Process
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
Requirements
The DHA classifies ELT results into five proficiency levels and applicants should refer to the relevant visa information for specific language proficiency requirements.
- Functional
- Vocational
- Competent
- Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas)
- Superior (for points tested Skilled visas)
Functional
Provide evidence of one of the following:
- A valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland
- A functional English assessment by an Australian Adult Migrant English Program service provider
- A degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate from an institution in or outside Australia where all instructions were in English during at least two years of full-time study
- A primary school and secondary school education in or outside Australia where all instructions were in English during all years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary study
- A secondary school education in or outside Australia where all instructions were in English during at least 5 years of study
- An education at an institution in Australia where all instructions were in English during at least 1 year of full-time study towards an award
- An education at an institution in Australia where all instructions were in English during the part-time equivalent of 1 year of full-time study towards an award
- Results of one of the following ELT taken less than 12 months before the date of application
Module
IELTS
TOEFL iBT®
PTE™
CAE
OET
Vocational
Hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, or provide results of one of the following ELT taken less than 3 years before the date of application.
Module
Reading
Writing
Speaking
IELTS
5
5
5
TOEFL iBT
4
14
14
PTE
36
36
36
CAE
154
154
154
OET
B
B
B
Competent
Hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, or provide results of one of the following ELT taken less than 3 years before the date of application.
Module
Reading
Writing
Speaking
IELTS
6
6
6
TOEFL iBT
13
21
18
PTE
50
50
50
CAE
169
169
169
OET
B
B
B
Proficient
Provide results of one of the following ELT taken less than 3 years before the date of application.
Module
Reading
Writing
Speaking
IELTS
7
7
7
TOEFL iBT
24
27
23
PTE
65
65
65
CAE
185
185
185
OET
B
B
B
Superior
Provide results of one of the following ELT taken less than 3 years before the date of application.
Module
Reading
Writing
Speaking
IELTS
8
8
8
TOEFL iBT
29
30
26
PTE
79
79
79
CAE
200
200
200
OET
A
A
A
In addition to DHA requirements, skills assessing authorities may have their own ELT score prerequisites for certain occupations. State and territory governments may also specify higher ELT scores as a condition for state/territory nomination for particular visa subclasses and/or occupations.
Comparison
Comparison of tests duration (in hours) and results availability timeframes (in days) is as follows. Please, note that the timeframes are approximate only and are subject to change.
Module
Timeframe
IELTS
13
TOEFL iBT
6
PTE
5
CAE
10
OET
16
The decision regarding the choice of ELT is generally determined by individual preferences, testing centres locations and personal circumstances. However, in skilled migration programme the choice may also be affected by the requirements of a skills assessing authority. Therefore, it is recommended to check with a relevant assessing authority before making any ELT bookings.
Follow the Yellow Pattern Road and book a comprehensive consultation
