Which English Test do I Need for an Australian Visa: Moving to Australia is a significant and exciting step, especially for students and skilled professionals. Whether you intend to work, study, or settle in Australia, demonstrating English language proficiency is essential. The Australian government requires most visa applicants to submit valid English test results to prove their language ability.
This guide explains which English test you need for an Australian visa in 2025, compares popular exams like IELTS, PTE, CAE, and OET, and details the Australian immigration IELTS requirements.
IELTS Score for Australia
Which English Test do I Need for an Australian visa?
The IELTS Exam is a requirement that students must fulfill to apply for a skilled work visa, permanent residence permit, or student visa to Australia. Students must submit documents proving their proficiency in the English language at the level required by the Department of Home Affairs. Students will be asked to show proof of various types, depending on the type of visa they are applying for. Students need to speak English, at least at a functional or proficient level to be eligible for most jobs and permanent visas.
Is IELTS Required for Australia
Different Types of English Tests
Students have a few options when it comes to SELTs when selecting an English exam for an Australian visa. The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a common option among such exams. The following exam results are accepted by the Australian government:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- The Pearson English Test (PTE)
- Advanced Cambridge English (CAE or C1 Advanced)
- Test of Occupational English (OET)
The four core language skills—speaking, writing, reading, and listening are evaluated on all four exams. This article will guide students through the various English proficiency exams for Australian visas, point out the IELTS requirements for Australian visas, and explain why taking the IELTS exam could be the best option for them.
Types for IELTS Exam
IELTS
IELTS can help students get ready for life in Australia in a variety of ways. It's perfect for the majority of Australian visa applications, such as those related to employment, education, or general immigration. It is also accepted internationally by over 12,000 organizations and includes an in-person speaking test that provides students with real-world experience talking in English. The Australian government will recognize the IELTS examination results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) for particular students, which is a significant benefit. Physic Wallah's IELTS online coaching is aimed at making studying easier by providing a well-structured preparation strategy. PW provides IELTS coaching for Academic and General Training. Let's now review each exam in more detail, highlighting its main objectives and differences from one another:
PTE
The primary purpose of the computer PTE exam is to examine student's academic English proficiency. Speaking into a microphone during the speaking section will replace face-to-face communication. Students will normally receive the results in two days after AI has reviewed the answers.
CAE (C1 Advanced)
Over 9,000 organizations internationally accept the highly recognized Cambridge English: Advanced test, currently known as C1 Advanced. It is an elite certification that shows a student's ability to communicate effectively in both academic and professional settings using English. The exam can be taken either way, on paper or a computer, and both have the same format. A new version of the computer-based exam will take place beginning in February 2024. The exam lasts three hours and fifty-five minutes and involves four papers, each of which tests a different skill related to speaking, listening, writing, and reading in English.
OET
The exam is perfect for nurses, doctors, and other medical workers because it is specifically made for healthcare professionals. Using scenarios, exams, and language that students usually come across in healthcare settings, it examines English skills in a medical setting. This means that healthcare workers can communicate successfully in their particular professional settings while being fluent in English.
Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Australian Immigration IELTS Requirements
The English language requirements for visa applications are divided into five categories by the Australian government, and each category is connected to a certain IELTS score:
| Australian immigration IELTS requirements |
| Classification |
IELTS Score |
| Functional |
An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| Vocational |
At least 5 for each of the 4 test sections |
| Competent |
At least 6 for each of the 4 sections |
| Proficient |
At least 7 for each of the 4 test sections |
| Superior |
At least 8 for each of the 4 test sections |
Which IELTS Exam is best?
A choice about which exam to take should be based on its objectives. The IELTS Academic exam is required for university admission. IELTS General Training uses Report Phrases for migration since it uses everyday English. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are accepted by the Australian government to obtain a visa. The requirements are defined by the organization where students want to work or study. It's a good idea to confirm which exam is better before registering. PW provides IELTS coaching for IELTS Academic Vs General .
Comparison of English Tests for Australian Visas
| English Test |
Accepted For |
Best For |
Test Format |
Result Time |
| IELTS |
All Visas |
Study, Work, Immigration |
Paper / Computer |
5–7 Days |
| PTE |
Most Visa Categories |
Fast Results, Academic |
Computer-Based |
2 Days |
| CAE (C1 Advanced) |
Some Visa Categories |
Academic / Professional |
Paper / Computer |
2 Weeks |
| OET |
Healthcare Visas |
Medical Professionals |
Paper-Based |
2–5 Weeks |
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
