What Competent English Is and the Exact Scores per Test
Competent English is the most common English threshold in Australian migration. If your visa requires “competent English” — this is the level you need to reach.
Competent English as DHA defines it
Competent English under the Migration Regulations is a level of English sufficient to work and communicate effectively in an Australian setting. It is the minimum level — not an “advanced” level — but you must reach it in each skill separately (not just the overall score).
Equivalent test scores
IELTS: Each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): minimum 6.0 Overall score: not specified, but if each band is 6.0 the overall is usually 6.0 or higher.
PTE Academic: Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): minimum 50
OET: Each sub-test: minimum B
TOEFL iBT: Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14
Cambridge C1 Advanced: Each skill: minimum 169
Visas requiring Competent English
- Visa 186 (ENS) — Employer Nomination Scheme
- Visa 187 (RSMS)
- Skilled visas 189, 190, 491 (to lodge an EOI)
- Visa 482 — depending on STSOL/MLTSSL and country of origin
- Citizenship (Australian citizenship) — has its own basic English requirement
Key points to remember
Each band must be met, not the overall score: IELTS 6.5 overall but Speaking 5.5 = does not meet Competent English.
All in a single test sitting: You cannot combine scores from different test sittings. You must reach all four skills in one single sitting.
Check each visa’s specific requirement: Some visas have their own requirements (for example, visa 482 for certain occupations only needs IELTS 5.0). Always check the specific requirement of the visa you are lodging.