English Proficiency Exams for Australia: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL & Cambridge CAE (C1 Advanced)
If you're applying to an Australian university (or planning an English exam for an Australian visa), you'll almost always need an English proficiency exam score. The most common options are IELTS, the pte english exam (PTE Academic), TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge CAE (now called C1 Advanced).
Universities set their own accepted tests and minimum scores, while visa rules come from Australia's Department of Home Affairs and can change. For visa purposes, Home Affairs currently requires tests taken at a secure test centre and does not accept fully online/at-home versions.
What is an English language proficiency exam?
An english language proficiency exam (also called an english proficiency test or english language proficiency test) measures your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills for academic study, professional registration, or migration. In plain terms: it's the English exam test that proves you can study and communicate in English in an Australian classroom, placement, or workplace.
English exam for Australian Student Visa
If your goal includes an english exam for australian visa, use the Department of Home Affairs as your source of truth.
What Home Affairs says (key points):
Approved tests changed on 7 August 2025 and scores must come from an approved test taken at a secure test centre.
Home Affairs accepts (for tests taken on/after 7 Aug 2025) results from tests including IELTS (Academic/General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced (plus other options).
Home Affairs does not accept tests delivered completely online/at-home (examples listed include IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
The main English proficiency Exams PickMyUni Students Compare
Below are the four big ones students usually mean when they search English language exam options for Australia.
IELTS (Academic / General)
IELTS tests four skills, with a total test time of 2 hours 45 minutes.
Scoring is on a 0–9 band scale, with an overall score based on the four skill scores.
Best for: Students who prefer a familiar format and, in many centres, a face-to-face Speaking test.
PTE Academic Exam
PTE Academic is computer-based and scored on a 10–90 scale.
Pearson describes it as taken in a test centre and completed in about two hours.
Best for: Students who want fast computer-based testing and are comfortable speaking into a microphone.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT has four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). ETS lists section timings of 35 + 36 + 16 + 29 minutes (just under 2 hours total for the test sections).
Scores are reported per section (0–30) and total (0–120).
Best for: Students used to US-style academic English tasks and structured note-taking.
Cambridge CAE (C1 Advanced)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) is a full English qualification with four components.
Cambridge lists key facts like exam length "about 4 hours". and a scale score range shown for C1 Advanced.
Best for: Students who like the idea of a Cambridge qualification and may use it beyond admissions.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Cambridge CAE
| Test | Score scale | Test length (typical) | Speaking style | Notes for Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 0–9 bands | 2h 45m | Speaking is a separate component | Accepted widely; visa rules require secure-centre testing |
| PTE Academic | 10–90 | ~2 hours | Computer-based speaking | Visa evidence must be from secure-centre testing |
| TOEFL iBT | 0–120 | Sections total ~116 mins | Computer-based speaking | Home Affairs does not accept TOEFL Home Edition for visa |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) | Cambridge scale (C1) | ~4 hours | Includes speaking component | Listed by Home Affairs; check test version rules for your timing |
How to choose the right English Proficiency Test
- Check your course page first. Some faculties accept fewer test types than the uni overall (common in health/teaching).
- Match your timeline. If you need results fast, pick the test with earlier available dates in your city.
- Choose your speaking comfort. Human interview vs microphone can change performance.
- If a visa is also a goal, avoid at-home versions. Home Affairs is clear that fully online/remote-proctored tests aren't accepted for visa evidence.
- Plan one retake buffer before key deadlines (scholarships, orientation, visa lodgement).
Match your test to the right universities
Tell us your target course + intake + location, we'll help you.
Can I take an English proficiency test online?
OK for some unis
For university admission, some providers offer online testing options, but acceptance depends on the university and the exact test variant. For example, IELTS Online is described as recognised by many education providers, but you must confirm acceptance with the organisation you're applying to, and it's not accepted by immigration authorities.
Not OK for visa
For Australian visa purposes, Home Affairs states it does not accept tests delivered completely online/at-home (and lists examples like IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
How can I pass the English proficiency test?
Passing is really "hitting your target score". Here's what PickMyUni sees working most often:
- 1
Start with a diagnostic test (full-length, timed).
- 2
Pick 2 weak skills only to focus on for 2 weeks (most students spread effort too thin).
- 3
Speak daily for 10–15 minutes: record, replay, fix pronunciation + pacing.
- 4
Write with templates, then improve: structure first, then vocabulary, then grammar.
- 5
Do at least 4 timed mocks in the final 2–3 weeks.
FAQs on English Proficiency Exams for Australia
Still have questions?
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