Functional English Requirements

Functional English Requirements

To meet the Functional English standard for your visa, you must provide evidence in one of the following ways:

1. Passport Holders who are exempt from Functional English

You are exempted from Functional English requirement if you are a citizen and hold a valid passport from one of these countries:

• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• United Kingdom (not including British National Overseas passports)
• United States of America

2. Study Completed in English

You may also fulfill requirements of Functional English if you completed study or training in English, such as:

• At least 2 years of full-time study (degree, diploma, higher degree, or trade certificate) where all instruction was in English
• Primary and secondary education: all years of primary plus at least 3 years of secondary school, taught in English
• Secondary education only: at least 5 years, taught in English
• Study in Australia: at least 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time) towards a diploma, degree, or higher qualification, with all study in English

3. Approved English Test Scores

If you do not meet the above, you can show Functional English evidence through an approved English test.

Tests Taken on or after 7 August 2025

Within the last 1 years, you must achieve at least:

Tests Taken on or before 6 August 2025

If your test was taken before this date, results may be used until 6 August 2026, depending on your visa. Minimum scores are:

Online Test Restrictions

The Department does not accept results from online or at-home tests (remote-proctored). Examples not accepted:

• IELTS Online
• CELPIP Online
• LanguageCert Academic Online
• MET Digital (home version)
• OET@Home
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition

👉 Need help confirming whether you meet the Functional English requirement for your visa? Contact Migration Dreamz for clear guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Functional English Requirement

1. What is Functional English?

Functional English means you have basic speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills in English. It’s the minimum level of English required for some Australian visas.

2. How can I prove I have Functional English?

You can prove your Functional English by:

• Providing results from an approved English test, or
• Showing evidence of study in English, such as having completed education in an English-speaking country.

3. Which English tests are accepted for Functional English?

You can use any of the following approved tests:

• IELTS
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English (CAE or C1 Advanced)
• OET (for healthcare professionals)

Each test has specific score requirements for Functional English.

4. What are the score requirements for Functional English?

To meet Functional English, you must achieve at least:

Tests Taken on or after 7 August 2025

Within the last 1 years, you must achieve at least:

5. Can I be exempt from taking an English test?

Yes, you may be exempt if you:

• Hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, or
• At least 2 years of full-time study (degree, diploma, higher degree, or trade certificate) where all instruction was in English
• Primary and secondary education: all years of primary plus at least 3 years of secondary school, taught in English
• Secondary education only: at least 5 years, taught in English
• Study in Australia: at least 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time) towards a diploma, degree, or higher qualification, with all study in English

6. How long are English test results valid?

English test results are valid for 12 months from the date of the test for visa purposes.

Need help confirming whether you meet the Functional English requirement for your visa? Contact Migration Dreamz for clear guidance.