Australia · Visa and migration

IELTS score for Australian skilled visas (competent, proficient and superior English)

Australian skilled visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) need at least competent English: IELTS 6 in each of the four components, Academic or General Training. Proficient (7 in each) and superior English (8 in each) earn extra points.

Set by Department of Home Affairs (Australia). Checked against the official source on 23 October 2026.

Scores required

Test: IELTS Academic or General Training

listening
6.0
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0

Level: Competent English (the minimum for most skilled visas)

Scores are minimums: the score in each skill must be at least the figure shown.

What else to know

  • Vocational English: at least 5 in each component. Proficient: at least 7 in each. Superior: at least 8 in each.
  • Subclass 189 points: competent English 0 points, proficient 10, superior 20.
  • The test must be taken at a secure test centre: IELTS Online and other at-home tests are not accepted. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted for eligible visas.
  • Results generally need to come from a test taken in the 3 years before you apply, depending on the visa.
  • Holders of valid passports from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the USA meet competent English without a test.

Recent and announced changes

The approved tests and score tables changed on 7 August 2025. The IELTS bands are the same for tests taken before and after that date (5, 6, 7 and 8); the scores for other tests changed. Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa.

Official sources

Figures confirmed by hand on 23 October 2026; sources last checked automatically on 23 October 2026. Requirements change: the official source always decides.

Preparing for this score

This route uses IELTS General Training scores. Each skill counts separately, so one weak skill can hold back the whole application: find it early.

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Other requirements in Australia

This page summarises a published requirement. It is not immigration or legal advice, and we cannot advise on individual cases: for that, use the official body or a regulated adviser. IELTS is a registered trademark. IELTS Prep Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English.