Study in Australia without IELTS: the options that work
“Without IELTS” means using a different approved test, not skipping English. Here is what the visa accepts and what it does not.
You can study in Australia without IELTS by using another test the Department of Home Affairs accepts, such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, OET, MET, CELPIP General or LanguageCert Academic. You cannot skip English proof entirely for a student visa unless you qualify for an exemption. Online at-home versions such as IELTS Online and CELPIP Online are not accepted for visa purposes, results from different tests cannot be combined, and your university may ask for a higher score than the visa.
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Which English tests does Australia accept instead of IELTS?
Study Australia reports that the minimum English level for a Student visa was raised from an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs lists these among the accepted tests:
| Test | Notes |
|---|---|
| PTE Academic | Scoring changed for tests taken from 7 August 2025; check the current Home Affairs table for the score |
| TOEFL iBT | When you register, select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” so the result is valid for visa purposes |
| C1 Advanced (Cambridge) | Accepted on the Home Affairs list |
| OET | Accepted on the Home Affairs list |
| MET (Michigan English Test) | Accepted on the Home Affairs list |
| CELPIP General | Accepted on the Home Affairs list; the online version is not accepted |
| LanguageCert Academic | Accepted on the Home Affairs list |
| IELTS Academic | The standard benchmark, taken at a test centre |
The Home Affairs list and score tables change. Read the current page before you book a test.
What is not accepted?
- At-home online tests such as CELPIP Online and IELTS Online are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
- Combined results: Home Affairs has advised that results from multiple tests cannot be used together to meet the student visa requirement.
- Tests that are not on the current Home Affairs list. Check before you pay. Duolingo is not on the Home Affairs list we checked, so confirm with your university and Home Affairs before you rely on it.
Will my university accept the same score?
Universities set their own bar above the visa minimum. For example, RMIT lists IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent test result for many courses, and other universities and competitive programmes ask for more. Always check the programme page for the accepted tests and score, and make sure the test also satisfies the visa rule.
What should I do step by step?
- Choose a programme and note its English requirement and accepted tests.
- Check the Home Affairs English-language page for the current approved tests and scores.
- Pick one test that satisfies both the university and the visa, and book it at a test centre.
- Take the test once with a score that meets every component, because you cannot combine tests.
- Apply for your Confirmation of Enrolment and then the visa. Read our Study in Australia guide and Master's in Australia cost.
Compare tests in our IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo guide, and see our post-study work visa comparison.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Australia without IELTS?
Yes, if you use another test on the Home Affairs approved list, such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, C1 Advanced, OET, MET, CELPIP General or LanguageCert Academic. You cannot skip English proof entirely for a student visa unless you qualify for an exemption.
Is PTE accepted for an Australian student visa?
Yes. PTE Academic is on the Home Affairs list. The scoring changed for tests taken from 7 August 2025, so check the current score table before you book.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for the Australian student visa?
It is not on the Home Affairs list we checked. Confirm with your university and the current Home Affairs page before you rely on it.
Can I combine scores from two different tests?
No. Home Affairs has advised that results from multiple tests cannot be used together to meet the student visa English requirement.
Can I take IELTS or CELPIP online for an Australian visa?
No. At-home online versions such as IELTS Online and CELPIP Online are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
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