Australia introduces new English test choices for visas from 7 August 2025

Big news for anyone planning to apply for an Australian visa! From 7 August 2025, the Australian Government has expanded the list of accepted English tests for visa applications.

Previously, only 5 English tests were accepted. Now, there are 9 different tests you can choose from.

Why English Tests Are Needed

If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you may need to prove your English language ability. This helps make sure you can:

Study or work in Australia
Communicate in daily life
Settle into the community

The 9 Accepted English Tests (from 7 August 2025)

From now on, you can use results from any of these tests:

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
CELPIP General
IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake option)
IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake option)
LanguageCert Academic
Michigan English Test (MET, with Single Section Retake option)
OET (for healthcare workers)
Pearson PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT

This means applicants now have more flexibility — you can pick the test that suits you best.

What If You Took a Test Before 7 August 2025?

Don’t worry! If you took one of the older accepted tests before the rule change, your result is still valid for up to 3 years (until 6 August 2028).

Important: Online Tests Not Accepted

The Australian Government has made it clear:
At-home or online versions of English tests are NOT accepted.
You must take your test at a secure test centre.

Examples of tests that will not be accepted include IELTS Online, TOEFL Home Edition, CELPIP Online, OET@Home, etc.

What This Means for Applicants

More test options = more chances to succeed.
Old test results (before 7 Aug 2025) are still useful for the next few years.
Always book your test at an official test centre.

Final Thoughts

This change is great news for students, skilled workers, and other visa applicants. With 9 accepted tests instead of 5, applying for an Australian visa just got easier and more flexible.

👉 For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.