You have always had to show that you can speak English well enough to get an Australian visa. But the rules are now more severe. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) used to be one of the fastest ways to get the results you needed. But following the last change on August 7, 2025, the requirements for PTE scores are stricter. A lot of people went back to IELTS because it was safer.
Let's speak about what's different, why IELTS is the best choice, and how it will help you get an Australian visa.
How to Understand the Most Recent Update (August 2025)
On August 7, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs issued a momentous announcement:
• There are now 9 acceptable English tests instead of 5.
• Now, applicants have more options, but certain tests have stricter scoring rules.
• Depending on your visa subclass, old test results (before August 6, 2025) will be valid for up to three years.
English Tests Accepted After 7 August 2025
From this date on, Australia will accept scores from these nine tests:
1. Cambridge C1 Advanced
2. CELPIP General
3. IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake)
4. IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake)
5. LANGUAGECERT Academic
6. Michigan English Test (MET) with Single Section Retake
7. Occupational English Test (OET)
8. PTE Academic
9. TOEFL iBT
The problem is that PTE is still on the list, but its score bar has been raised.
Tests Accepted Before 6 August 2025
You can still use the results of your test until 6 August 2028 if you took it before that date. This includes:
• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• OET
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge English (CAE)
This time of transition is a big help for people who have already taken the test before the rule change.
Why Did Australia Change the Rules?
The new requirements aim to:
• Make sure that different suppliers score the same way.
• Make sure that applicants have good English skills to lower the danger of immigration.
• Give applicants more exam options so they don't have to choose from a small number of them.
What level of English do you need to get a visa
There are varying levels of English needed for different visas:
• Functional English – Being able to talk to people.
• Vocational English – This is needed for some work visas.
• Good English – Skills are a standard criterion for skilled visas.
• Proficient English – Higher score needed.
• Excellent English – Top-level proficiency; gives points for skilled migration.
PTE vs IELTS: The Big Debate
PTE was the best choice for years. It was based on computers, the results arrived rapidly, and a lot of people thought it was easier. But given that the scoring limits are higher and the checks are rigorous, IELTS is the safer choice, especially for skilled migrants.
Why PTE Became Harder After the Update
• Standards for scoring are now higher.
• The AI-powered grading system doesn't provide for as much freedom.
• Many applicants say their scores are lower even though they did well.
Why IELTS is Now the Smarter Option
• Accepted and recognized around the world for practically all types of visas.
• One Skill Retake (OSR) is a wonderful way to improve a weak area.
• A human and AI review is more balanced and fair.
• It's easier to get ready for because there are so many resources and coaching centers.
Which Test is Easier to Prepare For?
• PTE depends a lot on technology, and AI can sometimes unfairly punish pronunciation or accent.
• IELTS is more forgiving because it uses both AI and real people to grade tests.
• There are a lot of places throughout the world where you may get study materials and practice tests for IELTS.
Skilled Worker Program Requirements
The IELTS General Training test option for skilled migration visas. Its mix of academic and practical English is just right for skilled workers.
Comparison of IELTS and PTE Scores
| Visa Requirement | IELTS Equivalent | PTE Equivalent (Before Update) | PTE Equivalent (After Update) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | IELTS 6.0 | PTE 50 | PTE 54+ |
| Proficient English | IELTS 7.0 | PTE 65 | PTE 70+ |
| Superior English | IELTS 8.0 | PTE 79 | PTE 83+ |
It's clear that the new PTE scores need larger marks, which makes IELTS the easier test.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
• Choosing PTE without knowing about the new score rules.
• Forgetting that test findings from three years ago are no longer valid.
• Not getting ready enough for speaking and listening, which are really important.
Tips to Achieve Required Scores in IELTS
• Every day, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and take practice exams.
• Record yourself speaking and practice with friends to get better.
• Pay attention to how to structure your writing tasks and manage your time.
• If you don't do well in one area, use the One Skill Retake.
Conclusion
The August 2025 upgrade made PTE harder for Australians who want to get a visa. IELTS is still an option, but the higher scoring requirements make it the smarter, safer, and more practical choice for most applicants.
IELTS is the best choice for a skilled worker visa or any other Australian visa after August 7, 2025, because it has a higher success rate and more options.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to use PTE results from before August 2025?
Yes, PTE scores from before August 6, 2025, are still acceptable until August 6, 2028.
2. Is IELTS acceptable for all types of visas?
Most types of visas accept both the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training.
3. What test is better for people who work in health care?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is made particularly for people who work in health care.
4. How long is the IELTS result good for?
IELTS results are usually good for 2 to 3 years, but this depends on the type of visa.
5. Is it okay to blend findings from two tests?
No, you can only send in results from one valid test attempt.
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