The DHA accepts scores from the following English tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Cambridge Advanced
| IELTS | Paper Test |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper/ online (TOEFL ibt internet version) |
| PTE Academic | Computer |
| OET | Paper Test |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | Computer or paper-based |
| IELTS | IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | An overall score out of 120 (each paper is marked out of 30). |
| PTE Academic | The range for the overall score is 10-90 points. |
| OET | Graded A (highest) to E (lowest) for each sub-test. |
| Cambridge (CAE) | The range for the overall score is 180-210 points. |
| IELTS | Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 calendar days after your test date. All test centres will post your Test Report Form to you. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy. Some test centres provide SMS alerts and an online results service. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Your scores will be posted electronically only, unless you request a paper copy by selecting that option when you register which can take 10 days after your test date. |
| PTE Academic | PTE Academic delivers results in five business days |
| OET | Results are published online approximately 15 business days after the test |
| Cambridge (CAE) | Your Statement of Results is released online, approximately four to six weeks after the exam for paper-based exams, and two to three weeks after the exam for computer-based exams. |
Tests conducted up to 3 years prior to lodgement of an application will be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. The only exception to this is for functional English – this requires testing to have been done at most 12 months before lodgement.
| Points | Level of English |
|---|---|
| No points awarded | Competent |
| 10 Points | Proficient |
| 20 Points | Superior |
In order, to apply for general skilled, employer sponsored, business or student visas, applicants need to demonstrate that they have the required English language ability.
Depending on the visa you are applying for, you can prove that your English language ability through one of the following means:
- Providing evidence that you have studied in English for at least five years in one or more of the following countries: Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
- Providing evidence of being enrolled by your education provider
- Providing evidence of having passed an approved English language test.
| IELTS | Up to 48 times a year in over 900 locations in 130 countries worldwide. |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Up to 50 times a year in 9,000 test locations in 130 countries |
| PTE Academic | Up to 363 times a year in over 200 locations worldwide. |
| OET | Up to 10 times a year in 30 countries |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | Up to 3 times per month in 130 countries |
| IELTS has four components | TOEFL has four components | PTE Academic has three main parts | OET has four components | Cambridge (CAE) has four components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening: (30 minutes) | Reading: (60 – 100 minutes) | Speaking and writing: (77- 93 minutes) | Reading: (60 minutes) | Reading and Use of English: (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Reading: (60 minutes) | Listening: (60 – 90 minutes) | Reading: (32- 41 minutes) | Listening: (50 minutes) | Writing: (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Writing: (60 minutes) | Speaking: (60 – 100 minutes) | Listening: (45 – 57 minutes) | Speaking: (20 minutes) | Listening: (about 40 minutes) |
| Speaking: (11–14 minutes) | Writing: (50 minutes) | Writing: (45 minutes) | Speaking: (15 minutes per pair of candidates) | |
| Total test time: 2 hours 45 minutes | Total test time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Total test time: 3 hours 50 minutes | Total test time: 3 hours and 55 minutes |
| IELTS | AU$ 340 + $34 (GST if applicable) |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | US$300 |
| PTE Academic | AU$ 340 (Inclusive of GST) |
| OET | AU$587.00 |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | AU$ 320 |
| English Language proficiency level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | OET | Cambridge (CAE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational | 5.0 | Listening & Reading 4.0 Writing & Speaking 14 | 36 | B | 154 |
| Competent | 6.0 | Listening: 12 Reading: 13 Writing: 21 Speaking: 18 | 50 | B | 169 |
| Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) | 7.0 | Listening & Reading: 24 Writing: 27 Speaking: 23 | 65 | B | 185 |
| Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) | 8.0 | Listening: 28 Reading: 29 Writing: 30 Speaking: 26 | 79 | A | 200 |
You will need to show at least competent level of English for most general skilled and employer sponsored visas. You will need to how vocational/competent English for most business visas. You do not have to demonstrate your English language ability if you are applying for any type of family visa.
