English Language Proficiency Test | 2025 New Update for Australia
Learn about the new English language requirement update in Australia. Get to know how the scores have changed, and why language tests are important.
Listen to Article
Speed:
Voice:
Ready to play0%
Last Updated: June 21, 2026
2 min read
Reviewed by
On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated the English language proficiency requirements in Australia. For those wishing to migrate for a pharmacist job or a degree, this move will affect test types, scores, format, and validity.
However, if you have taken an English test before 7 August 2025, you don’t need to worry. Your tests are valid up to 3 years. Test takers who are planning to appear, you need to meet these new requirements according to your visa subclass.
You will also need to determine your English level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior) and appear for the exam.
What has changed?
Australia now accepts various language tests. Check which you are eligible for according to your Visa subclass. Here is what has changed:
Test
Minimum Score / Band
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General)
Overall band score of at least 5
IELTS Academic
Average band score of at least 4.5
IELTS General Training
Average band score of at least 4.5
Michigan English Test (MET)
Overall band score of at least 38
Occupational English Test (OET)
Overall band score of at least 1020
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
Overall band score of at least 38
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Overall band score of at least 24
TOEFL iBT
Total score of at least 26
The OET scoring format has changed, which was previously alphabetical; now it is numerical as of 7th August 2025.
TOEFL iBT was not approved for Australian visas from 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024.
Student visas require functional or vocational English, depending on the course and the provider.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
A temporary graduate visa is provided to students who want to study, live, and work after they have finished their studies.
Skilled Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491)
This visa is for professionals, and higher English levels, like Proficient or Superior, can earn you more points.
Why are English Language Skills Required?
As a pharmacist, you will need to interact with people every day – not just with patients but with staff members as well. More importantly, interacting with care, clearly providing the necessary information, and understanding the patient's needs are essential.
To meet this requirement, you must meet the National Board’s English language skills standard, supporting registered practitioners to practice safely in Australia.
The standard does not apply to students but does apply to graduates and anyone seeking registration in Australia for the first time. Moreover, this update is only applicable to candidates who will be appearing for the English language tests from 7th August 2025 onwards.
Candidates who have cleared language tests before 6th August don’t need to reapply; their certificate is valid for up to 3 years.
Getting the right guidance is crucial now more than ever. If you are a pharmacist looking to migrate abroad, you will need to present these language tests.
Enroll in a course that supports you not only to clear these tests but also your journey. Elite Expertise provides a PTE preparation courseand includes everything you will need for a successful career – expert mentorship, one-on-one support, mock tests, and study materials. We also provide other courses, which you can check here.
Pharmacist Australia job seekers have to comply with the new English language proficiency standards for August 2025 to be registered or find a pharmacist job in Australia.
The tests, scores, and validity periods accepted for pharmacist roles have been updated. New tests have been introduced for flexibility, but they have also made it necessary to have a higher proficiency for successful career entry in Australia.
Tags:
english language proficiency test for australiaaustralia english test requirementspte academicpte preparation course
