General information, not migration advice. We explain published test scores. We can't tell you which visa you're eligible for or what you personally need. Requirements change, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website, or speak to a registered migration agent.
Scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
You need at least these scores in each of the four skills. Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| TOEFL iBT | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
Things to know
- Every skill counts. A high overall score doesn't help if one skill is below the minimum. In PTE, speaking 23 doesn't meet Vocational English, even with an overall of 40.
- A passport can count instead: Home Affairs also accepts a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the UK or the US. Some visas accept other evidence, so check your visa's page.
- At-home tests aren't accepted, including IELTS Online, CELPIP Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- How long results last depends on the visa. Check your visa's page on the Home Affairs website.
All five English levels
| Level | IELTS | PTE Academic (from 7 Aug 2025) | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | 4.5 average | 24 overall | Overall score |
| Vocational | 5 in each | 33 / 36 / 29 / 24 | Each skill (L / R / W / S) |
| Competent | 6 in each | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | Each skill |
| Proficient | 7 in each | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | Each skill |
| Superior | 8 in each | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 | Each skill |
Check your results with our visa score checker.
Official source
- Vocational English, Department of Home Affairs
Requirements can change at any time. If anything here differs from the official page, the official page is right.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is Vocational English?
At least 5 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
What PTE score is Vocational English?
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: listening 33, reading 36, writing 29 and speaking 24. For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025: 36 in each skill.
Is Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted for Vocational English?
Only for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 (154 in each component). It isn't listed for tests taken from 7 August 2025.