Specification of English Language Proficiency Requirements for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas (LIN 25/090)

Policy effect

Formally sets out the approved English language tests, minimum scores, and exempt categories required to satisfy primary grant criteria for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: Formally sets out the approved English language tests, minimum scores, and exempt categories required to satisfy primary grant criteria for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

Subclass 500 (Student) visa 6 English language test requirements (1) For the purposes of subclause 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the following requirements are specified: (a) the visa applicant must undertake one of the following approved English language tests: (i) Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advance); (ii) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General); (iii) International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic (IELTS Academic); (iv) International English Language Test System (IELTS) General Training. (IELTS General Training); (v) LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic); (vi) Michigan English Test (MET); (vii) Occupational English Test (OET); (viii) Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); (ix) Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT); and (b) the visa applicant must have undertaken the test within the following period: (i) if evidence of the test is provided at the time the visa applicant makes an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa—the 2 year period immediately before the day on which the visa application is made; or (ii) if evidence of the test is not provided at the time the visa application is made—the 2 year period immediately before the day on which a decision to grant or refuse to grant the visa is made; and (iii) the visa applicant meets the requirements in subsection (2), (3) or (4). (2) The visa applicant achieved the required minimum English language test score specified in Column 2 of an item in the table in Schedule 1. (3) If the visa applicant is enrolled in: (a) at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS that accompanies a principal course and that is intended to commence after the Subclass 500 (Student) visa application was made; or (b) a standard foundation program; or (c) an extended foundation program; or (d) a registered course that is specified in an item in the table in Schedule 2 (an eligible pathway program); and Note: Registered course is defined in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations 1994.Authorised Version F2025L00906 registered 06/08/2025 4 Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025 the applicant achieved the required minimum English language test score specified in Column 3 of an item in the table in Schedule 1, unless the test was a C1 Advanced. (4) If the … visa applicant is enrolled in: (a) at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS that accompanies a principal course; and (b) that principal course is intended to commence after the Subclass 500 (Student) visa application was made; the visa applicant achieved the required minimum English language test score specified in Column 4 of an item in the table in Schedule 1, unless the test was a C1 Advanced. 7 English language test requirements do not apply (1) For the purpose of subclause 500.213(2) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, subclause 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations does not apply to the following …

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Other Australia changes operative in 2025

• 2025-03-22Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Pacific Australia Card Holders (LIN 25/007)
• 2025-05-01Establishment of Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Treaty Stream (Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union)
• 2025-05-01Pre-Application Process and Selection Rules for Subclass 192 Visa (Treaty Stream)
• 2025-07-01Indexation of Skilled Visa Income Thresholds (TSMIT) via LIN 25/038
• 2025-07-01Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025
• 2025-08-07Revised English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Approved Tests (LIN 25/016)
• 2025-11-29Specification of Medical Assessment Matrix for Public Interest Criteria (LIN 25/049)