If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate to Australia in 2025 and beyond, there have been big changes to English language visa requirements. From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has updated:

• The list of accepted English tests
• The minimum score requirements for different visa categories
• Rules on validity of past test results

This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can prepare with confidence.

What Changed from 7 August 2025?

More English Tests Accepted
Before: Only IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and C1 Advanced were accepted.
Now: A total of 9 test providers are recognized.

Accepted English Tests (From 7 Aug 2025)
 

• IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake – OSR)
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
• CELPIP General
• LanguageCert Academic
• Michigan English Test (MET – with Single Section Retake)
   

1. Note: Online/at-home tests are not accepted.
2. Revised Score Thresholds
   • PTE, TOEFL, OET, and C1 Advanced scores have been adjusted to align better with IELTS.
   • IELTS scores remain unchanged.
   • Some thresholds are lower, making it easier for applicants.
3. New Rules for Test Dates
   • Tests taken before 7 August 2025 → old scores still valid.
   • Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 → new score requirements apply.

English Proficiency Levels

Australia uses different levels of English depending on the visa type.

✨ Key Takeaways for Students & Migrants

• More choices: 9 test options available.
• Lower thresholds in PTE & TOEFL make visas more achievable.
• Strategic timing: Tests before 7 Aug 2025 follow old rules; after that, new rules apply.
• Student visa applicants benefit from slightly easier requirements.
• Skilled migration still rewards higher English with extra points.

Prepare Smarter with Panacea Education

Worried about the new English visa requirements? Don’t stress — at Panacea Education, we provide the exact tools you need to achieve your target scores in PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL.

✨ What You Get:

• Updated Study Material – Based on the latest (Aug 2025) score changes
• Free Mock Tests – Experience the real exam environment
• Skill-by-Skill Practice – Focus on your weak areas with section-wise tests
• Detailed Score Reports – Know where you stand & how to improve

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With Panacea Education, you’re not just preparing for an exam — you’re preparing for your future in Australia. ?✈️

Final Thoughts

Australia’s new English language rules bring flexibility and fairness for international students, skilled migrants, and graduates. While some requirements have become stricter in individual components, overall many score thresholds have been lowered — making visas more accessible.

If you’re planning to study or work in Australia, check your visa subclass requirements, choose the test that suits you best, and aim for the updated scores.