AU-500

English Language Proficiency

An English test result taken within 2 years, at the level your course needs

Last updated Oct 28, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

Evidence that supports this criterion

Language Test Result

Official Definition

An English test result taken within 2 years of applying, at the level for the course (lower scores with an English course before it), when the Document Checklist Tool asks for it. Passport holders of the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland are exempt, as are some other students.

What Officers Look For

When the Document Checklist Tool asks for it, you give an English test result from a test taken within 2 years of applying. At-home tests are not accepted. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT and the Michigan English Test.

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 the minimum overall scores are shown below. The first figure is for applicants without a preceding English course; the others are for applicants who study English for at least 10 weeks, then at least 20 weeks, before the main course. TOEFL iBT is taken as 'TOEFL for Australia' from 21 January 2026.

IELTS Academic 6.0 (5.5, 5.0)
PTE Academic 47 (39, 31)
TOEFL iBT 67 (51, 37)
CELPIP General 7 (6, 5)
LANGUAGECERT Academic 61 (54, 46)
Michigan English Test 53 (49, 44)
OET 1210 (1090, 1020)
Cambridge C1 Advanced 161

Passport holders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland are exempt, as are some others, such as students who completed certain study in English. Check the current requirements on the Home Affairs page before relying on these scores.

Evidence Strength

Strong Evidence

An official score report from an accepted test, with the overall score and the test date
A test taken within 2 years of applying
An overall score at or above the minimum for your course level, or an English course planned before it
A name on the report that matches the passport

Weak Evidence

A result that is more than 2 years old
A score below the minimum for the course
An at-home test
A test that is not on the accepted list
A report with a name that differs from the passport

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Common Problems

A result that is too old, too low or from an at-home test.
A test taken more than 2 years before the application.
Not giving a result when the Document Checklist Tool asks for it, and no exemption that applies.
Assuming an exemption without checking the passport country.

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Pro Tips

Run the Document Checklist Tool first to see whether an English result is asked for at all.
Check the test date: it must be within 2 years of the day you apply.
Book a test centre, not an at-home sitting.
If your score is short, ask what English course before your main course would lower the requirement.

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: an IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT or Michigan English Test score report.

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AU-500

English Language Proficiency

An English test result taken within 2 years, at the level your course needs

Last updated Oct 28, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

Evidence that supports this criterion

Language Test Result

Official Definition

An English test result taken within 2 years of applying, at the level for the course (lower scores with an English course before it), when the Document Checklist Tool asks for it. Passport holders of the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland are exempt, as are some other students.

What Officers Look For

IELTS Academic 6.0 (5.5, 5.0)
PTE Academic 47 (39, 31)
TOEFL iBT 67 (51, 37)
CELPIP General 7 (6, 5)
LANGUAGECERT Academic 61 (54, 46)
Michigan English Test 53 (49, 44)
OET 1210 (1090, 1020)
Cambridge C1 Advanced 161

Evidence Strength

Strong Evidence

An official score report from an accepted test, with the overall score and the test date
A test taken within 2 years of applying
An overall score at or above the minimum for your course level, or an English course planned before it
A name on the report that matches the passport

Weak Evidence

A result that is more than 2 years old
A score below the minimum for the course
An at-home test
A test that is not on the accepted list
A report with a name that differs from the passport

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Common Problems

A result that is too old, too low or from an at-home test.
A test taken more than 2 years before the application.
Not giving a result when the Document Checklist Tool asks for it, and no exemption that applies.
Assuming an exemption without checking the passport country.

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Pro Tips

Run the Document Checklist Tool first to see whether an English result is asked for at all.
Check the test date: it must be within 2 years of the day you apply.
Book a test centre, not an at-home sitting.
If your score is short, ask what English course before your main course would lower the requirement.

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: an IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT or Michigan English Test score report.

Ready to check your evidence?

Upload documents and get AI-powered analysis against this criterion.

Create a case