A Complete Guide to Accredited English Tests in Australia (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
Choose the accredited English test that fits your goal — working holiday, study or migration — and see score requirements for visas, universities and migration, plus how to apply, prep tips and fees at a glance. Score requirements and fees change often, so always check each test's and authority's official site for the latest details.
Comparing Accredited English Tests
The main accredited English tests used in Australia are IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, with OET for healthcare professions and Cambridge English accepted by some universities. Each test differs in how it's scored, how long it takes and how quickly results come out, so it's best to choose based on your purpose and strengths.
The most widely accepted test for migration, visas and universities. It has Academic (study/migration) and General Training (migration/work) modules, and for visa purposes a specific version such as IELTS for UKVI / IELTS for Migration may be required, so check the requirements before applying. It's reported as a band score out of 9.0.
Fully computer-based and scored automatically by AI, so results usually come out within a few days. It's widely accepted for Australian migration, visas and universities, and many candidates prefer that the speaking section isn't done in front of a person. It uses a scale out of 90.
Score Requirements by Purpose (Visa, Migration, University)
The score you need varies greatly with the visa type, migration program, and university and course. The levels below are a general reference only, not the actual requirements. Score requirements are revised often, so always check the official requirements of the visa, university or migration program you're applying for.
| Purpose | Typically required level (reference) |
|---|---|
| General visas (e.g. some temporary/work visas) | Requirements are set per visa in levels such as 'Functional' to 'Competent', and around IELTS 5.0–6.0 is common. It differs by visa, so checking the official visa page is essential. |
| Skilled migration (points-based) | Beyond the basic requirement, many people aim for 'Proficient' (around IELTS 7.0) or 'Superior' (around 8.0) for extra points. The points system changes, so check the official guidance. |
| Undergraduate admission | It varies by school and course, but around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (including minimums per section) is commonly required. Checking the admissions office's official requirements is recommended. |
| Postgraduate / professional courses | Around IELTS 6.5–7.0 or higher is usually required, and some fields such as health, law and education may require higher per-section scores. Checking the course's official requirements is recommended. |
How to Apply
Applying usually goes like this
- Choose the test and version that fits your purpose: for visa or migration purposes a specific version (e.g. IELTS for Migration, UKVI) may be required, so check the requirements first before applying.
- Create an account on the official site, then choose your test city, venue and date. Test centres are in major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, etc.) and popular dates fill early, so book with plenty of time to spare.
- Enter your ID details, such as your passport, accurately and pay the fee. You must bring the same passport you registered with to the test centre, so check the details match.
Prep Tips
On accredited English tests, not just your English ability but getting used to the test format strongly affects your score. The tips below are a general study direction; adjust them to your own weaknesses and target score.
- Use official samples and practice tests first to get familiar with the question types and time allocation for each section. For PTE and TOEFL in particular, getting comfortable with the on-screen interface is important.
- Set a target score, then put more study time into your weaker sections (usually writing and speaking). Where minimum per-section scores apply, one low section can cause the whole result to fall short.
Test Fees
The fee varies with the test type, country and timing, and tends to rise regularly. In Australia, IELTS, PTE and TOEFL are broadly in a similar few-hundred-Australian-dollar range, but the exact amount should be checked on each test's official site at the time you apply.
- On top of the base fee, extra charges may apply for additional score reports, remark (re-mark) requests, and date change/cancellation fees.
- If you don't get the score you want, you pay the fee again to re-sit, so preparing thoroughly to hit your target in one go ultimately saves money.
- Check official promotions or packages, but be wary of unofficial 'discount code' or 'agent' offers, which carry a risk of fraud.
Useful Links
- IELTS Australia (IDP)(opens in a new window)
Official IELTS site — check the test format, test cities and dates, fees and free practice materials.
- PTE Academic (Pearson)(opens in a new window)
Official PTE Academic site — computer-based test guidance, Australian venue bookings and a score guide.
- TOEFL (ETS)(opens in a new window)
Official TOEFL (ETS) site — university admissions test information and a search for institutions that accept the scores.
- (opens in a new window)
English Test In-Depth Guide — 2026 Rule Changes, Requirements by Visa, Costs and Scoring Strategy
The test you choose has a big impact on your costs, prep time and visa timeline. This guide pulls together practical information: the 2026 rule changes (IELTS One Skill Retake, the TOEFL overhaul), real numbers for each visa type, test fees, re-marking, and exemption pathways. Keep in mind that score requirements and fees change frequently depending on the visa type and each test provider's policy, so before you make a final decision be sure to confirm the details on Home Affairs and each test provider's official website.
Choosing a Test — 2026 Rule Changes and the Real Differences Between Tests
IELTS One Skill Retake
The IELTS One Skill Retake lets you re-sit just one of the four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking — for a fee of A$310. Only computer-delivered test takers can use it, and you can do it once, in the same country, within 60 days of your original test date. One thing to watch: even if your retake score comes out lower than the original, that lower score is what appears on the new report — you can't pick the higher of the two. Home Affairs accepts One Skill Retake results for most visas, and for the subclass 485 Graduate visa they are accepted for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
TOEFL iBT Australia Edition (from 21 January 2026)
The global TOEFL iBT moves to a 1–6 band system from 21 January 2026, so for Australian visa purposes only the TOEFL iBT Australia — which keeps the existing 0–120 scale — is accepted. At registration you must select the "Taking TOEFL for Australia" option, only test-centre sittings are valid, and the Home Edition is not accepted. There has been a gap period before too — tests taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 were not accepted for Australian visas — so if you go with TOEFL, get into the habit of checking Home Affairs notices to confirm which version is valid for your visa before you book.