IELTS Score Required for Australian Immigration 2026: Complete Guide

The IELTS score required for immigration to Australia starts at 6.0 in each skill for most skilled visas (189, 190 and 491), but this gives you no extra points for English. To earn 10 points, you need Band 7.0 in every skill; for 20 points, you need Band 8.0 in every skill.

This is a crucial distinction: the Australian migration system uses points, with a minimum eligibility score of 65, while invitations often go to applicants who exceed that threshold. Increasing your score by half a band could lift you from zero English-language points to 10 points.

This guide covers scores for each visa, requirements for licensed professions and how a partner’s English score affects your application, based on Australian Department of Home Affairs updates dated 7 August 2025.

What IELTS Score Is Required to Immigrate to Australia?

In short, the score ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 according to the visa subclass:

• 1. Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent: IELTS 6.0 in each skill (Competent English).
• 2. Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated: IELTS 6.0 in each skill; state nomination adds five points independently of your English score.
• 3. Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional: IELTS 6.0 in each skill; regional nomination adds 15 points.
• 4. Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate: Overall IELTS 6.5 and at least 5.5 in each skill, using an overall score as well as individual minimums.
• 5. Subclass 188 — Business Innovation and Investment: An average IELTS 4.5, or payment of the Second Visa Application Charge (Second VAC) instead of providing English evidence.
• 6. Subclass 887 — Skilled Regional Permanent: No new test, but evidence of IELTS 4.5 at the time the previous visa was issued.
• 7. Subclass 489 — Skilled Regional Provisional: An average IELTS 4.5. The route closed in 2019 and now concerns transitional cases such as former 475 or 487 visa holders.
• 8. IELTS type: The figures above refer to IELTS General Training. Some professional assessments, including teaching, medicine and engineering, require IELTS Academic.

You can also consult our detailed guide to IELTS scores for migration to compare destinations.

IELTS Requirements by Australian Visa Type (2026 Updates)

The IELTS score needed for Australian immigration varies by visa. The Australian Government sets minimum English proficiency levels to help migrants integrate and participate effectively in the community.

Here are the required scores in light of the Department of Home Affairs changes effective 7 August 2025, together with the accepted English tests.

Unless otherwise stated, these scores relate to IELTS General Training rather than Academic. See our guide comparing IELTS General Training and Academic if you are unsure which is right for your goal.

1. Skilled Independent Visa — Subclass 189

• Required score: At least IELTS 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (Competent English).
• Is 6.0 enough? It satisfies the initial requirement but gives no extra points. Band 7.0 or 8.0 in all skills gives 10 or 20 English points.
• Points system: At least 65 points are required for eligibility. See the official visa details.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa — Subclass 190

• Required score: At least IELTS 6.0 in each skill, as for Subclass 189.
• Additional benefit: State or territory nomination contributes five points.
• Tip: Some states prefer higher IELTS scores or impose occupation-specific rules. Check the official visa requirements.

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa — Subclass 491

• Required score: IELTS 6.0 in each of the four skills.
• Benefits: A provisional five-year stay and 15 additional points for the regional visa pathway.
• Tip: Some states request Band 7.0 in highly competitive occupations. Read the visa details.

4. Temporary Graduate Visa — Subclass 485 (Post-Study Work)

• Required score: IELTS overall 6.5, with no individual skill below 5.5.
• Additional requirements: Graduation from an Australian university within the past six months and an age below 50.
• Visa duration: Two to three years, depending on qualification.
• Important note: An additional two-year extension is described for graduates from regional areas. Read the official Subclass 485 conditions.

5. Skilled Regional Provisional Visa — Subclass 489

• Required score: An average IELTS 4.5 across the four skills (not necessarily in each skill), at Functional English level.
• Legacy status: This regional visa was replaced by Subclass 491 in 2019, but still applies to some transitional cases, such as former 475 or 487 holders or family members covered by an earlier application.
• Alternative evidence for Functional English: A university degree, diploma or vocational certificate based on two years of full-time education entirely taught in English; all primary education plus at least three years of secondary school entirely in English; at least five secondary-school years taught in English; or at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study toward a qualification at an Australian institution.

Review the former visa page.

6. Skilled Regional Permanent Visa — Subclass 887

• English requirement: No new test at application, but evidence that you held Functional English (an IELTS 4.5 average) on your earlier visa.
• Other conditions: Residence and work in a regional area for at least two years. Official Subclass 887 requirements.

