IELTS for Australia 🇦🇺
IELTS scores for Australian visas
Updated 18 June 2026
Australia describes its English requirement in named levels — Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior — and each one maps to an IELTS score. For skilled migration, a higher level is also worth extra points. Here is what each level means and where it is used, taken from the Department of Home Affairs and the migration legislation.
Results from IELTS Academic or General Training are accepted. Unless marked as an average, the figure is the minimum in each of the four skills.
| Level | IELTS requirement | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | 4.5 overall average | Some secondary applicants; basic visas |
| Vocational | 5.0 in each skill | Some skilled and work visas |
| Competent | 6.0 in each skill | Minimum for most skilled visas (0 points) |
| Proficient | 7.0 in each skill | Skilled visas — worth 10 points |
| Superior | 8.0 in each skill | Skilled visas — worth 20 points |
Applies to the points-tested visas: Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491).
| English level | IELTS (each skill) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 | 0 (minimum to qualify) |
| Proficient | 7.0 | 10 |
| Superior | 8.0 | 20 |
Skilled migration: how English becomes points
For the popular skilled visas — subclass 189, 190 and 491 — you must reach at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each skill) just to be eligible. At that level you score zero English points, but you are in the game.
Above that, English is one of the easiest places to earn ranking points. Proficient English (7.0 in each skill) is worth 10 points, and Superior English (8.0 in each skill) is worth 20 points. Because invitations are competitive, moving from a 6 to a 7 — or a 7 to an 8 — across all four skills can make a real difference to your total.
These figures come from Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations, the legally binding points table.
Studying in Australia (subclass 500)
The student visa has its own English rule, set in current migration law. The standard requirement is IELTS 6.0 (overall), but it can be lower if you bundle an English course with your studies: 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or an eligible pathway programme, or 5.0 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS.
Remember this is only the visa minimum. Universities and courses often ask for more — commonly 6.5 or 7.0 overall — so the score that actually gets you a place may be higher than the visa floor. Some applicants are also exempt from the test, for example passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.
Not sure what your scores add up to? Try the band score calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What does Competent, Proficient and Superior English mean in IELTS?
Competent English is IELTS 6.0 in each skill, Proficient is 7.0 in each skill, and Superior is 8.0 in each skill. Functional English is a 4.5 overall average.
How many points is IELTS worth for an Australian skilled visa?
Proficient English (7.0 in each skill) is worth 10 points and Superior English (8.0 in each skill) is worth 20 points. Competent English (6.0) is the minimum to qualify but scores 0 points.
Can I use IELTS General Training for Australian migration?
Yes. Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for its English levels. (Online or at-home IELTS is not accepted.)
What IELTS score do I need for an Australian student visa?
The subclass 500 student visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall, or 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of English study, or 5.0 with at least 20 weeks. Your university may require a higher score for admission.
Which visas use the points test?
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas are points-tested and use the English points above.
Official sources
- Home Affairs — Competent English
- Home Affairs — Proficient English
- Home Affairs — Superior English
- Migration Regulations 1994 — Schedule 6D points table
- Student visa (subclass 500) English instrument LIN 25/090
Requirements change. Always confirm the current rule on the official government page before you apply. ieltspractice.app is independent and not affiliated with IDP, Cambridge English, the British Council, or any government.