenarios
- Skilled applicant: Priya scores 65 on PTE Academic reading, writing, and listening, and 66 in speaking on August 10, 2025. Under the new settings, she reaches Proficient only if all bands meet the 66 target. One low band can hold back Skilled points.
- Graduate pathway: Marco sat PTE Academic on July 20, 2025, scoring 50 overall. He applies for the 485 visa in September. Transitional rules allow his pre–August 7 result to meet Competent under the prior threshold (50), provided his result is within the validity window and subclass rules.
Broader migration settings — control, not expansion
The 2024–25 permanent program remains at 185,000 places, with a tilt toward employer sponsorship:
- Employer Sponsored: 44,000
- Skilled Independent: 16,900
- Regional: 33,000
- Global Talent: 4,000
Student integrity measures from 2024 continue:
– Higher student visa fees (about $1,600)
– Stronger financial capacity requirements
– Processing priorities under Ministerial Direction 111
These settings, combined with higher English thresholds in key areas, suggest a tighter, more targeted intake.
What to watch next
- Further score alignment across IELTS, TOEFL, OET, C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and MET if concordance studies update equivalences.
- Clarifications on test acceptance for specific levels (for example, where C1 Advanced may not cover Vocational English).
- Possible fee and income threshold updates across 2025–26, especially for employer-sponsored routes and students.
Key takeaway: Despite headlines about lowering the English test bar, Australia’s current policy raises several PTE Academic targets and aligns standards across more test options. Plan your test choice and timing carefully, keep evidence tidy, and apply under the rules that match your test date.
Quick summary (essentials)
- Effective date: August 7, 2025 (LIN 15/016)
- New tests added: CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET
- PTE Academic new thresholds: Functional 32; Vocational 36; Competent 51; Proficient 66; Superior 84
- Transitional relief: Pre–August 7 test-takers can rely on prior thresholds within validity windows
- Passport exemptions unchanged: UK 🇬🇧, US 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, NZ 🇳🇿, Ireland 🇮🇪 for baseline English
Bottom line: Plan your test and timing carefully, keep documentation in order, and apply under the rules that match your test date.
This Article in a Nutshell
From August 7, 2025, Australia standardized English test scores under LIN 15/016. PTE Academic thresholds rose slightly. CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and MET became accepted, expanding options. Transitional rules protect pre-August 7 test-takers. Applicants should confirm subclass English levels, target higher PTE scores, and keep official test evidence ready.