7. Business Innovation and Investment Visa — Subclass 188

• Required score: An IELTS average of 4.5 (Functional English), or payment of the Second VAC if you lack English evidence.
• Streams: Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor and Entrepreneur.
• Stay: Five years, with a possible later permanent residence pathway through Subclass 888. Official Subclass 188 guide.

How Does IELTS Affect the Australian Immigration Points System?

Applicants are assessed through a comprehensive points system that considers age, education, experience and English proficiency. Your IELTS band can therefore play a central role in earning additional points.

Officially Recognised English Proficiency Levels

The Australian Department of Home Affairs identifies three principal levels of English for migration points:

As your IELTS score rises, you improve your prospects of exceeding the 65-point minimum and receiving an invitation.

Vocational English: This level falls between Functional and Competent English and requires IELTS 5.0 in each of the four skills.

For other tests accepted since 7 August 2025, CELPIP General requires 5 in each skill, PTE Academic at Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29 and Speaking 24, and TOEFL iBT at Listening 8, Reading 8, Writing 9 and Speaking 14. A valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States may also provide evidence for this level.

Important note — August 2026 update: Australia’s Department of Home Affairs changed its list of accepted English-language tests starting on 7 August 2025.

Fully online at-home tests are not accepted, including IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home, CELPIP Online, LANGUAGECERT Academic Online and MET Digital (at home). The language test must take place at an approved official testing centre.

For Competent English, a valid passport showing citizenship of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States can also serve as evidence, with no language test required. See the official English language requirements.

Read also: A complete guide to studying on scholarship in Australia.

IELTS Requirements by Profession and Occupation in Australia

Even if you achieve the IELTS score required for immigration to Australia, you may need a higher result if your profession requires a licence or professional registration. Some Australian professional bodies have their own language standards above the minimum immigration requirement. Here are key examples:

1. Teachers and Educators

• Usually required: Listening and Speaking 8.0; Reading and Writing 7.0.
• Test: IELTS Academic.
• Assessment authority: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
• Important notes: Some university qualifications taught in English may be accepted instead. It is preferable to provide results from a single sitting obtained within two years of the application.

2. Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacists)

• Accepted tests: IELTS Academic or the Occupational English Test (OET), often preferred by healthcare practitioners.
• Required scores: Most professional authorities ask for at least IELTS 7.0 in every skill or Grade B in each OET section.
• Regulators: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA / NMBA), and the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

3. Engineers and Technical Professionals

• Test: IELTS Academic.
• Required score: Usually 6.0 in each skill (Competent English).
• Assessment body: Engineers Australia.
• Important note: Certain engineering specialisations may require higher scores according to the state or employer.

4. Accountants and Finance Professionals

• Required score: Often 7.0 or higher in each skill.
• Accepted test: IELTS Academic or General Training, depending on the purpose.
• Responsible bodies: CPA Australia; Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand; Institute of Public Accountants.

5. Information Technology Specialists

• Test: IELTS Academic or General Training.
• Required score: Generally 6.0–7.0 depending on role.
• Assessment body: Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Important: Some immigration programmes do not ask for IELTS results directly, but professional organisations may require them to complete a successful skills assessment, which is a key part of the visa application.

Read also: Our complete guide to IELTS for immigration to Canada 2026.

How Do a Spouse’s and Children’s IELTS Scores Affect an Australian Immigration Application?

When applying through the Australian points-tested migration system, you should consider not only your own IELTS score but also the English proficiency of family members, especially your husband or wife, because it may directly affect your total points.

1. English-Language Points for Your Spouse or Partner

A principal applicant may receive additional points if their spouse or partner demonstrates the following English proficiency:

The partner must also be professionally eligible, meaning that they have a successful skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant list.

2. IELTS Requirements for Children Over 18

Whether someone can take IELTS after migrating to Australia depends on their visa situation. For example, adult dependent children over 18 may sometimes defer their English evidence and pay an additional charge to support English-language study after arrival.

• Minimum accepted level: Functional English, equivalent to an average IELTS score of at least 4.5 across all four skills.
• Possible alternatives: Evidence of at least five years of study in an English-language education environment, or an official examination certificate such as IELTS or PTE.

3. Family Strategies for Improving Your Chances

• Assign roles: Decide whether the husband or wife should be the primary applicant.
• Prepare together: Joint IELTS preparation can reduce costs and increase the points available.
• Focus on one partner: Aim for at least Proficient English to obtain an extra 10 points.

