One important thing to do when applying for an Australian visa from Pakistan is to demonstrate your proficiency in speaking and writing English. You need to know about the Australia list of approved English language tests for Pakistani visa applications if you want to get a Student visa, skilled migration, or any other type of visa. This blog post is a comprehensive guide that includes information about recognised tests, score thresholds, validity periods, the differences between old and modern test formats and why working with a consultant can be beneficial. We’ll also answer some common queries and give a detailed conclusion.

Australia List of Approved English Language Tests

Australia maintains a list of recognised English language tests for visa purposes. As of 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs expanded the list from five to nine tests 

The present Australia list of approved English language tests and the tests that will be approved starting on August 7, 2025, are:

  1. Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
  2. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General
  3. IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake – OSR)
  4. IELTS General Training (including OSR)
  5. LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
  6. Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
  7. Occupational English Test (OET)
  8. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  9. TOEFL iBT

Previously Accepted Tests:

  1. Cambridge English (CAE) / C1 Advanced
  2. IELTS (Academic or General Training), together with OSR
  3. PTE Academic
  4. OET
  5. TOEFL iBT

Understanding Test Validity, Formats, and Restrictions

Pakistani candidates need to know which English proficiency tests are allowed so they don’t get rejected or have to wait longer for their visa. The list of approved English language tests for Australia visa tells you which exams to take. 

  • Secure Test Centre Requirement

All tests that are accepted must be taken at safe physical test centres, which can be either computer-based or paper-based.  For any Australian visa applications, Online mode, at-home test or remote-proctored versions are NOT acceptable.

  • Validity Windows

Tests that were taken on or before August 6, 2025: Results are good until August 6, 2028.

Tests that are given after August 7, 2025: Valid for the ordinary validity periods (usually 3 years) as long as the visa subclass rules allow it.

Score Requirements by Proficiency Level

Australia divides English competence into five levels:

  • Functional English
  • Vocational English
  • Competent English
  • Proficient English
  • Superior English

Each level has its own set of scores that need to be met in the four language skills. To keep it short here’s a summary of the different levels of English for examinations taken from August 7, 2025:

Competent English (per component):

  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE Academic: L 47, R 48, W 51, S 54
  • TOEFL iBT: L 16, R 16, W 19, S 19
  • CELPIP General: 7 in each component
  • OET: B in each component (approx. 290–330 band equivalents)
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Learning 57, Reading 60, Writing 64, Speaking 70
  • MET: L 56, R 55, W 57, S 48
  • C1 Advanced: L 163, R 163, W 170, S 179

Proficient English:

  • IELTS: 7 in each component
  • PTE: L 58, R 59, W 69, S 76
  • TOEFL iBT: Learning 22, Reading 22, Writing 26, Speaking 24
  • CELPIP: Learning 9, Reading 8, Writing 10, Speaking 8
  • OET: L 350, R 360, W 380, S 360
  • LANGUAGECERT: L 67, R 71, W 78, S 82
  • MET: L 61, R 63, W 74, S 59
  • C1 Advanced: L 185, R 185, W 185, S 185

Superior English:

  • IELTS: 8 each
  • PTE: L 69, R 70, W 85, S 88
  • TOEFL iBT: L 26, R 27, W 30, S 28
  • CELPIP: L 10, R 10, W 12, S 10
  • OET: L 390, R 400, W 420, S 400
  • LANGUAGECERT: L 80, R 83, W 89, S 89
  • C1 Advanced: L 186, R 190, W 210, S 208
  • MET: Not accepted for Superior level

What’s New? Why This Matters for Pakistani Applicants

The upgrade, which goes into effect on August 7, 2025, adds CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and MET to the list of tests that were already accepted. This flexibility is good for Pakistani applicants since it gives them the option of taking different tests that may be more suited to their talents or availability.

The minimum scores for various visa categories especially functional English have also gone down. For example the TOEFL overall requirement has gone down from 32 to 26 and the PTE requirement has gone down from 30 to 24. This makes it easier for some people to get a visa.

Role of a Consultant 

It can be hard to figure out Australia’s visa English requirements:

  • Visa-specific thresholds: every kind of visa has its minimum scores and may even have exemptions. A professional study visa consultant in Pakistan gives you the right advice.
  • Test selection strategy: A consultant helps you choose from a list of approved tests depending on your strengths, the cost, the availability of test centres and the time frame.
  • Validity rules: Consultants make sure that your test results are valid at the time of your application and fall within the accepted dates.

FAQs

Which English tests are currently accepted for Pakistani applicants applying to Australia?

Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic/General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.

Can I use online versions of these tests?

No, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs only accepts secure centre-based tests, not remotely proctored or at-home tests. 

Are older test results still valid?

Yes, examinations taken on or before August 6, 2025, are still good until August 6, 2028.

What’s the minimum score for Proficient English?

For instance, IELTS requires a score of 7 on each part; PTE Academic requires L 58, R 59, W 69, and S 76; TOEFL iBT requires L 22, R 22, W 26 and S 24; and other tests are listed in Section 5 above.

Conclusion

The first step to getting a visa is to understand the Australia list of approved English language tests for Pakistani visa applications. Australia will accept nine centre-based tests after August 7, 2025. This gives you more options and more freedom. Make sure you take an accepted test, get the scores you need for the visa category you want and make sure your test results are still valid on the day you apply.

It’s also vital to avoid utilising online versions that aren’t accepted and to know how long earlier tests are valid. It can be helpful to hire a study abroad consultant to help you navigate the complicated procedures for visas, exam validity windows and scoring thresholds.