It is important to make migration, study, and work applications easier for international candidates.
Australia has formally expanded its approved English language testing list to receive visa applications, as of August 7, 2025. It is a significant change in the Department of Home Affairs where international students, skilled workers. The migrants are now affords nine popular tests to demonstrate their mastery of the English language, making it more flexible and accessible than ever.
Why the Change?
Over the years, IELTS and PTE Academic have dominated the list of acceptable English tests to be taken in Australia. The government however, realized that applicants in the world requires more choice especially. With the increasing demand for both migration and education prospects.
The growth guarantees the fairness, accessibility and consistency in the assessment of English proficiency in all types of visas. It is also consistent with the Australian objective to recruit skilled migrants and international students by eliminating the needless obstacles and offering a more accommodating procedure.
Newly Approved English Tests in 2025
These updates will be a major amendment in terms of policy and the applicant can now decide on which test best meets their abilities, availability and the way they prepare to take the test. The current English language exams that are accepted in Australian visa applications are:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
- CELPIP General (newly added)
- IELTS Academic (One Skill Retake OSR included)
- IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake – OSR).
- LanguageCert Academic (recently introduced)
- Michigan English Test (MET) (includes Single Section Retake (SSR)) (newly added)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
What’s New in the 2025 Update?
The most significant of these additions, which include LanguageCert Academic, CELPIP General and Michigan English Test (MET) were subjected to a stringent process of validation that requiredaccuracy and reliability by Australian government standards.
The fact that MET is included in the Michigan Language Assessment, said Sharon Harvey, who is the CEO of the company, is a clear recognition of its reliability in measuring the English language skills. Likewise, the management at LanguageCert was thrilled to be able to assist people in their quest to explore opportunities in Australia by conducting reliable and convenient tests.
All test providers have now established standard benchmarks that help to create fairness and comparability of scores across platforms, whether applicants are taking their tests at home or away.
Updated English Proficiency Levels
Australia has varying degrees of English proficiency depending on your type of visa, whether it is basic functional proficiency or advanced professional proficiency. The official Department of Home Affairs site will require the applicants to verify the visa-specific requirements since the minimum scores differ depending on the visa class.
The five categories of proficiency and their relevance are described below:
- Functional English – In the case of partner and family visas, it is necessary to make sure that there is a daily communication skill.
- Vocational English – The basic work-related language skills are demonstrated through vocational English, which is needed when applying to trade or employer-sponsored visas.
- Competent English – Required to most of the skilled migration visas; corresponding to IELTS 6.0 in all bands.
- Good English- Provides extra marks under the skilled migration scheme which is usually IELTS 7.0 per band.
- Superior English- The top level, and it provides the highest migration marks (IELTS 8.0 band or more).
Flexible Retake Options
Australia now permits making testing more friendly to the applicant. This revision gives reprieve to those applicants who fail to achieve their final target of just one point in one area, which saves them on expenses and the stress of preparing.
- Single Skill Retake (OSR)- IELTS offers Skill Retake, which allows candidates to retake one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) without having to retake the whole exam.
- Single Section Retake (SSR) – MET also has this option, and it is equally flexible.
Test Validity and Acceptance
Any approved English test lasts for three years after one takes the exam to be eligible as a visa applicant. The previous rules indicate that the tests passed prior to 6 August 2025 will remain valid when applied to particular types of visas as long as they remain acceptable.
Nevertheless, the applicants should always be sure that the test they select is the one. That is accepts for their type of visa and has the required minimum score that is establishes by the Australian Government.
Updated Test Fees in 2025
English language testing in Australia is slightly different in terms of cost based on the test provider and test venue:
- IELTS Academic / General Training: PKR 84,000 – 90,400 ($300 – $323)
- PTE Academic: PKR 90,400 ($323)
- TOEFL iBT: PKR 77,800 ($278)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): PKR 78,900–86,300 ($282–$308)
- OET (Occupational English Test): PKR 111,500 ($398)
- LanguageCert Academic: PKR 54,000 ($193)
- CELPIP General: PKR 60,800 ($217)
- Michigan English Test (MET): PKR 39,400 ($141)
(The charge can also differ a bit depending on the exchange rate and location)
Who Benefits from the New Changes?
The growth of approved English language tests favors a great number of applicants, such as
- International Students: It has now become possible to select the test that fits their academic preparation or budget.
- Qualified Professionals: Employees who seek PR or work visas may choose tests that are used in workplace communication such as CELPIP or MET.
- Healthcare Professionals: OET continues to be a committed option among the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare applicants.
- Migrants: Broader choice implies the simplification of access to the familiar tests, particularly in areas where some test centers have been closed previously.
Government’s Vision Behind the Change
The Australian Government intends to develop a diverse, inclusive and skilled migration system. Enhancing the number of certifies English language tests that are admitted makes sure that the Department of Home Affairs does not discriminate against the applicants of various backgrounds and areas.
In addition, the change backs up the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and other future changes that will concentrate on correcting gaps of workforce shortages.
Conclusion
The revision of 2025 is a progressive change in the immigration and education policy in Australia. Having nine approves English language tests and flexible retake opportunities. The process of demonstrating competence in English is now more inclusive, accessible, and fair.
Regardless of whether you intend to study, work or migrate to Australia. You will be in a better position to make an informs decision. It increase your chances of being given the visa after being acquainted with these new testing options.
We support students and professionals in all their Australian journeys. This including the parts of test preparation and visa application, career guidance and the settlement services.
