Increased English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate Visas

Policy effect

Raised the minimum English language score requirements and reduced the test certificate validity window for Student (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa applicants. For Subclass 500, the baseline IELTS requirement increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (packaged ELICOS from 4.5 to 5.0). For Subclass 485, minimum IELTS increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each component) and the test validity window was reduced from 3 years to 1 year. Phase scope: Applies to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: Raised the minimum English language score requirements and reduced the test certificate validity window for Student (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa applicants.; For Subclass 500, the baseline IELTS requirement increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (packaged ELICOS from 4.5 to 5.0).; For Subclass 485, minimum IELTS increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each component) and the test validity window was reduced from 3 years to 1 year.; Phase scope: Applies to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

Official source excerpt

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

… requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. Home chevron_right Tools and resources chevron_right keyboard_return News chevron_right English Language Requirements changes 25 March 2024 share공유하다 mail이메일 print인쇄 As announced in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023, the Australian Government has made changes to English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. The new English language requirements apply to all Student and Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on and after the 23 March 2024. How have the English language requirements changed? … Student Visas The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS score 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). These recognised courses will be listed on … the Department of Home Affairs website. For students studying English only through ELICOS, full time school students, secondary exchange students, and postgraduate research students, there is no change. Temporary Graduate visas (TGV) The minimum test score required for a Temporary Graduate visa has increased from IELTS score 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Passport holders from Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) are not required to meet this increased minimum English language requirement. The settings for this cohort remains at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.0 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Applicants must provide evidence that they have completed an English Language test, meeting these requirements, no more than one year immediately before the date of the visa application. Why have English language requirements changed? The new English language requirements will support you to have a positive student experience in Australia and, if you choose to apply for a graduate visa, support you to succeed in the Australian …

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Other Australia changes operative in 2024

• 2024-02-01Closure of COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream (Subclass 408)
• 2024-03-29Commencement of statutory visa pre-application ballot framework
• 2024-06-21Ministerial Direction No. 110: Character Test Visa Refusal and Cancellation Framework
• 2024-07-01Enhanced Labour Market Mobility and Extended Work Cessation Period
• 2024-07-01Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance Act) 2024
• 2024-07-01Removal of Specified Work Requirements for UK Working Holiday Visa Holders
• 2024-07-31Closure of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) (Subclass 188)
• 2024-11-12Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) Stream