English Test Score Conversion for Australian Visa Requirements

The three Home Affairs English levels

Home Affairs recognises three English proficiency levels for skilled migration:

- Competent English — the baseline requirement for most skilled visas. No points in the skilled points test (0 points).
- Proficient English — a higher proficiency level. Worth 10 points in the skilled points test.
- Superior English — the highest level. Worth 20 points in the skilled points test.

Some visa subclasses also reference Functional English and Vocational English (lower thresholds), which apply to specific visas. Check your visa subclass' requirements on Home Affairs to confirm which level applies to you.

IELTS score conversion

IELTS band scores convert to Home Affairs levels as follows:

- Competent English = 6.0 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- Proficient English = 7.0 in each component
- Superior English = 8.0 in each component

Each component must meet the minimum — you cannot average scores across components. If you score 7.5 in Listening and Speaking but 6.5 in Reading and Writing, you do not meet Proficient English. All four must be at or above the required band.

PTE Academic score conversion

PTE Academic uses a different scoring scale (0–90 for each component). The conversion to Home Affairs levels is:

- Competent English = Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
- Proficient English and Superior English = Check the current Home Affairs English requirements table for the exact PTE scores. These thresholds may change; Home Affairs publishes the official conversion.

Like IELTS, each component must meet the minimum threshold separately; you cannot average PTE scores.

TOEFL iBT score conversion

TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) uses section scores out of 120. The conversion to Home Affairs levels is:

- Competent English = Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
- Proficient English and Superior English = Check the current Home Affairs English requirements table for the exact TOEFL iBT scores at these levels.

Like IELTS and PTE, each section must meet the minimum independently.

OET score conversion

The Occupational English Test (OET) uses grades A–E. The conversion to Home Affairs levels is:

- Competent English = Grade B
- Proficient English and Superior English = Check the current Home Affairs English requirements table for how OET grades map to Proficient and Superior levels.

Cambridge, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT, and MET

Home Affairs accepts results from Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET (Michigan English Test). Each of these providers has established score equivalents to Home Affairs' Competent, Proficient, and Superior levels.

For the specific scores or bands for these tests, confirm the current Home Affairs English requirements table. Test providers' score scales vary, and Home Affairs maintains the official conversion mappings. Do not guess — rely on the Home Affairs table or contact the test provider directly.

Finding the official conversion table

Home Affairs publishes a comprehensive English requirements table on their website. This is the single source of truth for score conversions. The table is updated periodically, so check it directly rather than relying on second-hand sources.

If you've taken a test and want to know whether your score meets Competent, Proficient, or Superior English, match your scores component-by-component against the Home Affairs table. If your result is close to a threshold, contact Home Affairs or your test provider to confirm.

Why component-by-component matching matters

Many applicants mistakenly assume they can average scores across components. This is incorrect. Home Affairs requires the specified score in each component separately.

For example:
- IELTS 6.0 overall (if you averaged your four component bands) does not meet Competent English if one component is 5.5 and another is 6.5. All four components must be 6.0 or above.
- PTE Academic overall score of 50 does not meet the Competent English threshold if one component is 45 and another is 55. Each component must meet the minimum independently.

Check your result report carefully and compare each component individually.

Points in the skilled points test

If your visa requires skilled migration points (189, 190, 491, etc.), higher English proficiency earns you more points:

- Competent English = 0 points (baseline, no points awarded)
- Proficient English = 10 points
- Superior English = 20 points

A higher English score can be the difference between reaching your points target and needing to offset the gap with other factors (age, work experience, state sponsorship, etc.). If you're borderline on points, aiming for Proficient English can significantly improve your chances.

Test validity and conversion stability

English test results remain valid for up to 3 years from the test date. The Home Affairs English requirements table may be updated periodically, but historical scores continue to be recognised as valid.

If you took a test several years ago and are now applying, check the current conversion table — requirements rarely change, but it's worth confirming. Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028, regardless of any table updates made in the interim.

Can I use different test providers for different applications?

Yes. If you take IELTS for your first visa application and later retake PTE Academic for a different application, both are valid. Home Affairs recognises all approved test providers equally.

If I score 7.0 in three components and 6.9 in one, do I meet Proficient English?

No. For Proficient English (IELTS 7.0), all four components must be 7.0 or above. A score of 6.9 in one component disqualifies you from Proficient, even if the others are 7.5. You would meet Competent English (6.0 in each), but not Proficient.

Where do I find the official Home Affairs conversion table?

Visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language. This page has links to Competent, Proficient, and Superior English requirement details, including the full conversion table for each approved test.

What if Home Affairs updates the conversion table after I've taken my test?

Your test results remain valid and are assessed against the conversion table in place at the time of your application. Historically, conversion tables change infrequently and rarely disadvantage candidates with existing results.

Do I need to show Home Affairs my test result report?

Yes. You must upload the official result report (issued by the test provider) to your visa application. The report shows your individual component scores, which Home Affairs will verify against the conversion table.

What if my test was taken before 7 August 2025?

Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028, and they are assessed using the same conversion table as current tests. The August 2025 change affected which tests are accepted going forward (in-person only, no at-home versions), not how past tests are scored.

Can I combine scores from two different tests to meet a requirement?

No. Home Affairs assesses a single test result — you cannot mix IELTS and PTE scores to reach a higher level. If one test doesn't meet your requirement, you must retake that test or choose a different approved test and retest from scratch.