If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, there’s a crucial update you need to know!
From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced new English language score requirements under the latest legislative instrument (LIN 25/016). This update significantly affects those taking the PTE Academic and OET exams. The IELTS scores remain unchanged for now, but PTE and OET test takers must pay close attention to the new, more specific requirements.
Let’s break it down.
What’s Changed?
1. Each Skill Must Meet the Required Score
Under the new rules, each skill — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — must meet the minimum required score based on the English level you’re targeting (e.g. Superior, Proficient, Competent, or Vocational English). This change brings more clarity.
PTE Academic – What Are the New Scores?
Let’s take a look at how PTE scores have changed:
🔹 Superior English
- Writing: Increased from 79 ➡️ 85
- Speaking: Increased from 79 ➡️ 88
- Listening & Reading: 69 and 70, respectively, reduced from 79
🔹 Proficient English
- Listening: Reduced from 65 ➡️ 58
- Speaking: Increased from 65 ➡️ 76
- Writing: Increased from 65 ➡️ 69
- Reading: Reduced from 65 ➡️59
🔹 Competent English
- Listening: Reduced from 50 ➡️ 47
- Speaking: Increased from 50 ➡️ 54
- Writing: Increased from 50 ➡️51
- Reading: Reduced from 50 ➡️ 48
🔹 Vocational English
- Listening: 36 ➡️ 33
- Speaking: 24
- Writing: 29
- Reading: 36
Key takeaway: If you’re aiming for a Superior English level, expect a tougher challenge, especially in Writing and Speaking.
OET – What Are the New Score Requirements?
The Occupational English Test (OET), used mainly by healthcare professionals, has also seen a major shift. The OET scoring format was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025.
Here’s what the revised scores are:
🔹 Superior English
- Writing: 420
- Speaking: 400
- Listening & Reading: 390 and 400 respectively
🔹 Proficient English
- Writing: 380
- Speaking: 360
- Listening & Reading: 350 and 360 respectively
🔹 Competent and Vocational English
- New numeric scores (between 200–330) for each skill
Important Note: Previously, OET allowed any score within a band, but now you must hit the minimum in every skill area.
IELTS – No Changes
If you’re planning to take IELTS for your migration application, you’re in luck.
There are no changes to IELTS requirements as of now. The same scoring system and benchmarks apply. This may make IELTS a more attractive option for candidates who are strong in some areas but need flexibility in others.
Newly Approved Tests
LANGUAGECERT Academic, CELPIP General, and the Michigan English Test (MET) have been added to the previous list of approved tests.
Why This Change Matters
These changes reflect Australia’s increasing focus on ensuring that migrants possess strong and balanced communication skills — critical for integration into the workforce and society.
For applicants:
- You’ll need to be well-prepared across all four skills.
- You can’t rely on just “passing overall”.
- A weak score in one area can delay or block your visa or migration outcome.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re preparing for Australian migration in 2025 or beyond:
- Get your English assessed early.
- Choose the right test for your strengths.
- Work with experienced coaches or training providers.
- Stay updated — policies can change again!
Whether you’re a nurse, student, skilled worker, or professional — your English test score matters more than ever.
Final Thoughts
The English test you choose — and how well you prepare for it — can shape your future in Australia. Don’t let these changes catch you off guard. Prepare smart, stay informed, and take your next step toward Australia with confidence.
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00905/asmade/text
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