IELTS vs OET vs PTE: Which English Test Should You Take for Australian Migration?

The August 2025 Regulatory Overhaul: What Changed

On August 7, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs implemented the most significant changes to English testing requirements in over a decade. The key changes include:

• PTE score requirements drastically increased for Superior English (Speaking now requires 88/90, Writing 85/90)
• OET transitioned to numerical scoring (0-500 scale instead of letter grades)
• At-home tests banned for migration purposes (OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, TOEFL Home Edition)
• IELTS One Skill Retake now globally available (a major strategic advantage)
• New tests accepted: CELPIP General, Michigan English Test (MET), LanguageCert Academic

Why English Testing Matters for Australian Migration

English proficiency is a non-negotiable requirement for nearly all skilled migration pathways in Australia. Whether you're applying for a Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (State Nominated), or Subclass 491 (Regional), your English score directly impacts your eligibility and points.

The Department of Home Affairs recognises five levels of English proficiency for migration purposes:

Updated Score Requirements (Post-August 2025)

The following tables reflect the current requirements under the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016), effective from August 7, 2025. Always verify the latest score thresholds on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging your application.

Superior English (20 Migration Points)

Proficient English (10 Migration Points)

Competent English (Visa Eligibility, 0 Points)

The Five Accepted English Tests: Head-to-Head Comparison

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Best for: Risk-averse applicants targeting Superior English, those who prefer human examiners

The Game-Changer: One Skill Retake (OSR)

The IELTS One Skill Retake policy is the single biggest factor shifting strategic advantage back to IELTS in 2026.

How it works:

• If you score 8.0 in three components but 7.5 in Writing, you don't need to retake the entire test
• You can retake just the one failed component within 60 days
• Your passing scores are "banked" and combined with the retake result
• Only available for computer-delivered IELTS (confirm specific policies with your test centre, as terms may vary between IDP and British Council)

Strategic Implication: Instead of needing to perform at 8.0 level in all four skills simultaneously (a joint probability event), you can focus on fixing your weakest link. If you're a strong speaker but weak writer, you can dedicate two months solely to mastering Writing Task 2 while preserving your other scores.

Pros:

• One Skill Retake dramatically reduces risk for high-stakes attempts
• Human examiner can understand hesitation as cognitive processing (not penalised like AI)
• Speaking test allows clarification ("Could you rephrase that?")
• Most widely recognised globally

Cons:

• Writing Task 2 remains the primary hurdle for Band 8.0
• Must use computer-based version for OSR eligibility
• Slightly slower results than PTE

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PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Best for: Lower proficiency tiers (Functional/Vocational), fast results, those with neutral accents

The 2025 Algorithm Update and Template Crackdown

Pearson updated its scoring algorithm in late 2025 specifically targeting "template" responses:

• Content Relevance: Essays using templates that fill 200 words but contain only 20 topic-relevant words now severely penalised
• Speaking Prosody: Robotic, monotone delivery (taught in "shortcut" courses) now heavily penalised
• New Question Types: "Respond to a Situation" and "Summarize Group Discussion" test spontaneous language generation

The Superior English Reality Check:

• Speaking requirement: 88/90 (margin of error less than 3%)
• Writing requirement: 85/90 (single punctuation error can prevent hitting this)
• The "old" requirement of 79 across all bands is gone

Pros:

• Fastest results (often 24 hours)
• Best choice for Functional (24 overall) and Vocational (30s per skill) levels-extremely achievable
• Listening (69) and Reading (70) thresholds are relatively low for Superior

Cons:

• Speaking 88 and Writing 85 are punishingly high for Superior English
• No single skill retake-must pay full fee and resit all components
• Algorithm penalises accent variations and non-standard stress patterns
• PTE Academic Online NOT accepted for migration

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OET (Occupational English Test)

Best for: Healthcare professionals seeking AHPRA registration (but beware the migration points trap)

The Registration vs. Migration Trap

This is the most critical nuance for OET candidates: the scores required for professional registration are NOT sufficient for migration points.

The Trap: A nurse might pass OET for registration (scoring W360), start working, and then discover they cannot claim 20 points for permanent residency because 360 is far below the 420 requirement. Jumping from W360 to W420 requires a fundamental shift in writing style-it's exceptionally difficult.

