Are you planning to study, work or live permanently in Australia? Then you will most likely need to prove your English, and IELTS is the test most applicants choose.
The good news: the score you need depends on your visa, and it may be lower than you think. You need 6.0 overall for a student visa, 5.0 in each part for a work visa, and 6.0 in each part for permanent residency. Score 7.0 or 8.0 and you earn extra PR points.
Below you will find the exact score for every visa, which IELTS test to take and how to reach your target. All figures are for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 and come from the Department of Home Affairs.
IELTS score for each Australian visa
| Visa | IELTS you need | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Student (subclass 500) | 6.0 overall | 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, 5.0 with at least 20 weeks |
| Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) | 6.5 overall, at least 5.5 in each part | 6.0 overall and 5.0 in each part for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders |
| Skills in Demand work visa (subclass 482) | 5.0 in each part | Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams |
| Skilled PR (subclass 189, 190, 491) | 6.0 in each part (Competent English) | 7.0 in each part adds 10 points, 8.0 in each part adds 20 points |
| Partners and family on a skilled visa | 4.5 average (Functional English) | Without it, the main applicant usually pays a second visa charge instalment |
For work and PR visas the lowest of your four scores counts, not your overall band. An overall 8.0 with a 7.0 in writing counts as 7.0.
IELTS General Training or Academic for Australia?
For visa purposes both are accepted with the same scores. Home Affairs lists IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic side by side for student, work, graduate and PR visas.
Work visas and PR
- Accepted for 482, 485, 189, 190 and 491 visas
- Everyday topics, often easier to score well in Reading and Writing
University study
- Accepted for the same visas, including the student visa
- Required by most universities and by registration bodies such as nursing
If you plan to study first and apply for PR later, take IELTS Academic: your university needs it and it also counts for your visas.
English levels and PR points
Home Affairs describes English in five levels. Points-tested PR visas give you extra points for higher levels.
| Level | IELTS (General or Academic) | PTE Academic | PR points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior | 8.0 in each part | 69–88 (L 69, R 70, W 85, S 88) | 20 |
| Proficient | 7.0 in each part | 58–76 (L 58, R 59, W 69, S 76) | 10 |
| Competent | 6.0 in each part | 47–54 (L 47, R 48, W 51, S 54) | 0 (minimum for PR) |
| Vocational | 5.0 in each part | 24–36 (L 33, R 36, W 29, S 24) | – |
| Functional | 4.5 average | 24 overall | – |
Moving from Competent to Proficient English is often the quickest way to add points to a PR application. If you are close to 7.0 in three parts, focus your preparation on the fourth.
IELTS for an Australian student visa (subclass 500)
The visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall. You can apply with a lower score if your course is packaged with an English course (ELICOS) or an eligible foundation or pathway program.
| Your course | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main course only | 6.0 | 47 | 67 |
| With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a foundation or pathway program | 5.5 | 39 | 51 |
| With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS | 5.0 | 31 | 37 |
This is the visa minimum. Universities set their own entry scores, which are often higher: around 6.5 for many bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and 7.0 or more in each part for nursing, teaching and other registered professions. Check your course page before you book the test.
For a student visa your test must be taken within 2 years before you apply.
IELTS for an Australian work visa (subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the 457 and the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa) needs at least 5.0 in each part of IELTS for tests taken on or after 13 September 2025. There is no separate overall score requirement. The test must be taken within 3 years before you apply.
Your occupation may ask for more. If you need a licence or registration to work, for example as a nurse, the registration body’s English requirement applies, and it is usually higher.
IELTS for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
After studying in Australia you need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each part. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders need 6.0 overall with at least 5.0 in each part.
IELTS for Australian PR (subclass 189, 190 and 491)
The minimum for skilled PR visas is Competent English: 6.0 in each part. In practice many successful applicants have Proficient (7.0 in each part) or Superior English (8.0 in each part), because the extra 10 or 20 points make a real difference in how quickly you are invited.
Your partner can also help: a partner with Competent English and a positive skills assessment can add points to your application.
How long is an IELTS result valid for Australia?
- Student visa (500): the test must be taken within 2 years before you apply.
- Work visa (482): within 3 years before you apply.
- Skilled PR visas: generally within 3 years before you are invited to apply. Check your visa’s page, because the date that counts differs.
Can you get an Australian visa without IELTS?
Yes, in two common cases:
- Your passport: citizens holding a passport from the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland do not need an English test for student, work and skilled visas.
- Another approved test: PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, MET and C1 Advanced are also accepted, each with its own scores.
Some student and work visa applicants are also exempt because of earlier study in English, for example at least 5 years of study in an English-speaking country.
How to reach your score
Most people need one or two attempts to reach their target in every part. Test yourself first, then focus on your weakest skill:
- Free IELTS Listening practice test with audio, answers and a band score checker
- Free IELTS General Training Reading test with answers
- IELTS Writing guide: letters, essays and how they are scored
- IELTS Speaking test: the three parts and tips
IELTS for Australia: FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
What IELTS score do I need for Australian PR?
At least 6.0 in each of the four parts (Competent English). 7.0 in each part gives you 10 extra points and 8.0 in each part gives you 20.
Is IELTS General or Academic required for Australian PR?
Either one. Home Affairs accepts IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic with the same scores for PR, work and student visas.
What is the minimum IELTS score for an Australian work visa?
For the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) you need at least 5.0 in each part of IELTS. Your occupation’s registration body may ask for more.
What IELTS score do I need for an Australian student visa?
6.0 overall. With at least 10 weeks of English study (ELICOS) the minimum is 5.5, and with at least 20 weeks it is 5.0. Universities often ask for 6.5 or more.
How long is IELTS valid for Australia?
For a student visa the test must be taken within 2 years before you apply. For work and skilled PR visas it is generally 3 years.
Is IELTS Online accepted for an Australian visa?
No. Home Affairs does not accept tests taken fully online at home, including IELTS Online. Take IELTS on paper or on computer at a test centre.
Can I get an Australian visa without IELTS?
Yes, if you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland, or if you take another approved test such as PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Language ability, Student visa (subclass 500), English proficiency (subclass 482) and Points table (subclass 189). Requirements change; always check the official page for your visa before you apply.