IELTS Score for Australia Immigration
The IELTS band you need to immigrate to Australia, scored against the Points-tested skilled migration (Department of Home Affairs). Official thresholds, a full conversion table, and how to check your band before you book the test.
What IELTS score do I need for Australia immigration?
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each section) is the floor for skilled migration and earns 0 points. Proficient English (7.0 each) earns 10 points; Superior English (8.0 each) earns 20 points.
Australian skilled migration is points-tested, and the Department of Home Affairs awards points based on your IELTS band in each of the four sections (IELTS Academic and General Training are both accepted). Competent English — 6.0 in each section — is the minimum to be invited for the main skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491) and earns 0 points. Proficient English — 7.0 in each section — earns 10 points, and Superior English — 8.0 in each section — earns 20 points. Because the points test is competitive, most applicants aim for Proficient or Superior English to lift their ranking.
Which IELTS test: IELTS Academic or General Training (both accepted).
Australia IELTS requirements by pathway
| English level | IELTS (each section) | Migration points |
|---|---|---|
| Competent EnglishMinimum to be invited for subclass 189, 190 and 491 | 6.0 in each section | 0 points |
| Proficient English | 7.0 in each section | 10 points |
| Superior English | 8.0 in each section | 20 points |
| Student visa (subclass 500)Depends on the course and education provider | 5.5 – 6.0 overall | n/a |
Points and thresholds are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change. Some occupations and licensing bodies set higher requirements. Confirm the current points test on the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au page before applying.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
Australia IELTS immigration requirements - common questions
What IELTS score do I need for Australian PR?
The floor for most skilled-migration visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491) is Competent English — IELTS 6.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. That earns 0 points, so competitive applicants usually target Proficient English (7.0 each, 10 points) or Superior English (8.0 each, 20 points).
How many points is IELTS 7 for Australian immigration?
IELTS 7.0 in each of the four sections is classed as Proficient English and earns 10 points on the Australian skilled-migration points test. You must score at least 7.0 in every section — a single section below 7.0 drops you to the Competent (0-point) band.
What is Superior English for Australian skilled migration?
Superior English is IELTS 8.0 in each of the four sections and earns the maximum 20 points on the points test. Because 20 points is a large share of a competitive score, many applicants who can reach it do so to improve their invitation chances.
Does Australia accept IELTS Academic or General Training for migration?
Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are accepted for Australian skilled-migration English evidence. Choose whichever you are stronger in — the per-section requirement (Competent 6.0, Proficient 7.0, Superior 8.0) is the same for both modules.