Best English Tests For Australian Immigration (Updated 2025)

by Moni Vuong

Published on 03/02/2025
Last Updated 03/02/2025

Which is the best English test for Australian immigration?

This blog will explain the importance of English proficiency in Australia, which tests are approved, their requirements, and the better option.

Stay tuned for more!

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Key Takeaways

English proficiency tests mainly focus on four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Which English test you choose for your Australian immigration process will shape your future.
The biggest advantage and difference between the PTE Academic and other English tests is its AI-scoring system.
The Australian government has five English proficiency levels for visa applications.
PTE Magic provides the overall PTE score for study, work, and general immigration visas below.

Related:

The Importance Of English Proficiency In Australian Immigration

English tests are important for Australian immigration because they measure your language ability to live in an English environment.

English proficiency tests mainly focus on four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Listening and speaking are crucial for daily interactions and socialising, while reading and writing are more focused on in academic settings.

Moreover, English tests are proof of your adaptability. Aside from the paperwork, immigration is about preparing for a foreign life where you connect and learn the culture in another language. Understanding English is your foundation for achieving success in Australia.

Which English Tests Does Australia Accept?

Which English test you choose for your Australian immigration process will shape your future. There are four main tests that Australia currently accepts:

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

However, each test has different approaches. Some students prefer the structured format of IELTS, while others choose the hassle-free process of taking computerised tests such as PTE.

Knowing which test suits your circumstances is critical for your Australian immigration preparation. PTE Magic will go deeper into each test below.

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

The PTE Academic test is entirely completed on the computer. Students choosing this test will get their proficiency results focused on academic English.

The biggest advantage and difference between the PTE Academic and other English tests is the PTE speaking section. Instead of having a face-to-face session with human examiners, candidates will speak in a microphone. Their scores are given by the AI-scoring system, which reduces the risk of human bias.

Additionally, you will receive the score report in only two days. This is an excellent benefit compared to traditional tests in today’s fast-paced world, especially for people with busy schedules.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is another reliable option for Australian visa applications, including academic and working purposes. Over 12,000 organisations globally accept this test apart from Australia.

Many choose IELTS tests for their flexibility. Accordingly, the Australian government accepts results with a One Skill Retake (OSR) option. This means students can retake just one section of the test without redoing the entire test, which is a convenient and time-saving solution.

Occupational English Test (OET)

The Occupational English Test is ideal for those who want to pursue roles in medical fields such as nursing or medicine. This means the English tested in this exam is harder and focuses more on health subjects.

In this test, test-takers will encounter medical scenarios that are similar to real-life situations, including patient consultations and chart reviews. Understanding the specific terminology used in the OET is a candidate’s first step to approaching healthcare settings, especially for students who aim for frontline roles.

Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

The Cambridge English Advanced test, also known as the C1 Advanced test, is recognised by over 9,000 organisations worldwide. This certificate means test-takers are good at academic and professional English, which is another great option for opening up their global opportunities.

The Cambridge English Advanced test has paper-based and computer-based formats. The test ensures its structure stays consistent no matter what format you choose. However, like other English tests except for PTE, CAE’s Speaking session still requires human examiners for a face-to-face evaluation.

English Language Requirements In Australia

The Australian government has five English proficiency levels for visa applications. Below are the specific PTE scores for English language requirements in Australia.

Proficiency Level	Test Component	PTE Academic Minimum Score
Functional	Overall score	30
Vocational	Listening	36
	Reading	36
	Writing	36
	Speaking	36
Competent	Listening	50
	Reading	50
	Writing	50
	Speaking	50
Proficient (points-tested skilled visas)	Listening	65
	Reading	65
	Writing	65
	Speaking	65
Superior (points-tested skilled visas)	Listening	79
	Reading	79
	Writing	79
	Speaking	79

The English language requirements in Australia vary based on test-takers’ purposes. Here is the overall PTE score for study, work, and general immigration visas:

Student visa: Test-takers need to achieve at least 42 overall PTE Academic scores.
Vocational education and training sector visa: An overall 30 proficient English PTE score is what you need to prove for this visa.
Permanent work visa: This visa requires a competent English level, and test-takers must achieve at least 50 scores for each skill.
Temporary work visa: Candidates must prove their English proficiency by getting an overall PTE score of 30.

PTE English Test For Australia: Your Dream Ticket

Among the English tests for your Australian visa application, the PTE English test is ideal for many students. Here are the major benefits of choosing PTE:

Precise score: PTE’s AI-scoring system reduces the risk of human bias in other tests involving human examiners. This means your scores are highly accurate and less subjective.
Fast results: PTE tests respect their candidate’s time. You will often receive your result within two days and no longer than five business days. This is a huge benefit for test-takers whose timeline for visa applications is limited.
Widely accepted: The Australian government accepts PTE tests for all visa types. Test-takers who aim for academic, working, or immigration purposes can pursue their goals effectively with PTE.
Vast resources: You can find many PTE study resources online, including on the PTE Magic platform. We offer practice mock tests and study guides for every PTE section, plus our courses have experienced experts to help learners prepare effectively.

Conclusion: Which Is The Best English Test For Australian Immigration?

PTE is our suggestion when discussing the best English test for Australian immigration. Success in the PTE will open the door to your Australian dream, so you need a structured study plan with dedication.