Attention International Students! Important updates to English proficiency requirements for Australian Student Visas (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485)
Student Visas (Subclass 500)
• Minimum Test Score for Student Visa: The required English proficiency score for student visa increases from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).
• Minimum Score for a packaged ELICOS course increase from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent).
• Minimum Score for recognised university foundation or pathway programs that deliver recognised courses listed on the Department of Home Affairs website is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
• There are no changes for students studying English only through ELICOS.
Temporary Graduate Visas (Subclass 485)
• The minimum score required for a subclass 485 visa increases from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test.
• Hongkong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders are not required to meet the requirement mentioned above.
• Applicants for a subclass 485 visa must provide evidence that they have completed an English language test not more than 12 months immediately before the date of the visa application.
All the above is applicable with effect from 23/03/2024.
News page https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1188