English Language Proficiency Test | 2025 New Update for Australia

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:

• 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.

Superior English

Proficient English

Competent English

What are the Different Types of Visas?

Here are a few of the different types of Visas.

Student Visa (subclass 500)

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.

Watch it now :

Enroll in a course that supports you not only to clear these tests but also your journey. Elite Expertise provides a PTE preparation course and 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.

Final Thoughts

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 the period for which the tests are valid that were 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.

About the Author

Radhika

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Radhika loves all things content! With a Master's in English Literature and over 4 years of experience in digital strategies. She specializes in creating engaging content across diverse industries - including healthcare, technology, and e-commerce - always writing content that connects to its readers.

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