English Level Scores and Requirements for Australian Visas

English language requirements for Australian visas

The Department of Home Affairs requires some visa applicants to provide evidence of their English language ability. This helps ensure visa holders can live, work, and participate effectively in the Australian community.

How English proficiency is assessed

You must provide results from an approved English language test. The test must be taken in person at a secure testing centre. Fully online or at‑home English tests are not accepted.

English Test Scores

Functional English

Functional English refers to basic communication ability used for simple, everyday situations. Someone at this level can understand short, clear messages and respond using familiar words and phrases.

This level allows a person to manage essential daily tasks such as asking for basic information, reading simple notices, and understanding straightforward instructions. Communication is limited and usually slow, and the person may rely on repetition or clarification. Functional English is not intended for professional or complex workplace communication.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	5	5	5	5
PTE Academic	33	36	29	24
TOEFL iBT	8	8	9	14
CELPIP General	5	5	5	5
OET	220	240	200	270

Vocational English

Vocational English describes practical English used in routine work environments. A person with this level of English can communicate effectively in jobs that involve standard tasks, predictable situations, and clear instructions.

They can understand workplace conversations, follow safety guidelines, and exchange information with colleagues or supervisors. While communication is generally effective, it may lack depth when dealing with complex or technical topics. This level is suitable for roles that require functional workplace communication rather than advanced professional language.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	5	5	5	5
PTE Academic	33	36	29	24
TOEFL iBT	8	8	9	14
CELPIP	5	5	5	5
OET	220	240	200	270

Competent English

Competent English indicates a strong, independent command of English suitable for most professional and social settings. A person at this level can communicate clearly and confidently without regular assistance or clarification.

They are able to understand detailed instructions, participate in discussions, read workplace documents, and write clearly for everyday professional purposes. Competent English is considered the standard language requirement for most skilled migration pathways.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	6	6	6	6
PTE Academic	47	48	51	54
TOEFL iBT	16	16	19	19
CELPIP	7	7	7	7
OET	290	310	290	330

Proficient English

Proficient English reflects a high level of accuracy, fluency, and understanding. Communication is natural and effective across a wide range of professional and academic contexts.

A person with Proficient English can express ideas clearly, understand complex discussions, and communicate with confidence in meetings, presentations, and written correspondence. Errors are infrequent and do not affect meaning.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	7	7	7	7
PTE Academic	58	59	69	76
TOEFL iBT	22	22	26	24
CELPIP	9	8	10	8
OET	350	360	380	360

Superior English

Superior English represents advanced, near‑native ability across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Communication is precise, nuanced, and effortless in both professional and academic environments.

Individuals at this level can understand subtle meaning, complex arguments, and idiomatic expressions. They can produce sophisticated written and spoken English suitable for leadership, specialist, or highly competitive roles.

Test	L	R	W	S
IELTS	8	8	8	8
PTE Academic	69	70	85	88
TOEFL iBT	26	27	30	28
CELPIP	10	10	12	10
OET	390	400	420	410