IELTS, PTE or TOEFL for the Australia Student Visa: Minimum Scores (2026)

The minimum scores in one table

Australia sets the minimum English test scores for the Student visa (subclass 500) in Schedule 1 of a Home Affairs instrument, the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025. For a standard application, with no ELICOS or foundation study attached, the minimums are:

• IELTS Academic: average band score of 6.0
• IELTS General Training: average band score of 6.0
• PTE Academic: overall score of 47
• TOEFL iBT: total score of 67
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: overall score of 161
• OET: overall score of 1210
• LANGUAGECERT Academic: overall score of 61
• MET: overall score of 53
• CELPIP General: overall score of 7

These nine are the tests the instrument lists. They are minimums for the visa, not a guarantee of admission.

Lower scores with ELICOS, foundation or pathway study

The instrument sets lower minimums when your main course comes with extra English or preparation study:

• At least 10 weeks of ELICOS, or a standard foundation program, an extended foundation program or an eligible pathway program: IELTS (Academic or General Training) 5.5, PTE Academic 39, TOEFL iBT 51, MET 49, OET 1090, LANGUAGECERT Academic 54 and CELPIP General 6. C1 Advanced is not accepted in this case.
• At least 20 weeks of ELICOS: IELTS (Academic or General Training) 5.0, PTE Academic 31, TOEFL iBT 37, MET 44, OET 1020, LANGUAGECERT Academic 46 and CELPIP General 5. C1 Advanced is not accepted in this case.

Whether a package qualifies depends on your provider and course. Ask for it in writing before you rely on a lower score.

IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: how to choose

The three most common tests measure English on different scales, so you cannot compare the numbers directly. A PTE score of 47 and an IELTS band of 6.0 are each the visa minimum for their own test, not equal scores on a shared scale.

What matters for most Nepali students:

• Check your university first. A university can ask for a higher score than the visa minimum, and it can set separate minimums for each skill. Use the higher of the two.
• Pick one approved test and prepare for its format. IELTS and PTE Academic are the most common choices. See our comparison of IELTS vs PTE and our test preparation page.
• Book early. You need the result before you apply for the visa, and a retake takes time.

Rules to watch: validity, at-home tests and exemptions

• At-home tests are not accepted. Home Affairs does not accept scores from at-home or online tests, including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. Take the test at a test center.
• The approved list changed in 2025. The Australian Government announced on August 7, 2025 that nine tests are now approved. Results from tests taken on or before August 6, 2025 generally stay valid for 24 months before you apply.
• Some students do not need a test. Home Affairs lists exemptions, such as a principal course taught in a language other than English, a registered postgraduate research course, or five years of study in English in certain listed countries. Check the instrument and the Home Affairs checklist for your case.

If you are weighing options, our guides to studying in Australia without IELTS and the Australia student visa fee and funds cover the rest of the requirements.

Sources

• Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025, Schedule 1
• Study Australia: Language testing organizations
• Study Australia: New English language tests approved for Student visa applications

Scores taken from Schedule 1 in October 2026. Rules change, so check the instrument and the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool before you apply. This guide was checked in October 2026.