English Test Comparison for Australian Visas

Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, and OET scores required for Australian visa applications. See which level you need and which test suits you best.

Level	Points	IELTS	PTE	TOEFL	Cambridge	OET
Functional Minimum for some visas (482 short-term)	0	4.5	30	32	147	N/A
Vocational Minimum for 482 medium-term stream	0	5.0	36	35	154	N/A
Competent Minimum for most skilled visas (189, 190, 491)	0	6.0	50	60	169	B
Proficient 10 bonus points for skilled migration	+10	7.0	65	79	185	B
Superior 20 bonus points — maximum English score	+20	8.0	79	94	200	A

Which Test Should You Take?

IELTS Academic

$395

Frequency: Multiple times per month

Results in: 13 days

Valid for: 3 years (for immigration)

Best for: Most widely accepted. Good if you prefer paper-based tests.

Tip: Book early — popular dates fill up fast. Practice with official Cambridge materials.

PTE Academic

$410

Frequency: Almost daily

Results in: 1-2 days

Valid for: 2 years

Best for: Fastest results. Computer-based. Many find it easier to score higher.

Tip: Great for people who struggle with IELTS writing. AI marking is more consistent.

TOEFL iBT

$330

Frequency: 50+ dates per year

Results in: 4-8 days

Valid for: 2 years

Best for: American English speakers. Accepted for most visa types.

Tip: Integrated tasks (reading + listening + speaking) can be tricky. Practice these specifically.

Cambridge C1 Advanced

$395

Frequency: 6 dates per year

Results in: 2-4 weeks

Valid for: No expiry (but immigration uses 3-year window)

Best for: If you need a certificate that doesn't expire. Good for skilled migration.

Tip: Fewer test dates means you need to plan ahead. Results take longest of all tests.

OET (Occupational English Test)

$587

Frequency: Monthly

Results in: 16 business days

Valid for: 2 years

Best for: Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists).

Tip: Designed specifically for healthcare. Uses medical scenarios. Accepted by AHPRA.

Need help choosing the right English test?

A migration agent can advise which test and score level you need for your specific visa pathway.

Find an Agent

Score equivalences are based on Department of Home Affairs guidelines. Always confirm current requirements with the Department or a MARA-registered migration agent.