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.
The five English levels
Your visa's page on the Home Affairs website says which level you need. Here's what each level means, in IELTS and PTE terms, for tests taken from 7 August 2025:
| Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | Measured as | More detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | 4.5 average | 24 overall | One overall score | All tests |
| Vocational | 5 in each skill | 33 / 36 / 29 / 24 | Each skill (L / R / W / S) | All tests |
| Competent | 6 in each skill | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | Each skill | All tests |
| Proficient | 7 in each skill | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | Each skill | All tests |
| Superior | 8 in each skill | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 | Each skill | All tests |
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 use an older table (for example, PTE 50 / 65 / 79 in each skill for Competent / Proficient / Superior). See old vs new PTE scores.
Check your scores
Choose your test and enter your scores. You'll see every level you meet, skill by skill, and how many points you're short for the next one.
Check your scores
English points for skilled visas
For points-tested skilled visas, English ability can add points:
A partner's English can also count: points are available for a partner with Competent English, and more if they also have a suitable skills assessment. The exact rules are in the points table for each visa on the Home Affairs website.
Why this matters: going from Proficient to Superior can be worth 10 extra points, and for many people, the speaking and writing scores decide it. That's where our PTE speaking practice and writing checkers help most.
Choose the right test
All eight tests are accepted, so pick the one that suits how you perform best.
- Not sure? Take our 1-minute quiz: Which English test should I take?
- Already have an IELTS or PTE score? Use the PTE ↔ IELTS converter to see the equivalent, based on Pearson's 2025 study.
- Compare all eight tests side by side on English tests for Australia.
Rules people often miss
- At-home tests aren't accepted. That includes IELTS Online, OET@Home, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, CELPIP Online and LanguageCert Academic Online.
- Results have a time limit. Most visas need a test taken within a set period before you apply, and the period differs by level and visa. Check your visa's page.
- TOEFL must be booked "for Australia". When registering for TOEFL iBT, select "Taking TOEFL for Australia".
- Some passports count. Citizens of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the UK or the US with a valid passport can often show English without a test.
- Don't mix tables. A new-format PTE score is compared with the new table, not the old one.
Official sources
- English language requirements, Department of Home Affairs
- Functional English · Vocational English · Competent English · Proficient English · Superior English
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points table
Requirements change. If anything here differs from the official pages, the official pages are right. For advice about your own situation, talk to a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What English level do I need for my visa?
It depends on the visa, and sometimes on whether you're the main applicant or a family member. Each visa's page on the Home Affairs website states the level. Many skilled visas need at least Competent English, and some family members need Functional English. If you're unsure, ask a registered migration agent.
How many points do I get for English in the skilled points test?
Competent English gives 0 points (it's usually the minimum requirement), Proficient English gives 10 points, and Superior English gives 20 points. Check the points table for your visa on the Home Affairs website.
Can I use an at-home or online English test?
No. Home Affairs says it doesn't accept tests taken fully online or at home, such as IELTS Online, OET@Home, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, CELPIP Online or LanguageCert Academic Online.
Do I need the score in every skill?
For Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior English, yes: you need the minimum in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Functional English uses a single overall score.