Australian Government Raises English Language Requirements For Student And Temporary Graduate Visas

The Australian Government has implemented changes to English Language Requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas, effective from 23 March 2024. These changes were introduced in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023.

For Temporary Graduate visas (TGV), the minimum IELTS test score has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 required for each component (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) of the test. Additionally, the validity window for the test has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants now need to provide evidence that they have completed an English Language test within 1 year immediately before the date of the visa application.

For Student visas, the minimum IELTS test score has increased from 5.5 to 6, and for those undertaking packaged ELICOS, the minimum score has increased from 4.5 to 5.0. However, there is no change for students studying English exclusively through ELICOS. Moreover, students enrolled in university foundation or pathway programs that offer reputable English language training will require a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.

These adjustments aim to ensure that international students have the necessary English proficiency to excel in their studies and seamlessly transition into the Australian workforce if they choose to apply for a graduate visa post-education.