IELTS · Guides · October 24, 2026 · 3 min read
IELTS score for Australia 2026: student visa 500, 485, PR points and universities
For Australia you usually need 6.0 overall for the student visa, 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, and at least 6 in each skill (Competent English) for skilled migration, with extra points at 7 and 8. Universities ask for more than the visa: typically 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skill. Figures below were checked on the Department of Home Affairs and university sites on 24 October 2026; the visa thresholds apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025.
Important: no IELTS Online
Home Affairs does not accept tests taken at home. IELTS Online is not accepted for Australian visas; book IELTS on computer or on paper at a test centre. IELTS Academic and General Training both count.
Student visa (subclass 500)
| Situation | IELTS overall |
|---|---|
| Standard | 6.0 |
| With at least 10 weeks of English (ELICOS), a Foundation or an eligible pathway course | 5.5 |
| With at least 20 weeks of ELICOS | 5.0 |
The test must be taken within two years before you apply. Your university’s own minimum is usually higher, and that is the one on your offer letter.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
6.5 overall and at least 5.5 in each skill. One Skill Retake is accepted, but it must be taken before you apply.
Skilled migration: English levels and points
| Level | IELTS in each of the four skills | Points (e.g. subclass 189) |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 6 | 0 (the minimum) |
| Proficient English | 7 | 10 |
| Superior English | 8 | 20 |
For Proficient and Superior English, the test must be taken within three years before you apply. The difference between 6 and 8 in every skill is 20 points, a large share of the points test. (For Functional English, used for some family and work-and-holiday visas, the average is 4.5.)
University minimums (IELTS Academic)
| University | Standard requirement |
|---|---|
| University of Sydney | 6.5 overall, no skill below 6.0; 7.0 for business, architecture and some others |
| University of Melbourne | usually 6.5 overall, no skill below 6.0 |
| Monash University | Level A: 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each; higher levels 7.0 |
| UNSW | 6.5 / 6.0 for engineering and science; 7.0 / 6.0 for business and law |
How to reach your target
- Check which skill limits you: for PR it is the lowest of the four, not the overall band.
- Writing and Speaking usually sit half a band below Reading and Listening. The marking criteria show what changes between 6 and 7.
- Practise in exam conditions and convert your raw scores with the band score calculator.
Common questions
What IELTS score do I need for Australian PR? At least 6 in each skill (Competent English) to apply; 7 in each earns 10 points and 8 in each earns 20.
Does Australia accept IELTS General Training? Yes, for visas. Universities ask for Academic.
Is IELTS Online accepted for Australian visas? No. Home Affairs does not accept tests taken at home; take IELTS at a test centre.
What each band means: IELTS bands and CEFR levels. For Canada and the UK, see IELTS score for Canada and IELTS score for the UK.
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