Cambridge English for Australian Visas: Scores Required per Visa

What is Cambridge English?

Cambridge English is a system of English tests run by Cambridge Assessment English — a department of the University of Cambridge. It is one of the most respected English testing organisations in the world, with more than a century of history.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts two specific Cambridge English tests as evidence of English proficiency for migration purposes:

• C1 Advanced (CAE): formerly called the Certificate in Advanced English
• C2 Proficiency (CPE): formerly called the Certificate of Proficiency in English

The Cambridge English scoring scale

Cambridge English uses the Cambridge Scale, running from 80 to 230, corresponding to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) levels from B2 to C2. Each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Use of English) is scored separately on the Cambridge Scale.

Scores equivalent to the Australian migration English bands:

• Competent English: A minimum of 169 in each of the four main skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
• Proficient English: A minimum of 185 in each of the four main skills.
• Superior English: A minimum of 200 in each of the four main skills.

As with the other tests, DHA requires you to reach the minimum score in each individual skill, not the overall or average score.

The link between the Cambridge Scale and CEFR

The Cambridge Scale is designed to map directly onto the CEFR system:

• 142–159: B1 (Intermediate)
• 160–179: B2 (Upper Intermediate) — equivalent to Functional English
• 180–199: C1 (Advanced) — equivalent to Proficient English
• 200–210: C2 (Mastery) — equivalent to Superior English

The 169 mark (Competent) sits in the high B2 range. This means the C1 Advanced test is the most suitable choice, as it covers scores from 160 to 210 (B2 to C2). The C2 Proficiency test focuses on higher levels and fewer candidates choose to sit it.

Validity period

Cambridge English results are valid for 3 years from the test date for Australian migration purposes. This is the same period as IELTS and PTE Academic. Unlike TOEFL iBT, which is only valid for 2 years, Cambridge English has an advantage on timing if your visa processing takes a long time.

How to submit your Cambridge English results to DHA

The process for submitting Cambridge English results:

1. After the test, you receive a Statement of Results, and later the official Certificate.
2. Upload a copy of your results to ImmiAccount with your visa application.
3. Cambridge Assessment English also provides an online results verification service — DHA may use this system to check the authenticity of the result.
4. Make sure you submit both the overall score and the score for each skill, as DHA needs to assess each skill individually.

Comparing Cambridge English with IELTS and PTE

• Test format: Cambridge English has both a Computer-Based and a Paper-Based version. The Speaking section is done in person with examiners.
• Availability: IELTS and PTE Academic are far more widely available in many countries. There are fewer Cambridge English test centres, and the test schedule is also less flexible.
• Acceptance: Like IELTS and PTE, Cambridge English is accepted for most skilled migration visas. However, it is not accepted in place of OET for health visas that require OET.
• Test style: Cambridge English has a British English academic style, different from IELTS, which uses both British and Australian English.

Note on differing acceptance by visa

Cambridge English is not always accepted equally for all visas. For example:

• Skilled visas (189, 190, 491, 482, 186): Cambridge English is generally accepted for Competent level and above.
• Student visas: each university may have its own policy — some accept Cambridge English, some only accept IELTS or PTE.
• Health/nursing visas: if the visa requires OET or a specific IELTS (for example, for AHPRA registration), Cambridge English cannot be used in its place.

Always check the DHA website and the specific requirement of the visa before booking the test.

Who should choose Cambridge English?

Cambridge English suits:

• People who have studied through the Cambridge English system (for example, from Cambridge IELTS or Cambridge courses).
• People who feel more comfortable with British English and a traditional academic test format.
• People who want a certificate recognised over the long term for various purposes (academic, professional, migration).

If your main goal is an Australian migration visa and you have no prior experience with Cambridge English, IELTS or PTE Academic may be the more practical choice because of their wider availability and the greater number of test centres.