English Points in the EOI: Scores by IELTS and PTE
How do English points work in the EOI?
In the SkillSelect EOI points system, English is one of the categories you can actively improve. Unlike age points or work experience, which take a long time, English points can change significantly after just a few months of serious study.
The Department classifies English ability into three levels for the purpose of calculating EOI points: Competent English, Proficient English and Superior English.
The three English levels and their points
Competent English — 0 points (the minimum requirement)
Competent English is the minimum threshold for a valid EOI. You must reach at least this level to lodge an EOI, but it earns no bonus points.
The IELTS requirement for Competent English: a minimum of 6.0 in each individual band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) — not an average, but each band must be 6.0 or higher.
Proficient English — 10 points
Reaching Proficient English adds 10 points to your total EOI score. This is a significant jump and can make a big difference to whether you are invited.
The IELTS requirement for Proficient English: a minimum of 7.0 in each individual band.
Superior English — 20 points
Reaching Superior English adds 20 points — the highest in the English category. With 20 points, English becomes one of the strongest points levers in the whole EOI system.
The IELTS requirement for Superior English: a minimum of 8.0 in each individual band.
Conversion to PTE Academic
PTE Academic is a popular alternative to IELTS.
The PTE conversion table for the EOI English levels:
- Competent English: minimum 50 in each individual skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Proficient English: minimum 65 in each individual skill.
- Superior English: minimum 79 in each individual skill.
An important note: the Department requires a minimum score in each individual skill, not an overall average. You can have a very high overall score and still not qualify if any one skill is below the required threshold.
Conversion to TOEFL iBT
For those who want to sit TOEFL iBT:
- Competent English: minimum 12 Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking.
- Proficient English: minimum 24 Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking.
- Superior English: minimum 28 Listening, 29 Reading, 30 Writing, 26 Speaking.
Which test results are accepted?
The Department accepts the following English tests for EOI purposes:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training): results valid for 3 years.
- PTE Academic: results valid for 3 years.
- TOEFL iBT: results valid for 3 years.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE): results valid for 3 years.
Note: IELTS Online (at home) is now also accepted for many visas, but you need to check the specific requirements of each visa type at the time you apply.
Strategy for improving English points for the EOI
From Competent to Proficient (from 0 to 10 points): This is a worthwhile jump to invest in. Three to six months of study can be enough to reach IELTS 7.0 in each band, especially for those who already have a good foundation in workplace English.
From Proficient to Superior (from 10 to 20 points): An extra 10 points is a large reward, but it is demanding. IELTS 8.0 in each band is not easy to achieve, especially in Writing and Speaking. If you are at this threshold, consider trying PTE Academic, as many people find it easier to reach the equivalent score.
The most important point: When you update a new English test result in your EOI, the points are recalculated immediately without affecting your EOI lodgement date. So even after your EOI is active, it is worth continuing to study to improve your English result.