Last updated: 30 March 2026

English Test for Australia PR: IELTS, PTE and OET Compared

English proficiency is a core requirement for permanent residency in Australia. Not only must you meet a minimum threshold to be eligible for a points-tested visa, but your English level also directly determines how many points you score — and those points can make the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely. This page explains which tests are accepted, what scores are needed at each proficiency level, and how to choose between the available options.

Accepted English Tests for Australian Skilled Migration

The Department of Home Affairs accepts five English proficiency tests for skilled migration visa applications. Each test has a different format, scoring scale, and target audience.

For most applicants, the practical choice comes down to IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1 Advanced are less commonly used for migration purposes, though they are fully accepted. OET is relevant primarily for healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and others in clinical roles).

English Proficiency Levels and Points

For points-tested visas, English proficiency is classified into three levels: Competent, Proficient, and Superior. Each level has a defined score threshold across all test types. The points awarded are confirmed by the official points table published at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au:

Competent English

Competent English is the minimum requirement to be eligible for an invitation on the 189, 190, or 491. It earns zero bonus points but satisfies the entry threshold.

Proficient English

Proficient English earns 10 points in the points test. This is the first level that provides a positive contribution to your score.

Superior English

Superior English earns 20 points — the maximum available for this factor. For many applicants with a score that is close to competitive, moving from Proficient to Superior is the single most efficient points improvement available.

IELTS vs PTE: Detailed Comparison

These are the two tests used by the overwhelming majority of skilled migration applicants. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter for your decision.

When IELTS may suit you better:

• You perform better in face-to-face conversation than in recorded responses
• You have more access to IELTS preparation materials and study groups
• You prefer the human-scored speaking format

When PTE may suit you better:

• You prefer a structured, objective, AI-scored approach
• You want faster results (48 hours vs 5–7 days)
• You are comfortable with computer-based interfaces
• Your speaking ability is strong but you are concerned about subjective examiner assessment

OET for Healthcare Professionals

The Occupational English Test is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and assesses English proficiency in real clinical settings — patient consultations, medical documentation, and professional communication.

OET is accepted for skilled migration purposes for healthcare occupations. If you are a nurse, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or in another clinical role, OET may feel more natural and contextually relevant than IELTS Academic.

OET scoring:

• Scored from A (highest) to E (lowest) in each of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
• For Competent or Proficient English: Grade B in each component
• For Superior English: Grade A in each component

OET is not accepted as a substitute for IELTS or PTE by all assessing bodies for skills assessment purposes. Before choosing OET, confirm it is accepted for both your visa application and your skills assessment body.

Test Score Validity

English test results are valid for three years from the date you sat the test — not from the date the results were issued.

This means:

• If you sat your IELTS test on 15 March 2024, your result is valid until 14 March 2027
• If your PR visa application is lodged after that date, you will need a new test result
• If you plan to lodge an EOI now and expect the visa application to follow 12–18 months later, check that your test result will still be within its three-year window at the time of visa lodgement, not just EOI lodgement

Some applicants sit their English test early to start EOI preparation, then need to resit because the result expires before the visa application is lodged. Planning your test timing relative to your expected lodgement date avoids this cost.

Strategic Considerations

Targeting Superior is worth the effort for most applicants

The difference between Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each band) and Superior (IELTS 8.0 each band) is 10 points. For applicants in the 75–85 points range, those 10 points are often the difference between waiting years for an invitation and receiving one in the next round. Investing time in preparation to push your score from 7.0 to 8.0 is one of the highest-return activities you can do for your PR application.

Ensure your score meets requirements in every band

A common pitfall is averaging out to a high score but falling below threshold in one band — typically Writing or Speaking. The Department’s requirements are “6.0 in each band” (not an average of 6.0). A result of 7.5, 7.5, 7.5, 5.5 does not meet Proficient English even though three of the four bands are above 7.0. Preparation should specifically address your weakest component.

Check skills assessment body requirements

Your skills assessment body may have their own English requirements that are separate from the points test framework. ACS, Engineers Australia, and VETASSESS each have specific English requirements for assessment eligibility. These requirements may align with the Department’s competency framework or may differ. Check both sets of requirements before selecting your test and target score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use IELTS General Training instead of IELTS Academic for PR?

No. For skilled migration visa applications, the Department of Home Affairs requires IELTS Academic (not General Training). IELTS General Training is used for some family and employer-sponsored visa applications, but for the points test (189, 190, 491), IELTS Academic is the required format. Most skills assessment bodies also specify IELTS Academic.

What if I am a native English speaker from an exempt country?

Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland are exempt from the English test requirement for skilled migration visas. If you hold citizenship (not just residency) in one of these countries, you satisfy the English requirement without sitting a test and are treated as having Superior English for points purposes. Confirm your citizenship status with Home Affairs guidelines, as passport type and citizenship can differ.

Can I combine scores from different English tests?

No. You must meet the required proficiency level within a single test sitting across all four components. You cannot, for example, use your IELTS Listening score from one sitting with your PTE Writing score from another sitting. All four components must come from the same test and the same sitting date.