If you’re looking to gain experience as a student or professional in the welcoming country of Australia, start by understanding the visa requirements and how IELTS can help you achieve your goals. Use the guide below as part of your plan to apply for an Australian visa.
Which visa is right for you?
There are several different visas available according to what you plan to do in Australia. Whether you aim to study or work in Australia, an IELTS test will form part of the requirements. Make sure you apply for the correct visa by understanding the differences below.
Studying and training visas
A student visa will allow you to study at one of Australia’s world-renowned institutions full-time. All universities in Australia accept IELTS. A training visa allows you to participate in workplace-based occupational training to improve skills for your field of study or your current job.
After you graduate in Australia, you may be able to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa which offers a post-study work stream. If you find a job right after you graduate, your employer may be able to sponsor your new visa. Learn more here.
Working and skilled visas
If you graduated outside of Australia, there are many different working and skilled visa types to consider. You will likely need to apply for a Skilled Independent visa, which is a points-tested stream for skilled workers. Read the visa description list here carefully and confirm with the company you intend to join about which visa you should apply for.
Find out more about the different visa types on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
When to apply for your visa
Give yourself enough time to receive your IELTS results and take visa processing times into account so you don’t miss your first class or your first day at work. When you take IELTS with the British Council, your results will be available 1-2 calendar days after your test.
For students
Visa processing times can vary so be sure to apply well in advance to avoid disappointment. The Australian Home Affairs website features a tool to help you estimate how long your visa will take. Try it here.
For professionals
A job offer needs to be secured in order to apply for a skilled worker visa. Use the visa processing time guide tool here to estimate how long your visa will take.
The IELTS band score for your pathway
Make sure you are well prepared to succeed in your IELTS test and get the band score you need to achieve your goals in Australia. Your English Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills will be assessed. When you book your IELTS test with us, you get free access to IELTS Ready Premium, our most comprehensive preparation course worth $170.
IELTS scores for students
The minimum IELTS band score required for a student visa in Australia is 6.0 across each section. However, the minimum IELTS band score requirements could be higher depending on the course you choose to study. To study nursing and register with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency, an overall IELTTS score of 7.0 is required. Engineering students will require an IELTS band score of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.0.
IELTS scores for professionals
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required to apply for one of the skilled visas. If you are applying for a points-tested stream, you can earn more points by achieving a higher IELTS band score. Learn more here. To work as a teacher in Australia, you will need a score of at least 7.0 for the Reading and Writing sections. For the Speaking and Listening sections, an IELTS score of 8.0 is required.
What if you don’t meet IELTS requirements?
If you do not meet the minimum IELTS band score requirements, you can access One Skill Retake after you take IELTS with the British Council. This option enables you to retake one section of IELTS without needing to repeat the whole test. The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts One Skill Retake.
Set yourself up for success in Australia and achieve your goals as a student or professional. Book now with the British Council.