Almost everyone thinking about studying in Australia wonders what level of English will be required. This is a general information guide — not an assessment of your case — so you understand how the topic is usually framed before you sit down to sort it out.
Why is English required?
English shows up on two levels worth not confusing: the visa and the institution where you’ll study. The official visa information may require demonstrating a minimum level, and separately the education provider sets its own to admit you to the course. They don’t always match.
Tests that are usually recognised
Broadly, standardised tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the OET (for health fields) are usually accepted. Which one works, and with what result, depends on the visa and the course, so the current list is worth checking at the official source and with the institution.
The score depends on your case
This is where people get most confused: there is no single number that works for everything. The required result varies by visa type, by the level and type of course, and sometimes by whether you’ll first do a bridging English course. That’s why we don’t give figures here — they change and depend on your situation; the current figure is at the official source and with your institution.
Exemptions and alternative paths
General information allows for situations where the test may not be needed — for example, certain cases based on nationality or prior study completed in English — as well as bridging English courses when the level needs strengthening. Whether or not you fit an exemption is exactly the kind of thing worth reviewing case by case.
Things worth knowing
- Test results usually have a limited validity period.
- It’s worth booking ahead: slots and dates fill up.
- Your institution’s requirement can differ from the visa’s: check both.
- The rules update; always confirm what’s current before paying for a test.
The next step
Every situation has its nuances, and every country of origin its own. If you’d like to look at how this applies to your case, contact us and we’ll go through it with you.
Want to review your situation? Contact us →
General information · not individual legal advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au