🗞️ Student Visa Update: New English Requirements from 7 August 2025!
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Thinking of applying for a student visa in Australia? Then a major update is coming that could impact your visa application. The Australian Government has released a key update through the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500) Instrument that introduces revised English testing rules and expanded pathway exemptions, effective from 7 August 2025.
Updated English Language Requirement
New Approved English Language Tests: Additional three English language tests are added and now applicants have the following approved test options to meet language requirements:
Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or General Training
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
Michigan English Test (MET)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
English Test Validity Period:
Test results must be from within 2 years before the visa application date (if submitted at the time of application), or
Within 2 years before the visa decision date, if submitted later
Minimum Required English Test Scores: Here is the updated English language test score requirements for Subclass 500 Student Visa.
| Test Name | Standard Requirement (No ELICOS / Pathway) | With 10 Weeks ELICOS or Pathway/Foundation Programs | With 20 Weeks ELICOS |
| IELTS (Academic/GT) | Average band score of 6.0 | Average band score of 5.5 | Average band score of 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | Overall band score of 47 | Overall band score of 39 | Overall band score of 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total band score of 67 | Overall band score of 51 | Overall band score of 37 |
| OET | Overall band score of 1210 | Overall band score of 1090 | Overall band score of 1020 |
| CELPIP General | Overall band score of 7 | Overall band score of 6 | Overall band score of 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall band score of 61 | Overall band score of 54 | Overall band score of 46 |
| MET | Overall band score of 53 | Overall band score of 49 | Overall band score of 44 |
| C1 Advanced | Overall band score of 161 | ❌ Not Accepted | ❌ Not Accepted |
🚫 Who Does Not Need to Meet English Test Requirements?
You don’t need to provide an English test score if you meet any one of the following conditions:
✅ 1. Passport Holders of These Countries
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom
United States of America
✅ 2. Enrolled in One of These Course Types:
A course delivered in a language other than English
An ELICOS course (English language training only)
A school-level course in Australia
A postgraduate research course (e.g., PhD or master’s by Research)
✅ 3. You're applying as a:
Foreign Affairs student
Defence student
Secondary exchange student
✅ 4. Completed Following Recent Australian Study (within 2 years)
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in English in Australia, or
At least part of a Certificate IV or higher qualification in English in Australia while on a student visa
✅ 5. 5 Years of Study in English
You’ve completed at least 5 years of full-time study in English in one or more of these countries:
Australia
Canada
New Zealan
South Africa
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom
United States of America
Final Thoughts
With these new English language requirements taking effect from 7 August 2025, it’s essential that all prospective international students check their test scores, course types, and eligibility for exemptions before applying. If you want any help regarding this change in completing your student visa application, contact us at +61 434202021 and join the Growmore community for every latest update, expert support, and live Q&A sessions.
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