Australia Expands Approved English Language Tests for Student Visas

If you are planning to study in Australia, one of the most important steps in your Australia Student Visa application is proving your English language ability. The Australian Government requires international students to demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English so they can succeed in their studies and daily life abroad.

Major Update for Australia Student Visa Applicants

Until now, students could only choose from a limited number of approved English tests. But on 7 August 2025, the Australian Government announced a major update — there are now 9 English language tests that will be accepted for Australia student Visa applications.

This change is a big advantage for students because it provides more flexibility, more choice, and easier access to test centers around the world.

Key Highlights of the Update

• More Approved Tests – There are now 9 official English language tests that can be used for visa applications.
• Old Tests Still Accepted – Any tests that were already approved continue to be valid.
• Same English Ability Level – The required level of English has not changed. However, some test scores were slightly adjusted to align with each other. For example, the TOEFL iBT score requirement has increased from 64 to 67.
• Validity of Results – Results from the updated test list are accepted if the test was taken on or after 7 August 2025.
• Tests Taken Earlier – In most cases, results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 will remain valid for 24 months before applying for an Australia Student Visa.

Updated List of Approved English Tests

The Department of Home Affairs will now accept the following tests for student visa applications in Australia:

1. Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
2. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General
3. IELTS Academic
4. IELTS General Training
5. LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
6. Michigan English Test (MET)
7. Occupational English Test (OET)
8. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
9. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Why This Update Matters for Australian Student Visa

For many students, getting the required English test score is one of the biggest challenges in the visa process. Different students perform better on different test formats — some may prefer IELTS, while others may be more confident with PTE or CELPIP.

By expanding the approved list to 9 tests, the Australian Government has made the visa process more student-friendly. This ensures:

• More flexibility in choosing a test that matches your strengths.
• Easier access to test centres in different countries.
• Reduced pressure of limited options, making the visa process smoother.
• Fair evaluation since all test scores are now aligned with the same English language requirement.

What You Should Do When Applying for an Australian Student Visa

If you are planning to apply for an Australian Student visa:

• Make sure you take one of the approved tests from the updated list.
• Confirm that your test results are valid at the time of your visa application.
• Achieve the minimum English score required for your chosen course and visa evidence level.

At Jupiter Consultant, we help students every step of the way — from choosing the right course and university to guiding you through Australia Student Visa requirements. With the latest updates, our team ensures that you stay fully informed and prepared for your study abroad journey in Australia.

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