It is possible that you will need to provide proof of your English language ability when you apply for a visa. To determine the evidence you must provide, use the Document Checklist tool.

If you were unable to take a test due to COVID-19, the department will provide you more time to submit your English language test results. See: COVID-19 and the Border.

Although the Document Checklist tool indicates that you do not need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency when submitting your application, the Department may ask you for it at any moment while we are processing your application after you have submitted it.

If you need to show proof of your English language proficiency, you must show that you: have passed an English language test that the Department has approved; or fall under one of the exemption categories indicated below.

The table below shows the English language test providers and the minimum overall band scores you must achieve to meet the Student visa English language requirement. 

 You must have taken the English language test in the 2 years before you apply for a student visa.

English language evidence exemptions

You do not need to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:

• You are a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.

• You are a candidate who is a sponsored student by the departments of foreign affairs, the military, or secondary exchange students (AASES)

• If your primary course of study is a registered school course, a stand-alone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be taught in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course, you are enrolled in one of these.

• You have successfully completed at least five years of English-language education in one or more of the following nations: Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or Ireland

• You successfully completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a significant portion of a programme leading to an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification at the Certificate IV or higher level in Australia and in the English language during the two years prior to applying for the student visa while you were on a student visa.

Note: If you have a British National Overseas (BNO) passport, you might be required to submit proof of your English test results together with your visa application.