Including a spouse’s or children’s language results is not always mandatory, but it can make a decisive difference when competing for an invitation, particularly through Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190).

Read also: A complete guide to the Aramco scholarship programme 2026.

What IELTS Score Is Required for Studying and Working in Australia?

Whether you want to immigrate or are looking for IELTS requirements to study in Australia, scores vary with the type of visa and academic programme. Below is a breakdown of the most important targets by purpose.

1. Studying at Australian Universities

IELTS requirements for study in Australia depend on the university and specialisation, but they generally fall within these ranges:

Certain majors, including medicine, pharmacy and law, may require higher Writing or Speaking bands. Always check the university’s official website.

2. Working Through Skilled Migration Programmes

To qualify to work in Australia through the points-tested migration system, you generally must demonstrate at least Competent English:

• IELTS General Training Band 6.0 in each skill.
• You can earn additional points with Band 7.0 or 8.0 as explained earlier.

You can review the details for each visa on the official Australian immigration website.

3. Studying and Working After Graduation — Subclass 485

For graduates of Australian universities, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) grants temporary residence after graduation.

Tip: If your long-term aim is permanent residency, consider increasing your IELTS score to 7.0 or higher to earn extra points and improve your eligibility for visas such as subclasses 189 and 190.

The IELTS Type Required for Australian Immigration and Accepted Alternatives

For further details, see our guide to IELTS score requirements for immigration.

Tests recognised from 7 August 2025 include:

• IELTS Academic and General Training (including One Skill Retake).
• PTE Academic.
• TOEFL iBT.
• OET (for healthcare professionals).
• LANGUAGECERT Academic.
• Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR).
• CELPIP General.

Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) is also accepted on the new list for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, provided it is taken at an authorised testing centre.

Note: Fully online versions such as IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Read also: The IELTS score required for scholarships.

Updated Score Tables for Language Tests Accepted for Australian Immigration

(For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)

Competent English (0 points — basic requirement only)

Proficient English (10 points)

Superior English (20 points)

Last updated: 7 August 2025, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

How Should You Choose the Most Suitable Test?

• Choose IELTS if you prefer the preparation resources and support available in Saudi Arabia.
• Choose PTE if you want a test with fast results.
• Choose OET if you are a doctor or other healthcare professional.
• Avoid online-at-home versions that are not accepted for visa applications.

For the official English requirements for your particular visa, see the Department of Home Affairs requirements.

• In addition to the tests in the tables, the Department of Home Affairs has accepted CELPIP General, Michigan English Test (MET) including Single Section Retake (SSR), and LANGUAGECERT Academic since 7 August 2025. All must be taken at a secure approved test centre.
• TOEFL iBT booking warning: Select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” during registration. Results obtained without this booking pathway may not be accepted for Australian visa purposes even if the score itself meets the threshold.

Read also: What is the difference between IELTS and STEP, and which is better?

Australian Permanent Residence Points Calculator and the Impact of IELTS

Australia’s immigration programme uses a points system. You can estimate your points based on age, education, work experience, English-language proficiency and other factors. This makes IELTS an important component that can significantly affect your final total.

How to Use the Official Points Calculator

The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers an official tool to estimate your immigration points. Select your visa class, for example Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), then answer questions such as:

• Your age.
• Your highest educational qualification.
• Your years of Australian or overseas work experience.
• Your language-test results, such as IELTS or an equivalent.
• Your spouse’s or partner’s qualifications, if any.
• Whether you studied in Australia or obtained state nomination.

Try the official Australian immigration points calculator.

Factors That Affect Australian Migration Points

Important: Even an extra half band in IELTS can move you to a higher level such as Proficient English, earning 10 additional points.

Practical Ways to Increase Your Points

• Try to reach IELTS 7.0 or 8.0 to earn 10 or 20 extra points.
• Make the most of your partner’s qualifications if they have a degree or strong IELTS result.
• Consider studying in Australia or in a regional area to gain more points.
• Follow the official skilled-occupation updates and submit your application at the appropriate time.

A smart first step: If you are wondering whether the IELTS score for migration to Australia is within your reach, begin with a free GoIELTS mock test. It provides an estimate of your current level and a personalised improvement plan to help you work toward a higher score and more migration points.

