One-line summary: Recognized for student visas from 7 August 2025 Expanding the types of English testsand the 2025/26 school year The number of international students (National Planning Level) will increase by 25,000.Yes, it is possible.
Before applying for a visa, Whether the exam you are preparing for is recognized and your target scoreBe sure to check the official data. At the end of the article Execution ChecklistThere is a link, so please scroll all the way to the end!
Why this news matters now
If you're preparing to study abroad in Australia, the changes coming in August 2025 will be as exciting as an exam acceptance announcement!
Because two big changes were announced at the same time:
- The English test options are now much wider than before, allowing you to choose the test that best suits your needs.
- The number of international students has increased significantly, so it feels like the door to hope is wide open.
Simply put, The burden of English tests is reduced, There are more opportunities to study abroad Right. Isn't it cool?
Effective August 7: Expanded Recognition of English Tests for Student Visas
From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will reduce the number of English language tests accepted for various visa applications, including student visas, from five to Expanded to 9I did it.
✅ 기존에 인정되던 시험 (5개):
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- OET (Occupational English Test, for healthcare professionals)
- Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency (CPE)
🆕 새롭게 추가된 시험 (4개):
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
If you would like to check the official information, please refer to the official link below!
Department of the Interior English Test Requirements (Official)
Here you'll find a helpful list of newly recognized exams, along with information on the validity period of your test results.
To sum up, The choices are increasing, The burden of preparation is reduced, — August 7, 2025, it is no exaggeration to say that this is a real ‘English exam holiday’!
List of Additional/Recognized Tests and Scoring Overview
You may be wondering, “There are a lot more tests… So are they all the same?”
No! Each test has slightly different characteristics. To make it easier to compare, I'll provide a brief summary.
🆕 Four newly added tests
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Widely recognized by universities around the world, especially strong in the UK/Europe.
- CELPIP General: Explosion of popularity among Canadian immigrants, convenient computer-based.
- LanguageCert Academic: You can take the test online → You can take the test at home!
- Michigan English Test (MET): Beneficial for those familiar with American English.
✅ 5 existing tests
- IELTS: Australia is the leading country for studying abroad, and is the most widely used in the world.
- TOEFL iBT: Familiar to students preparing to study abroad in the US, speaking is done on the computer.
- PTE Academic: The advantage is that it is completely computer-based and produces results quickly.
- OET: Specialized for health-related students such as doctors and nurses.
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: The highest level of exam, literally “English Ph.D.”
👉 이렇게 보면, 선택의 폭이 넓어졌다는 게 확실히 느껴지시죠?
Now, you can choose a test that best suits your style and goals. "I'm strong at writing!" "I'm strong at speaking!" These are some of the criteria you can use to guide your selection.
Key changes to PTE, TOEFL, and other score requirements
As the number of tests increases, what is more important is Changes in scoring criteriaYes.
Some test score requirements have been adjusted in this August 2025 reorganization.
for example:
- PTE Academic: The required score for some visa categories has been lowered by 1-2 points. You might say, “Wow, that’s only a small difference?” But for actual applicants, it’s a significant difference. The score that separates heaven and hellIt could be.
- TOEFL iBT: For certain courses (e.g. graduate school and above), the score requirements are a little more specific.
in other words, Don't just look at the test type, but the exact score required for your target visa category.You must check it.
👉 다시 말해, IELTS 점수 6.0이 통하는 곳도 있지만, 어떤 비자는 최소 6.5 이상을 요구할 수 있거든요.
The official score requirements are updated regularly, so be sure to Australian Department of Home Affairs English Test Score Requirements PagePlease check it out.
To summarize:
“The score requirement is not just a number, it is the standard that determines whether a visa is approved or not!”
So, be sure to check the latest information and prepare strategically.
Strategies for Choosing the Right English Test for You
“I don’t know which English test to take?” Many people worry like this.
Now that you have more options, it's important to have a strategy for choosing the test that's best for you.
- Check the test type and difficulty level: Cambridge C1 Advanced is ideal for entry into UK/European universities, CELPIP is specialized for the Canadian environment, LanguageCert Academic can be taken online, and MET is suitable for those familiar with American English.
