Are you a pharmacist or a healthcare professional looking to relocate to Australia and live the life you have always dreamed of? Then, you are at the right place. No matter which licensure exam you clear, be it OPRA, AMC, APC or ADC, you need to know that it all ultimately boils down to an English proficiency test that you have to clear before applying for registration. Without a valid English proficiency score, you won’t be able to apply for a license.
In this blog, we are sharing with you some major updates of English language proficiency test that will affect healthcare professionals and pharmacists apply for Australian Visa. Let’s get to know more about it.
A Brief Overview
Australia’s immigration framework is witnessing a dynamic change. Accordingly, the new rules will directly impact English language proficiency scores. From 7 August 2025 onwards, organisations will accept new English proficiency tests. A recalibration of old scores and points will take place. You can expect new exemptions with even more clarity.
Please remember, these aren’t just small tweaks. They could directly influence whether your visa gets approved or delayed. If you’ve already taken a test or plan to soon, this blog is worth reading and sharing with friends planning to go abroad.
What’s Changing?
Introduction of three new English proficiency tests
For the first time in history, Australia will recognise the following English proficiency tests:
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
This expansion gives applicants more flexibility and alternatives to the traditional IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. All three tests will be valid for three years from the test date.
C1 Advanced is not completely a mandate anymore
While Cambridge C1 Advanced remains valid for certain visa streams, it will no longer be accepted for Vocational English requirements. If that’s your path, consider switching to one of the other approved options.
Updated English Proficiency Test Score Requirements
With this new policy comes recalibrated scores across several tests. Think of it as Australia levelling the playing field to match what it considers true language competence. These changes apply to IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and others.
Each skill, be it reading, writing, listening, or speaking, now has distinct score cut-offs depending on the visa type. It’s no longer just about your overall score. Now, every individual band counts.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) Requirements
There is good news for pharmacists, dentists, doctors, physiotherapists, and other allied healthcare professionals. Now you don’t have to worry about scoring too high on the English proficiency exam, as the requirements to get the Student Visa have been updated. Let’s take a look.
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS Academic | 6 |
| PTE Academic | 47 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 |
| OET | 1210 |
| CELPIP General | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 |
| MET | 53 |
Please note that lower scores may still be acceptable if you're enrolling in a 10 to 20-week English preparation program. But if you want to skip that, aim higher.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Are you graduating soon? Do you want to stay back in Australia and work full-time? Then you need to know that the requirements of the Subclass 485 Visa have different thresholds w.e.f. after 7 August 2025. Here’s what you can expect:
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall |
| IELTS | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 81 |
| PTE Academic | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 55 |
| CELPIP General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| MET | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 | 58 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 | 67 |
Please note, each skill score matters. One weak spot can cost you your visa.
Who’s Exempt from Testing?
Do you hold a passport from:
- UK
- USA
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
If yes, then congratulations! You don’t need to prove your English proficiency skills. This is only valid unless you’re applying for points under the General Skilled Migration system. In that case, even native English speakers must provide test results.
Have you already taken a test?
Don’t worry, let’s help you with it.
If you attempted the test before 7 August 2025 and apply within the validity window of 3 years, then you can still use your results. However, you just need to ensure they meet the previous standards. This gives current applicants a buffer. However, if you plan to test or apply after this date, please note that the new score tables mentioned above will apply when preparing for it.
Which level of English do you need?
Not every visa requires the same level of English. Here’s why:
Functional English
- Purpose: Basic English proficiency. This is mostly needed amongst family members who are accompanying the candidate.
- Minimum score required for each band: IELTS band of 4.5.
Vocational English
- Purpose: Employer-sponsored or trade visas.
- Minimum score required for each band: IELTS band of 5.0.
Competent English
- Purpose: Minimum for most skilled visas.
- Minimum score required for each band: IELTS band of 6.0.
Proficient English
- Purpose: Claim 10 points under GSM.
- Minimum score required for each band: IELTS band of 7.0.
Superior English
- Purpose: Claim 20 points under GSM.
- Minimum score required for each band: IELTS band of 8.0.
As you can see above, the more you re proficient in English, the better your chances are for availing the maximum visa points.
What is IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)?
If you only need to improve one section of your IELTS, OSR might be your saving grace. The Department now accepts IELTS with OSR except for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which still require one complete sitting.
What to do after qualifying an English proficiency test?
Congratulations if you have already cleared the English proficiency test and achieved the desired scores.
Here’s what you should do now:
- Check your visa subclass and its English requirement level.
- Choose a test that fits your comfort level (and is now accepted).
- Book early. Testing centres fill up quickly, and results can take some time.
- Review the new score updates, especially if you’re aiming for points under GSM.
To Conclude with…
Australia’s updated English language requirements are not just any other checklist to tick off. The minimum scores are icing on the cake but eventually, if you have higher scores you get a stronger visa with more perks. Many healthcare professionals get stuck in English tests. Hence, Academically has come up with English proficiency test preparation courses for you to stand out of the crowd and crack the exam with confidence.
Looking for more clarity or a personalised 1:1 advice?