Practical Tips for Achieving the IELTS Score Required for Australia

Getting the IELTS score you need for Australian migration or study is not a matter of luck. It requires a realistic and consistent training plan. Whether your aim is a points-tested visa or university admission, increasing your IELTS score can make a meaningful difference to your future.

First, Identify the Exact Score You Need

Before preparing, confirm the score required for the visa type or academic programme you are targeting. Here is a general guide:

Remember: moving from IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 can earn you 10 extra points in the migration points system, a difference that may be critical for an invitation.

Effective IELTS Preparation Strategies

• Take a mock test to assess your actual level and identify weaker skills. A free GoIELTS mock can help you understand where you stand.
• Divide preparation time across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS preparation for Australia requires balanced practice, not strength in just one skill.
• Use official Cambridge sample exams and practise in conditions that resemble the real test. GoIELTS offers this along with skill-by-skill evaluation.
• Choose a suitable test date and allow enough time for serious preparation, usually four to eight weeks.
• Review official marking samples regularly and understand how each task is assessed. GoIELTS provides personalised AI feedback to support continuous improvement.

Every extra point you achieve may open another opportunity for admission or immigration. Prepare intelligently and effectively from the outset.

Read also: How to prepare for IELTS in seven simple steps.

Try GoIELTS: Practise as if You Were Taking the Real Test

If you are serious about achieving the IELTS score required for immigration to Australia or an academic goal, do not waste time on random exercises.

GoIELTS provides a close simulation of the IELTS test, including:

• Realistic skill-by-skill evaluation (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) based on official Cambridge-style exam materials.
• An estimated band score designed to help you gauge how close you are to the official result.
• A training plan tailored to your goal and weaker areas, taking you step by step toward the required band.
• Smart tips and recommendations for improving performance in every section.

Start your free GoIELTS mock test now and move closer to your immigration or study goal without guesswork or wasted time.

2026 Updates to Australian Immigration and IELTS Requirements

From the IELTS requirements for immigration to Australia in 2017 to the updates of 2026, immigration policy has seen important changes to English requirements, eligible professions and the application process. It is therefore essential to stay informed before booking IELTS or preparing your application.

What Is New in Australian Immigration Policy in 2026?

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the key changes include:

• Updated Skilled Occupation Lists: Some occupations no longer in demand have been removed and new ones added according to Australian labour-market needs.
• More invitations: Increased invitation numbers for programmes such as subclasses 189 and 491, creating more opportunities for candidates with IELTS 6.0–7.0.
• More focus on regional Australia: Encouraging applicants to settle and work outside major cities.
• Improved digital applications: Changes have made it easier and faster to track applications.

Updates to the IELTS Test Itself

Alongside visa-policy changes, IELTS for immigration to Australia has seen technical and administrative developments, including:

• One Skill Retake: Retake just one skill at participating centres if you missed your target in one section.
• Greater use of IELTS on Computer: Computer delivery allows faster results and may reduce test-day pressure.
• Improved result reporting: Electronic copies can now be sent directly to more institutions.

IELTS results used for Competent, Proficient, Superior and Vocational English are valid for three years from the test date for Australian immigration purposes, while Functional English results are valid for 12 months.

For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, results may be used as English-language evidence for visas until 6 August 2028 inclusive for Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior English, depending on the visa being applied for. For Functional English, older test results are valid only until 6 August 2026.

These changes give you more flexibility when planning to obtain the IELTS band required for migration to Australia.

How Should You Prepare for Future Changes?

To respond intelligently to these developments:

• Regularly monitor the official Australian immigration website.
• Track the eligible occupation lists for your chosen state.
• Plan a One Skill Retake if appropriate and eligible.
• Focus on developing your language skills rather than stopping at the minimum required score.

Every improvement in your English can bring you closer to having your application accepted and earning additional points in the points-based migration system.

Read also: What is the EmSAT score equivalent to in IELTS, and which test suits you?

About the Content Team at GoIELTS

GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.

We follow clear editorial standards for accuracy and quality — read our Editorial Policy

✍️ Mohamed Saeed

Educational content specialist with extensive experience in IELTS preparation. I currently write for GoIELTS, where I create in-depth educational content and advanced strategies to help students perform at their best on the IELTS test. Through this work, I contribute to creating content that helps students develop their skills across all sections of the test, improving their chances of achieving high band scores.

View all articles by Mohamed Saeed

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