Australia Student Visa English Langauge Band Requirements
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Having the minimum English proficiency and demonstrating it is highly required if you are applying for:
– Student visas
– Certain permanent visas
The Department of Immigration has specifically mentioned that Australian visa applicants must secure the minimum score in any of the approved English Proficiency Tests, like IELTS, TOEFL, OET, and so on.
However, applicants, applying for Student Visas, can be exempted from providing evidence of English language proficiency, if they:
- have completed at least five years of study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- are citizens and passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland
- have completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or study at Certificate IV level or higher in Australia within two years of applying for a student visa
- are Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored
- have enrolled full time in school studies as a principal course, postgraduate research, or a standalone ELICOS program
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Why Australian education system required English requirements
If you are enquiring about the minimum English proficiency level to come and study in Australia, you may be thinking why English language?
Although Australia has no official language yet, English is considered the unofficial de facto language and the medium of education. That being said, having proficiency in the English language can help students to cope with the tutorials, assignments, lectures, and examinations comfortably.
Authorized English courses for Australian education
Australia is a highly preferable nation to learn English. The English courses in Australia maintain a high consistency and let the students focus on critical thinking. So, if you are planning to learn English in Australia, you can choose any of the following authorized courses:
General English:
It promotes the level of general English proficiency along with improving the English for everyday use.
English for Academic Purposes:
This course is suitable for those looking forward to studying in an Australian school, vocational college, or university.
English for Teaching:
It is helpful if you are to teach English in schools in your own country, including TESOL and EfTC.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP):
ESP is useful to learn the spoken and written English needed for a specific context like aviation, business, etc.
Exam Preparation:
As the name suggests, this course enables the learners to take an exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
Study Tours:
Under this, you can learn English, for work-related purposes, when you are on a short holiday.
Other than these authorized courses overseas students can also enroll in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). ELICOS enables international students to improve their academic English skills to prepare for further studies.
Minimum English language scores required for an Australian visa
The Australian government has recognized five major English language tests for visa applicants. The applicants are required to score at least the minimum points to get their visa application approved.
However, the minimum scores differ depending on the visa subclass and type.
| English Level | Minimum Score |
| Proficient English | IELTS: 7 for each component TOEFL: 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 65 Occupational English Test (OET): B for each component Cambridge C1 Advanced test: 185 in each of the 4 components |
| Functional English | IELTS: 4.5 for each test component TOEFL: A band score of at least: 32 Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 30 for each test component Cambridge C1 Advanced test: An overall band score of at least 147 |
| Vocational English | IELTS: 5 for each IELTS component TOEFL: 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing, and 14 for speaking Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 36 in all components Occupational English Test (OET): Pass B in each OET Component Cambridge C1 Advanced test: 154 for each CAE Component |
| Competent English | IELTS: 6 for each component TOEFL: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 50 Occupational English Test (OET): B for each component Cambridge C1 Advanced test: 169 in each of the 4 components |
| Superior English | IELTS: 8 for each component TOEFL: 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing, and 26 for speaking Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 79 in all components Occupational English Test (OET): A for each component Cambridge C1 Advanced test: 200 for each component |
To learn more, you can visit the English Language section of the official immigration website of Australia.
English score bands per course (vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate)
Vocational courses:
The English proficiency scores (minimum) in the case of vocational courses in Australia are relatively lower than any formal courses.
IELTS: Overall score of 5.5 (no band less than 5.0)
TOEFL: Overall score of 50.
Section scores no less than:
Listening: 5
Speaking: 14
Reading: 5
Writing: 15
PTE: Overall score of 42 (no section scores less than 36)
CAE: Overall score of 162. No individual band less than 154
Undergraduate courses:
To get admission to any undergraduate course, a student would need to score the following points:
IELTS– Overall score of 6.0 to 6.5 (no band less than 5.5 to 6.0)
TOEFL- overall score of 60 to 90
Section scores no less than:
Listening: 12
Speaking: 18
Reading: 15
Writing: 21
PTE- Overall score of 50 to 64 (no section scores less than 50)
CAE- Overall score of 169 to 176 (no less than 169 in any category)
Postgraduate courses:
If you are planning to take admission in any postgraduate course, most universities would accept the following minimum scores in any of the approved English language proficiency tests.
IELTS– 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6
TOEFL- overall score of 79
- Section score no less than:
- Listening: 19
- Speaking: 19
- Reading: 18
- Writing: 22
PTE- Overall score 58-64 (with no section score less than 50)
CAE- Overall score of 176. No individual band less than 169.
The above list is only indicative, as these scores may vary between institutions. So, it is always recommended to check with individual colleges or universities before you apply. If you have any queries, our team of migration and immigration experts at Australian Visa Lawyer can guide you on your student visa and pathways to enter Australia.
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