Are you planning to study, work, or live permanently in Australia? Demonstrating English proficiency through the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a mandatory step for many Australian visa applications.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regularly updates these requirements. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential IELTS scores for Australian Student, Skilled, and Permanent Residency (PR) visas, incorporating the latest 2025 updates (effective August 7, 2025).
1. IELTS Requirement for Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Your required IELTS score for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) depends on your chosen course level and whether your study plan includes an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
While the DHA sets minimum visa requirements, your education provider (university, TAFE, etc.) will often demand higher scores for direct course entry.
| Education/Course Type | Minimum DHA IELTS Requirement | Typical Direct Entry Requirement | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School (Years 7-10) | 4.5 | 5.0 | Requires substantial ELICOS pathway (e.g., 20+ weeks). |
| Secondary School (Years 11-12) | 5.0 | 5.5+ | Often packaged with a shorter ELICOS course (e.g., 10-20 weeks). |
| Vocational Education & Training (VET) | 5.0 | 5.5 | This is the minimum visa requirement; RTOs/TAFEs set course entry requirements. |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) | 6.0 | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.0 is the standard visa minimum. Competitive courses often require 6.5 (with no band lower than 6.0). |
| Postgraduate Coursework (Master’s) | 6.0 | 6.5 | Most universities require 6.5 or higher for Master’s programs. |
| Professional Courses (e.g., Nursing, Teaching, Law) | 6.0 | 7.0 – 7.5 | University entry for registered professions is significantly higher (e.g., 7.0 in each band). |
⚠️The ELICOS Pathway for Lower Scores
If your IELTS score is below the direct entry requirement, you may be approved for a student visa that includes an ELICOS program to boost your English before your main course begins:
- IELTS Overall 5.0: May require approximately 10 weeks of ELICOS.
- IELTS Overall 4.5: May require approximately 20 weeks of ELICOS.
PRO TIP: Aim for an Overall 6.0 or 6.5 to satisfy most direct entry university requirements and avoid the extra time and cost of an ELICOS pathway.
2. IELTS for Australian Skilled & Permanent Residency (PR) Visas
For Skilled Migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491, etc.), your IELTS score is crucial for both meeting the minimum eligibility threshold and earning valuable points in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.
The IELTS General Training or Academic test is accepted for skilled migration.
IELTS Proficiency Levels (Effective August 7, 2025)
The DHA defines English proficiency using the following levels:
| Proficiency Level | Minimum IELTS Score | GSM Points Awarded | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | Average band score of 4.5 | N/A | Typically required for secondary applicants (spouses/partners). |
| Vocational English | At least 5.0 in each of the 4 components | N/A | Required for specific temporary visas (e.g., Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482). |
| Competent English | At least 6.0 in each of the 4 components | 0 Points | Minimum requirement for most Skilled PR Visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190). |
| Proficient English | At least 7.0 in each of the 4 components | 10 Points | Significantly boosts PR application competitiveness. |
| Superior English | At least 8.0 in each of the 4 components | 20 Points | Maximises PR points, highly advantageous. |
Key Takeaways for Your 2025 IELTS Plan
- Student Visa (Subclass 500): Check the specific entry requirements of your university or college – they are often higher than the DHA’s minimum 6.0.
- Skilled PR Visas: The baseline is Competent English (6.0 in each band). If you are serious about Permanent Residency, target Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0) to gain the crucial 10 or 20 GSM points.
- Recent Updates: While the IELTS score bands for Proficiency Levels remained consistent in the August 2025 updates, always confirm the latest accepted tests and score validity periods on the official DHA website. The DHA now accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for certain visas.
Disclaimer: The information above is based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs guidelines effective from August 7, 2025, and is for general guidance only. Requirements can change and are often higher for specific institutions or registered professions. Always check the official DHA website and your education provider for the most current and precise information applicable to your individual visa subclass.
For more details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.