Australia describes English ability for visas in levels such as Functional, Competent, Proficient and Superior English. Each level has its own minimum scores, and the numbers are different for each test and sometimes for each skill.
These articles explain what each level means, which scores meet it for IELTS, PTE Academic and OET, and how to plan your practice around the skill that needs the most work.
English test results before August 2025 may be used for Australian visas until 6 August 2028. Which PTE minimums apply, and the dates to check first.
· 6 min read
How is the IELTS overall band calculated? The average of four sections, rounded to the nearest half band: what .25 and .75 do, with examples to check yours.
· 6 min read
IELTS or PTE for Australia PR? IELTS asks one band in every skill, PTE a different score per skill. Compare both and pick the test that suits your weak skill.
· 8 min read
The OET score for an Australian visa is set per sub-test, not by grade. Competent, Proficient and Superior English in numbers, and how to plan for each.
· 6 min read
Superior English for Australia means IELTS 8 each, but PTE and OET set a different score for each skill. See the official minimums before you book.
· 6 min read
IELTS One Skill Retake in Australia counts for visa tests taken from 7 August 2025. See when a retake can fix one short skill, and when it cannot.
· 6 min read
Proficient English for Australian visas needs a set score in every skill. The IELTS, PTE Academic and OET numbers, and what counts as an accepted test.
· 6 min read
Competent English for an Australian visa needs an exact score per skill. See the IELTS, PTE Academic and OET numbers Home Affairs asks for right now.
· 5 min read
PTE score requirements for Australia changed for tests from 7 August 2025. See the new minimums skill by skill, who can use old results and what to do now.
· 8 min read