New English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate Visas in Australia

Australia has new English language criteria for temporary graduate and student visas. You must keep up with the latest developments regarding student visas in Australia. It’s important to be aware of these modifications to English language requirements if you intend to study in Australia.

The rules for student visas are subject to frequent modifications by the Minister of Home Affairs. On March 23, 2024, a recent confirmation was made to increase the English language testing standards exclusively for applicants for Temporary Graduate Visas. Examining the revised English language requirements for student visas

The legislative instrument about the English language requirements for the Subclass 500 student visa has been registered. It will go into effect on the same day as the Genuine Temporary Entrance requirement is replaced by the Genuine Student requirement.

The IELTS Score Requirements

• An overall band score of 5.0 on the IELTS test is necessary if the applicant’s primary course is combined with at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS.
• The minimum IELTS score increases to 5.5 overall bands if;

i) The applicant takes an ELICOS for at least ten weeks in addition to their main course.
ii) They are registered in either the regular or extended Foundation course.

• Unless otherwise exempt, an IELTS overall band score of 6 is the required minimum test score for all other candidates.

Standard or Extended Foundation Program

For students who have not fulfilled the academic entry requirements for their chosen Australian undergraduate university degree or a qualifying route program, it is a nationally recognized preparatory course. Upon successful completion, this course will grant admission to the second year of an undergraduate degree in Australia.

Other Equivalent Score Requirements

Here’s a list of all the other approved English language tests;

1. Occupational English Test (OET)
2. Cambridge English Advanced Test (CAE)
3. Test of English as a foreign language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
4. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)

How Certain Applicants are Exempted

Nevertheless, there are certain exceptions, such as the following:

• Candidates who are nationals of the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand
• Applicants who are secondary exchange students, defense students, or students studying international affairs
• Individual students who are enrolled exclusively in non-English courses, ELICOS, registered school courses, or registered post-graduate research courses
• Those who finished within the previous two years before submitting their application. A significant portion of a course taken in Australia in England while the applicant was on a student visa leading to at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV for higher qualification Students who have finished within the last two years before submitting their application are also excluded.
• Applicants who have completed a minimum of five years of English study in one or more of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, or a senior secondary certificate of education conducted in Australia and English

The decision maker’s request or the requirement to use an online computer program that refers to the document checklist tool and weighs the following criteria to determine the necessary evidence—the applicant’s type of visa, the country of passport education provider, and other factors—represents another significant exemption.

Education providers have been conscious of the desire to maintain or improve their position in recent times. According to reports, they have reversed some enrollments for students from nations with higher visa denial rates so that it won’t have an impact on their ranking. Please take note that as of March 23, 2024, the additional English criterion will only apply to new student visa applications.