- Consider preparation time and cost: While IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE have a wealth of resources, LanguageCert saves time and money by allowing you to take the exam online.
- Check your target visa category score: Some test scores, such as PTE Academic and TOEFL, have been adjusted, so be sure to check the score required for your target visa.
2025/26 International Student Enrollment Increase of 25,000: What Will Change?
The 2025-2026 Australian International Student Quota (National Planning Level, CAP) will increase from 270,000 to 295,000. 25,000 people increasedI did it.
This can be seen as a signal that the Australian government will continue to accept excellent students while stabilizing international student management in the post-COVID-19 period.
The gardens by field are as follows:
- Higher education (university, etc.): 196,750 people
- Vocational education (VET/TAFE, etc.): 98,250 people
The university's garden capacity can be increased to a maximum of 9%, which is good news for students preparing for their degree programs.
In summary, this CAP increase is not a simple numerical increase. international students Policy stability and strategies for attracting excellent studentsis an important indicator that shows.
Field-specific gardens (higher education/VET) and university impact
The increase in international student enrollment for the 2025/26 academic year can be understood more specifically by dividing it by field.
- Higher education (university, etc.): 196,750 people → Up to 9% increase compared to previous year.
On the university side, we aim to attract more degree-seeking students while securing competitive international students. - Vocational education (VET/TAFE, etc.): 98,250 → More students can be accommodated in practical training courses.
In other words, degree program candidates will face some relief from competition thanks to the expanded quota, while those seeking vocational training will have more opportunities.
Other major changes in 2025: increased application fees, visa conversion restrictions, and GS requirements.
In addition to the August news, there are other changes that have already been implemented or are significant in 2025.
- Student visa application fee increase: From 1 July 2025, application fees for Student Visas (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian Visas will increase.
It is important to check and prepare for the cost burden in advance. - Strengthening visa hopping prevention: The process for switching from a tourist visa or temporary graduate visa to a student visa has become more stringent.
If your purpose is academic, you should prepare your student visa properly from the beginning. - Strengthening GS (Genuine Student) requirements: The GS requirement, which replaced the existing GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant), has become important.
To ensure smooth visa issuance, you must clearly demonstrate your pure academic purpose.
For more information and the latest regulations, please refer to the official links below:
Student Visa Subclass 500 – Official Australian Department of Home Affairs
Organize your timeline and deadlines
We've compiled a list of key dates and deadlines that students preparing to study in Australia need to know.
- July 1, 2025: Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application Fee Increase
- August 4, 2025: Announcement of an increase of 25,000 international student quotas (National Planning Level) for 2025/26
- August 7, 2025: Expanding the scope of English language test acceptance for student visas (from 5 to 9)
- When to apply for visa: It is essential to check the latest test score requirements.
- At least 6 months before the start of the semester: Apply for a visa, prepare for an English test, and secure university admissions.
Checking the official schedule and making a plan is key to successfully preparing for your study in Australia.
Quick Inspection Checklist
Before you begin preparing to study abroad, we've compiled a list of essential items to check.
- ✅ 목표 대학과 과정 확정
- ✅ 비자 유형 확인(Subclass 500 등)
- ✅ 인정 영어 시험 선택 및 점수 확인
- ✅ 시험 응시 일정 예약
- ✅ 신청비 예산 확보
- ✅ 학업 계획서/GS 요건 준비
- ✅ 장학금, 기숙사, 항공권 등 생활 계획
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We've compiled the most frequently asked questions and answers from international students.
- Q1: How long is the English test score valid for?
A: Typically, it's two years. We recommend applying with your most recent scores. - Q2: How will the CAP increase affect my visa approval?
A: Expanding the garden is a positive factor as it reduces competition and increases the chances of visa approval. - Q3: I'm having trouble preparing for the GS requirements. Where can I find the materials?
A: You can find sample materials and guidance on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website:
Student 500 Visa – Home Affairs - Q4: Which test is more advantageous, PTE or TOEFL?
A: It depends on your individual strengths, preparation period, and target visa category score. Be sure to check the official score requirements.
EN 
KO