IELTS
The International English Language Testing System is one of the most widely accepted English language tests for Australian visa and migration applications. Learn about the test format, scoring, and what band scores you need.
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognised English proficiency test jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It assesses your ability across four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS is available in two versions: IELTS Academic for those applying to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level or seeking professional registration, and IELTS General Training for secondary education, work experience, or migration purposes. Both are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for Australian visa applications.
Unlike fully computer-scored tests, IELTS Writing and Speaking are assessed by trained human examiners, and results are reported on a 9-band scale in whole and half-band increments.
Important: Only in-person IELTS (at a test centre) is accepted for Australian visa purposes. IELTS Online (at-home / remote-proctored) is not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
Test Structure
The IELTS test runs for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes across four sections. Listening, Reading, and Writing are taken in sequence on the same day with no breaks. Speaking may be on the same day or up to 7 days before or after.
Listening
~30 minutes + 10 min transfer · 4 parts · 40 questions
Part 1
Conversation in an everyday social context (2 speakers)
Part 2
Monologue in an everyday social context
Part 3
Conversation in an educational or training context (up to 4 speakers)
Part 4
Monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture
Question types
Reading
60 minutes · 3 passages · 40 questions
Academic
Three long texts from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. Topics are suitable for people entering university or seeking professional registration.
General Training
Texts from everyday English-speaking environments — notices, advertisements, company handbooks, magazines and newspapers.
Academic question types
True / False / Not Given
Identify whether statements match the text
Yes / No / Not Given
Identify the writer's views or claims
Matching Headings
Match headings to paragraphs or sections
Matching Information
Locate specific information in paragraphs
Matching Features
Match statements to a list of options
Matching Sentence Endings
Complete sentences using a list of endings
Sentence Completion
Complete sentences using words from the text
Summary / Note / Table Completion
Complete a summary using words from the passage
Diagram Label Completion
Label a diagram with words from the text
Multiple Choice
Single or multiple answer options
Short Answer Questions
Answer questions using words from the text
Writing
60 minutes · 2 tasks · Human examiner scored
Task 1 — Academic
AcademicDescribe, summarise or explain a graph, table, chart or diagram. At least 150 words. 20 minutes recommended.
Task 1 — General Training
General TrainingWrite a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. At least 150 words. 20 minutes recommended.
Task 2 — Academic & General Training
BothWrite an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem. At least 250 words. 40 minutes recommended. Worth twice as much as Task 1.
Task 2 weighs twice as much as Task 1. Allocate your time accordingly — 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
Speaking
11–14 minutes · 3 parts · Human examiner scored
Part 1
4–5 minutes
Introduction & Interview
The examiner introduces themselves and asks you to confirm your identity. You answer general questions on familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests.
Part 2
3–4 minutes
Individual Long Turn
The examiner gives you a task card on a particular topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, then speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner then asks one or two follow-up questions.
Part 3
4–5 minutes
Two-Way Discussion
The examiner asks further questions connected to the Part 2 topic. These questions explore more abstract ideas and give you the opportunity to analyse, discuss and speculate.
The Speaking test may be taken on the same day as the other sections, or up to 7 days before or after. Some test centres offer the Speaking test via video call.
How Scoring Works
IELTS results are reported on a 9-band scale, with scores in whole and half-band increments (e.g. 6.0, 6.5, 7.0).
Each of the four skills is scored on a scale of 0 to 9 in whole and half-band increments. You also receive an Overall Band Score.
Writing and Speaking are assessed by certified IELTS examiners. Listening and Reading are marked by computer. All examiners are trained to the same international standard.
Computer-delivered results are available in 3–5 days. Paper-based results take up to 13 days. Results are released online; the TRF is posted separately.
One Skill Retake (OSR): IELTS offers a One Skill Retake option that lets you resit a single component from your original test. The Department of Home Affairs accepts OSR results for eligible visa subclasses.
Test Cost & Booking
IELTS is available through two authorised providers in Australia: IDP and the British Council. Both offer Academic and General Training at the same price.
AUD for Academic or General Training. Increased from $475 on 1 April 2026.
Book via IDP (idp.com) or British Council. Valid passport required at registration.
One Test Report Form is issued free. Additional TRFs for organisations carry a fee.
Check before you book: Fees are subject to change. Always confirm the current price on the IDP IELTS Australia or British Council Australia website before registering.
Score Requirements for Australian Visas
The requirements below apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Each component band score must individually meet its threshold — an Overall Band Score alone is not sufficient.
Source: Department of Home Affairs — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
| English Level | Points | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English Minimum to apply | 0 pts | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Proficient English Recommended target | +10 pts | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Superior English Maximum points available | +20 pts | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Every component counts. You must meet the minimum band score in each of the four individual components. A high score in one component cannot compensate for a score below the threshold in another.
Score requirements by visa subclass
Skilled — Independent
English proficiency is assessed using the points test. Competent English is the minimum to lodge an EOI. Superior English earns the maximum 20 points.
Skilled — Nominated
Same English points test as subclass 189. State nomination adds 5 points on top, making English proficiency an important lever in your overall score.
Skilled — Regional (Provisional)
Same points test applies. Regional nomination provides 15 points, but strong English is still essential to reach the minimum invitation threshold.
Temporary Graduate
Requires Competent English as a minimum. There is no points test for this visa — you only need to meet the Competent threshold.
Temporary Skill Shortage
Competent English is required as a minimum. Some streams and occupations may have higher requirements — check with your migration agent.
Student Visa
No minimum DHA IELTS band is set for the student visa itself, but your enrolled institution will set its own IELTS entry requirements.
Key Rules for Australian Visa Applications
Single Sitting
All four component scores must come from a single test sitting. You may use IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) — where a single skill is retaken — if your visa subclass is eligible.
3-Year Validity
IELTS results are valid for three years from the date you sat the test. Plan your test timing to ensure your results are still valid when you lodge your visa application.
No Online Tests
IELTS Online (at-home / remote-proctored) is not accepted by the DHA. You must sit the test at an authorised IELTS test centre, whether paper-based or computer-delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for a subclass 189 visa?
The minimum is Competent English — a band 6 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). This earns 0 points in the points test. Proficient English (band 7 in each component) earns 10 points, and Superior English (band 8 in each component) earns the maximum 20 points.
Should I take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training?
Both are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for skilled migration visas, and the band score requirements are identical. If you also plan to apply to an Australian university or professional body, check their requirements — many require IELTS Academic specifically.
Can I use the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for my Australian visa?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS results that include a One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. The OSR allows you to retake one skill — Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking — from your original test sitting. Check the DHA website to confirm your specific visa subclass is eligible.
How long are IELTS results valid for Australian visas?
IELTS results are valid for three years from the date you sat the test. Plan your test timing carefully to ensure your results remain valid when you lodge your visa application.
When will I receive my IELTS results?
For computer-delivered IELTS (CDBT), results are typically available online within 3 to 5 days of your test. For paper-based IELTS, results are available within 13 days. Your Test Report Form (TRF) is posted separately and is the official record accepted by the DHA.
Ready to prepare for IELTS?
Read our expert preparation guide with section-by-section tips, high-impact task strategies, and test-day advice to help you hit your target band score.