English Exam scores changed for Australian Visa Streams

< all post

English Exam Scores changed for Australian Visa Streams

Published On

August 7, 2025

Australia has formally revised the minimum PTE and IELTS score requirements for migration, effective from 7 August 2025.

English Test Score Update for Australian Migration

Effective 7 August 2025, the Australian Government has revised the required PTE Academic and IELTS scores for visa applications that include English language requirements.

LIN 25/027 – Pathway Program Exemptions Introduced

On 23 May 2025, the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 Student Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/027) was registered, amending the existing LIN 24/022 instrument under Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations
Under this amendment, eligible international students enrolled in approved pathway programs can benefit from lower English test score requirements when applying for the Subclass 500 visa

Why Were These Changes Made?

Increased Flexibility & Access: The amendments enhance accessibility for students with near-threshold English skills, supporting smoother academic transitions through structured pathway programs
Enhanced Transparency: Updated terminology (“Destination University”) and course tables improve clarity around which institutions and programs qualify
Accurate Institutional Alignment: Reflects mergers and updates within the sector, ensuring pathways map correctly to destination universities like Adelaide University

If you’re applying for a visa with an English proficiency condition, please refer to the updated score criteria below:

Vocational English (Basic work rights)

IELTS: 5.0 in each skill
PTE Academic:
- Listening: 33
- Reading: 36
- Writing: 29
- Speaking: 24

Competent English (Required for skilled visa eligibility)

IELTS: 6.0 in each skill
PTE Academic:
- Listening: 47
- Reading: 48
- Writing: 51
- Speaking: 54

Proficient English (Eligible for additional skilled visa points)

IELTS: 7.0 in each skill
PTE Academic:
- Listening: 58
- Reading: 59
- Writing: 69
- Speaking: 76

Superior English (Maximum skilled migration points)

IELTS: 8.0 in each skill
PTE Academic:
- Listening: 69
- Reading: 70
- Writing: 85
- Speaking: 88

What This Means for You

If you’re close to, but not quite at, the standard English entry level, enrolling in an eligible pathway program can allow you to meet visa requirements with a lower English test score.
Confirm your Cricos code, pathway course, and destination university match the Schedule 2 listing to ensure eligibility.
Check the exact reduced score thresholds for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge in Schedule 1 of LIN 24/022.

Important: These score changes apply only to English tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Be sure to verify your test date and visa requirements accordingly.

If you’re planning your future here, now might be a good time to take advantage of the new opportunities coming your way.

Have questions about studying, working, or migrating in Australia? Contact KUYA SHEH, we’re here to help international students thrive!

National Minimum Wage to Increase by 3.5%

June 5, 2025

The Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel today announced the National Minimum Wage and award wages will increase by 3.5 per cent from 1 July 2025, following the 2024-25 Annual Wage Review.

Make an Appointment

< all post