For Australian skilled migration, the minimum IELTS score is Competent English. That means band 6.0 in each of the four skills. This earns 0 points on the points test, but it lets you apply. To gain points, you aim higher. Proficient English (7.0 in each skill) adds 10 points. Superior English (8.0 in each skill) adds 20 points. This page covers the score you need for the 189, 190 and 491 visas.
Australia checks each of the four skills separately, not your overall band. If one skill falls below 7.0, you get 0 points for Proficient, not 10. An overall 6.5 with a 5.5 in one skill is not even Competent. Your weakest skill decides your level.
A quick note on the terms. Skilled migration is Australia's points-based route for skilled workers. GSM means General Skilled Migration, the program that covers the 189, 190 and 491 visas. EOI means Expression of Interest, the profile you submit to be considered. DHA is the Department of Home Affairs, the government body in charge.
What IELTS score do you need for Australian PR?
Your IELTS score for Australia sets your English level, and your English level sets your points. There are three levels worth knowing. Each one needs that band in every skill.
Here is how the levels, IELTS bands and points line up. The PTE column is a rough guide, because Australia also accepts PTE.
| English level | IELTS (each skill) | Points | PTE (each, approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 | 0 | 50 |
| Proficient | 7.0 | 10 | 65 |
| Superior | 8.0 | 20 | 79 |
You can check your overall band and each skill with our band score calculator. See the official points on the DHA Subclass 189 points table.
Which English test does Australia accept?
Australia is more flexible than some countries on test type. For skilled migration, you can use either version of IELTS.
For Australian skilled migration, the DHA accepts either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. This is different from Canada, which accepts only General Training. Australia also accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and some other tests. For university study, take the Academic test.
So for Australia, you can choose the IELTS version that suits you. Many people find General Training a little easier, but pick the one that matches your strengths. Our free practice tests cover both.
The skilled visas: 189, 190 and 491
Three main visas use the points test. Your IELTS score helps all three, but a state nomination can lower how high you need to go.
| Visa | What it is | Nomination points |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent. Permanent, no sponsor needed. | None |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated. Needs a state or territory nomination. | Adds 5 |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional. Provisional, for regional Australia. | Adds 15 |
The 189 has no nomination points, so your own score must be strong. With a 491 nomination worth 15 points, Proficient English alone can lift you close to the pass mark. So your best English target depends on your visa and your other points.
How many points do you need?
The pass mark is 65 points. That is the minimum to submit an EOI. But 65 is the entry ticket, not a promise of an invitation. In competitive jobs such as accounting and IT, real invitation scores often reach 80 to 95 points.
English is one of the easiest places to add points. Moving from Competent to Proficient adds 10 points. Moving to Superior adds 20. Writing and Speaking are usually the hardest skills to lift. Our Writing and Speaking guides show what each band needs.
IELTS for Australian student visas
Study visas are different from skilled migration. For a student visa (subclass 500), you usually take IELTS Academic, and your university or college sets the score.
For PR and work
Points-based. Your English level adds points.
- IELTS Academic or General Training
- Competent is 6.0 in each skill
- Each skill counts on its own
For study
Set by your school, often higher than the visa minimum.
- IELTS Academic is the norm
- Often 6.0 to 6.5 overall to start
- Top courses may ask for 7.0
Always check your course entry requirement. It is often higher than the visa minimum.
Mistakes that cost points
These are the errors we see most often with Australia applicants. Each one can cost real points.
Thinking your overall band counts
It does not. Each skill must reach 6.0, 7.0 or 8.0 on its own. One weak skill drops your whole level.
Stopping at Competent English
Competent earns 0 points. In most occupations, you need Proficient or Superior to be competitive.
Aiming for the wrong skill
To go from 7.0 to 8.0, you must lift every skill. Find your weakest skill and train it first.
Confusing study and migration scores
A university score and a skilled migration score are different goals. Plan the right test for the right purpose.
Key takeaways
- Competent English is 6.0 in each skill. It is the minimum for skilled migration.
- Proficient English (7.0 each) adds 10 points. Superior English (8.0 each) adds 20.
- Each skill must reach the level on its own, not your overall band.
- Australia accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training for skilled migration.
- The pass mark is 65 points, but competitive occupations often need 80 to 95.
- A 190 or 491 nomination adds points and can lower your English target.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum IELTS score for Australian skilled migration?
The minimum is Competent English, which is band 6.0 in each of the four skills. This earns 0 points but lets you submit an Expression of Interest for the 189, 190 or 491 visa. Each skill must reach 6.0 on its own.
What IELTS score gives 10 or 20 points in Australia?
Proficient English, which is 7.0 in each skill, adds 10 points. Superior English, which is 8.0 in each skill, adds 20 points. If even one skill falls below the level, you get 0 bonus points instead.
Does Australia accept IELTS General Training for PR?
Yes. For Australian skilled migration, the Department of Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training. This is different from Canada, which accepts only General Training. For university study, you usually take Academic.
Is an overall band 7.0 enough for Proficient English?
No. Australia does not use your overall band. You need 7.0 in each of the four skills for Proficient English. An overall 7.0 with a 6.5 in one skill counts as Competent, not Proficient, so it earns 0 points.
What IELTS score do I need for an Australian student visa?
For a student visa, you usually take IELTS Academic, and your school sets the score. The visa minimum is often around 6.0 to 6.5 overall, but universities and top courses may ask for 7.0 or more. Check your course requirement.
How many points do I need for Australia PR?
The pass mark is 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest. But 65 is rarely enough to get invited. In competitive occupations, real invitation scores often reach 80 to 95 points, so higher English scores help a lot.
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA), including the Subclass 189 points table and General Skilled Migration English requirements on homeaffairs.gov.au, reviewed in June 2026. Visa rules and points thresholds change, so always confirm the current requirement on the official DHA website before you book or apply.