The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires certain standards of English language proficiency for a range of different visas. They accept the following English language tests, however there are some conditions and restrictions so make sure you check the Department of Home Affairs links below for the level you require to ensure you are taking a valid test:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).
Depending on which visa you are applying for, the English language requirements vary, however the DHA uses the same terminology (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior) across all visa subclasses. For Skillselect visas, your level of English can contribute to your points test result.
| English Language proficiency level |
Test component | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
PTE Academic |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)* |
OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | Average/total/overall across test components only | 4.5 | 32 | 30 | 147 | n/a |
| Vocational | Listening | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | 154 | B |
| Reading | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Writing | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Speaking | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Competent | Listening | 6.0 | 12 | 50 | 169 | B |
| Reading | 6.0 | 13 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Writing | 6.0 | 21 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 18 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) |
Listening | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | 185 | B |
| Reading | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Writing | 7.0 | 27 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Speaking | 7.0 | 23 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) |
Listening | 8.0 | 28 | 79 | 200 | A |
| Reading | 8.0 | 29 | 79 | 200 | A | |
| Writing | 8.0 | 30 | 79 | 200 | A | |
| Speaking | 8.0 | 26 | 79 | 200 | A |
The Department of Home Affairs allows you to prove your English language ability in various ways. Click on the links below to find out the methods of proof acceptable to Department of Home Affairs for each level of ability: