Loading the quiz…
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.
How the recommendation works
We match your answers with what each test is like: how speaking is tested (computer or a person), how writing is done (typing or by hand), how specialised the content is, and how quickly results usually arrive. It's a starting point, not advice. Before you book:
- Check who needs to accept it: Home Affairs, your university or your registration body (for example, AHPRA for health professionals).
- Try a free sample of the test you're leaning towards. How it feels matters.
- Book with time to spare in case you need to sit it again.
The tests at a glance
| Test | Speaking with | Writing | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | A computer (microphone) | Typed | Fully computer-based; results usually within a few days |
| IELTS | A real examiner, face to face | Typed or on paper | Academic or General Training; many test centres |
| OET | A role-play with an interlocutor | Typed or on paper, depending on venue | Healthcare content, for 12 professions |
| TOEFL iBT | A computer | Typed | Book it as "Taking TOEFL for Australia" |
| CELPIP General | A computer | Typed | Everyday topics; one sitting |
| LanguageCert Academic | See the provider’s website | See the provider’s website | Accepted for tests taken from 7 August 2025 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | See the provider’s website | See the provider’s website | Accepted for tests taken from 7 August 2025 |
Format details change, so always check the test provider's website before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Which English test is easiest?
No test is officially easier. They test the same four skills in different ways. People who are comfortable with computers and typing often prefer PTE; people who speak better face to face often prefer IELTS; health professionals often prefer OET because the content is about their work.
Are all these tests accepted for Australian visas?
Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic, IELTS (Academic or General Training), TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, the Michigan English Test, and Cambridge C1 Advanced for tests taken before 7 August 2025, each with its own score table. Universities and registration bodies choose their own, so check with them.