IELTS for Australia: The IELTS exam is accepted by a wide range of Australian universities, professional organizations, and government authorities. Australia uses IELTS exam to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers for academic, professional, and everyday settings.
The IELTS test is recognized by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa applications, including student visas, skilled migration, and permanent residency. Australia also accepts other English language proficiency tests, uch as PTE Academic, TOEFL-iBT, and OET. However, IELTS remains one of the widely accepted and trusted tests due to its testing standards, fair scoring system, and global reputation.
There are different types of IELTS tests depending on your purpose for moving to Australia. Here, we will cover the different IELTS exam types, IELTS requirements for Australian universities and immigration, the minimum band scores needed, and other key information to help you plan your move to Australia.
IELTS Online Coaching 2025, Free Courses for Study
Why English Language Proficiency Matters for Australia?
Applicants for Australian visas must demonstrate English proficiency to:
-
Participate effectively in professional and social environments
-
Meet eligibility criteria for skilled migration
-
Gain points under Australia's point-based immigration system
-
Satisfy university admission standards
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts IELTS as one of the approved tests for assessing English proficiency.
IELTS Score for Different Countries
IELTS Score Bands and Points Allocation
The IELTS band scores are categorized into three bands, each contributing differently to the points system for PR:
|
IELTS Score Bands and Points Allocation
|
|
IELTS Band
|
Score Range
|
Points Allocated
|
|
Competent
|
6.0 or more
|
0 points
|
|
Proficient
|
7.0 or more
|
10 points
|
|
Superior
|
8.0 or more
|
20 points
|
Higher IELTS scores can significantly increase the overall immigration points, improving chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
Minimum IELTS Scores for Australia PR Visas
Several visa subclasses require different levels of English proficiency.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
-
Must meet a competent English level.
-
Minimum of 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
-
Overall IELTS score: 6.0.
-
Minimum of 65 immigration points.
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
-
Requires competent English.
-
Minimum of 6.0 in all IELTS components.
-
Minimum of 65 immigration points.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
-
Competent English required.
-
IELTS minimum score: 6.0 overall and 6.0 in each skill area.
-
Must be nominated by a regional government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Latest Changes:
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887)
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188)
-
Functional English required.
-
Minimum IELTS score of 4.5 across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS Scores for Studying in Australia
Universities and colleges in Australia require international students to meet specific IELTS standards, varying by level and course type.
|
Minimum IELTS Score for Student Visas
|
|
Course Level
|
Listening
|
Reading
|
Writing
|
Speaking
|
Overall
|
|
Undergraduate
|
5.5
|
5.5
|
5.5
|
5.5
|
6.0
|
|
Postgraduate
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
6.5 or 7.0
|
University-specific IELTS Requirements
Here's a list of IELTS requirements for prestigious universities in Australia:
| University-specific IELTS Requirements |
|
University
|
Undergraduate IELTS Score
|
Postgraduate IELTS Score
|
|
Australian National University
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of Sydney
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of Melbourne
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of New South Wales
|
7.0
|
7.0
|
|
Monash University
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
|
University of Queensland
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of Adelaide
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of Western Australia
|
6.5
|
7.0
|
|
University of Technology Sydney
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
|
Macquarie University
|
6.5
|
6.5
|
IELTS vs Other Accepted English Language Tests
While IELTS is widely accepted, the Australian DHA also recognizes other English tests.
| IELTS vs Other Accepted English Language Tests |
|
Proficiency Level
|
IELTS
|
PTE Academic
|
TOEFL iBT
|
CAE
|
OET
|
|
Competent
|
6.0
|
50
|
12-21
|
169
|
B
|
|
Proficient
|
7.0
|
65
|
24-27
|
185
|
B
|
|
Superior
|
8.0
|
79
|
28-30
|
200
|
A
|
English Language Levels Explained
-
Functional English: Basic communication (IELTS 4.5)
-
Competent English: Effective workplace conversation (IELTS 6.0)
-
Proficient English: High standard professional communication (IELTS 7.0)
-
Superior English: Native-level communication (IELTS 8.0)
How IELTS Impacts Points for PR
Applicants gain additional points depending on their English proficiency:
-
Competent English (6.0): 0 points
-
Proficient English (7.0): 10 points
-
Superior English (8.0): 20 points
Scoring higher not only improves visa eligibility but also makes applicants more competitive in the skilled migration pool.
Free IELTS Speaking Practice Tests, Download Cambridge
Preparing for IELTS in Australia
Applicants can prepare using various resources, including:
-
IELTS practice tests and sample questions
-
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) allowing one section retake within 60 days
-
Online practice materials
-
Free preparatory classes and webinars
Both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS tests are available in Australia.
Top IELTS Preparation Tips
Here are some key preparation tips for IELTS exam in Australia:
-
Understand the Format: Get familiar with all four test sections.
-
Practice Timed Tests: Mimic real exam conditions.
-
Use High-Quality Study Material: Stick to official IELTS preparation materials.
-
Take a Diagnostic Test: Identify strengths and weaknesses.
-
Enroll in Preparation Courses: Many Australian institutions offer IELTS courses.
-
Focus on Each Skill Separately: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking all need targeted practice.
-
Join Study Groups: Learning with peers can provide motivation.
-
Use OSR Wisely: Retake the section where you scored lowest.
IELTS Writing Test Preparation Tips 2025, 10 Tips to Follow
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS
Here are some common mistakes to avoid for IELTS exam in Australia:
-
Not managing time properly during the test
-
Writing off-topic essays
-
Speaking too briefly in the Speaking test
-
Skimming too fast in the Reading section
-
Misunderstanding question types
-
Ignoring grammar and vocabulary in Writing and Speaking
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly boost your final band score.
IELTS for Different Professions in Australia
Different professions may have higher or specialized IELTS requirements:
-
Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors): Often need 7.0–8.0 Overall
-
Teachers: Minimum 7.0 band usually
-
Engineers: Generally 6.0–7.0
-
IT professionals: Typically 6.0–7.0, depending on visa subclass
-
Tradespeople: 6.0 sufficient for most
Knowing the specific industry requirements can help applicants set realistic goals.
Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests Cambridge PDFs
Recent Changes to IELTS and Immigration Rules
-
IELTS OSR (One Skill Retake): Now widely accepted by Australian immigration
-
Shortened Post-Study Work Visas: Makes planning crucial
-
Regional Visa Incentives: More points for living and working in regional areas
-
Digital Verification of IELTS Scores: Faster and more secure processing
Applicants need to stay updated with policy changes to avoid surprises.
How are IELTS scores verified by Australian Authorities?
After taking IELTS, scores are electronically verified directly by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants must:
-
Provide their Test Report Form (TRF) number
-
Authorize DHA to access their results online
-
Ensure that the scores remain valid (IELTS results are valid for two years)
Guidance to PW IELTS Prep
The IELTS Online Courses is a great initiative taken by Physics Wallah to help IELTS aspirants better prepare for the exam. Follow our below pages to learn more about the IELTS exam.
