As student visa requirements change, maintaining a high level of English proficiency is more important than ever for staying competitive.
📢 Key Insights:
A recent survey by Pearson found that 80% of respondents from countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Italy, and Florida (USA) believe that improving English proficiency can significantly boost earning potential. In fact, respondents expect up to an 80% salary increase with advanced English skills.
Career satisfaction is also closely tied to English ability. Among those with advanced English skills, 75% are satisfied with their income, and 88% report being happy in their jobs. In contrast, only 47% of beginners feel content with their income, and 64% are satisfied with their career progression.
Additionally, over half of the respondents (51%) feel that learning English opens up more career opportunities, while 40% believe it helps accelerate career growth.
With evolving visa requirements, English language skills have become increasingly important. Not only can strong English skills help you gain entry into top Australian universities, but they also improve your chances of securing desirable jobs and achieving career fulfillment in Australia. Mastering English is your pathway to new opportunities and success Down Under.
The Australian Government has updated the English language requirements for both Student and Temporary Graduate visas.
- The minimum IELTS score for Student visas will rise from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).
- For those enrolling in packaged ELICOS courses, the minimum required IELTS score will increase from 4.5 to 5.0.
- Students enrolled solely in ELICOS programs will not see any changes to the required scores.
- Students entering university foundation or pathway programs will need an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent), ensuring they receive reputable English training.
The increase in English language requirements for students pursuing VET and higher education courses will also apply to those taking packaged ELICOS courses. These adjustments aim to ensure that students have the necessary English skills to succeed in their main courses.
You may need to provide proof of your English language proficiency when submitting your visa application. To determine what evidence is required, contact our team.
Important: Even if the checklist tool indicates that you don’t need to submit English language evidence upfront, the Department may still request this information at any stage while processing your application.
If you are required to submit proof of English proficiency, you must provide evidence that you:
- Achieved a minimum score on an approved English language test, or
- Qualify for one of the exemption categories listed below.
You do not need to submit proof of an English language test score with your visa application if any of the following apply to you:
- You are a citizen and passport holder of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
- You are a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES).
- You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course.
- You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
- You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is registered and taught in a language other than English.
- You are enrolled in a registered postgraduate research course.
- You have completed at least 5 years of study in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.
- Within the 2 years before applying for the student visa, you completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Australia in English while holding a student visa.
- Within the 2 years before applying for the student visa, you completed a substantial portion of a course at the Certificate IV level or higher under the Australian Qualifications Framework, while holding a student visa.
Note: If you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport, you may still be required to provide English language test evidence with your visa application.