Pros:

• Familiar healthcare scenarios for clinicians
• Writing task is a referral letter (not an essay)
• Speaking simulates patient consultations-experienced clinicians often find this the easiest speaking test
• Single sub-test retakes available (paper version only)

Cons:

• OET@Home NOT accepted for migration purposes
• Writing 420 requirement for Superior is exceptionally high
• Higher cost than IELTS/PTE
• Shorter validity (2 years vs 3 years)

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TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Best for: Those familiar with American English, limited budget (Australia Edition ~$159 USD)

Pros:

• TOEFL iBT Australia Edition available at lower cost
• Speaking is recorded (less pressure than face-to-face)

Cons:

• TOEFL iBT Home Edition NOT accepted for migration
• Uses American English spelling and expressions
• Less common choice for Australian migration

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Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

Best for: Those seeking lifetime validity, high-level English speakers

Pros:

• Lifetime validity (never expires)
• Thorough grammar and vocabulary assessment

Cons:

• Fewer test dates available
• Longer, more demanding format
• Less familiar to migration applicants

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Strategic Decision Matrix: Which Test Should You Take?

For Superior English (20 Points)

Verdict: IELTS is the lowest-risk option for Superior English due to One Skill Retake. If you score 8.0/8.0/8.0/7.5, you only resit Writing rather than gambling your entire preparation.

For Proficient English (10 Points)

Verdict: PTE wins for Proficient because W69 is far more forgiving than IELTS 7.0 or PTE 85. While S76 is elevated, it's nowhere near the 88 required for Superior.

For Vocational/Functional English (Visa Eligibility)

Verdict: PTE is the undisputed winner. The requirement of Overall 24 (Functional) or component scores in the 30s (Vocational) is extremely low. The AI is generous at lower proficiency levels.

The Healthcare Professional Strategy

If you're a doctor, registered nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist:

Step 1: Use OET for AHPRA Registration

• The referral letter format aligns with clinical documentation skills
• Healthcare scenarios are familiar
• AHPRA accepts C+ in Writing (300)

Step 2: Consider a Different Test for Migration Points

• If your OET Writing is below 380, don't chase 420 with repeated OET attempts
• Switch to IELTS with OSR for Superior English points
• Your clinical English skills will translate to strong Speaking; use OSR to fix Writing if needed

At-Home Tests: NOT Accepted for Migration

The Department of Home Affairs has explicitly banned "at-home" or "online" test versions due to integrity concerns:

All tests must be taken at a secure, physical test centre for migration purposes.

Preparation Strategies by Test

IELTS: Focus on Output

Writing Task 2 (The Primary Hurdle for Band 8.0):

• Rigid structure: Introduction (40-50 words) → Body 1 (90 words) → Body 2 (90 words) → Conclusion (30-40 words)
• Use "hedging" language: "It is typically the case that..." shows nuance
• Avoid over-using mechanical linkers ("Firstly, Moreover, However")-Band 8.0 cohesion is subtle

Speaking:

• Practice "long turns" using PPF method: Past, Present, Future
• If you don't understand Part 3 question, ask examiner to rephrase (not possible in PTE)

PTE: Focus on Precision

Speaking (88 Threshold):

• Never go back to correct mistakes-hesitation penalty is severe
• Microphone position: above nose or on chin, not directly in front of lips (avoids breath pops)
• Stress-timed rhythm is critical; robotic monotone is penalised

Writing (85 Threshold):

• Summarize Written Text: Must be single sentence, flawless grammar
• Essay: Use sophisticated vocabulary; simple sentences cap score at 75-79
• 60/40 Rule: 60% original keywords, 40% paraphrasing/linking

OET: Focus on Filtering

Writing (Referral Letter):

• Spend 5 minutes crossing out 40% of case notes that aren't relevant to the recipient
• First sentence must state WHO, WHAT, and WHY of the referral
• Clinical objectivity: "Nocturnal restlessness" not "bad night"

Cost Comparison Including Retakes

Note: All fees listed are approximate as of January 2026 and subject to change. Confirm current pricing with each test provider before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I scored PTE 82 Overall (L82, R80, W79, S85) in 2024. Is this still Superior English? A: Under the old rules (pre-August 2025), yes. Under the new rules, no-you need W85 and S88. If your result is less than 3 years old, it's still valid under the old thresholds. Lodge your application before it expires.

Q: Can I combine scores from different tests? A: No. All required scores must come from a single test type. However, IELTS allows combining results from two sittings within 6 months, and OET within 6 months, subject to specific conditions-confirm eligibility with Home Affairs before relying on score combination.

Q: I'm a UK/USA/Canada/NZ/Ireland citizen. Do I need to test? A: You may be exempt from Competent English requirements, but you must test to claim points for Proficient or Superior English.

Q: Which test is "easiest" now? A: For Superior English, IELTS with OSR is the lowest-risk choice. For Proficient English, PTE offers achievable thresholds. For healthcare registration, OET is purpose-built but beware the migration points gap.

How First Migration Can Help

Choosing the right English test is just one piece of your migration puzzle. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents can help you:

• Determine the exact English requirements for your occupation and visa under the August 2025 rules
• Calculate your points and identify the optimal test strategy
• Plan your testing timeline alongside skills assessment and EOI submission
• Navigate the OET "registration vs migration" trap for healthcare professionals

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on your English testing strategy.