The Australian government has made a big change to the standards for getting a visa. They have updated and greatly increased the list of acceptable English language exams for international citizens, including those in Dubai, who want to get an Australian visa. This modification, which took effect on August 7, 2025, makes more tests valid, making it easier for international applicants to be admitted. Here is a full explanation of how this policy will grow, why it will grow and what it will mean in real life. In this blog we will discuss about Australia List of Approved English Language Tests.

Background and Context

Before August 2025, Australia only accepted five English language tests for visa purposes. These were:

  • IELTS (General and Academic Training)
  • PTE Academic
  • OET (for people who work in health care)
  • TOEFL iBT
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)

This short list of Approved English Language Tests for Foreign Residents in Dubai of options often made it hard for applicants, especially those who lived in places like Dubai, to get to testing facilities or to find tests that were a good fit for their talents. The Department of Home Affairs changed this list on August 7, 2025. The new regulation raised the number of accepted exams from five to nine. 

This gave students more options and aimed to ensure that all providers used the same grading system. The updated list applies to tests done on or after this date. Tests taken before this date are still valid but only for certain visa subclasses and times.

The New Official Australia list of approved English language tests 

As of the policy change, Australia now officially accepts the following nine tests for visa purposes, including for people who live in Dubai:

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
  • CELPIP General
  • IELTS Academic (with one skill retake)
  • IELTS General Training (with one skill retake)
  • LanguageCert Academic Exam
  • MET which includes a single section retake
  • Test of English for Work (OET)
  • Pearson Test of English for Academic Purposes (PTE Academic)
  • TOEFL iBT

This longer list of exams lets people in Dubai, where most tests are easy to access, choose the one they feel most comfortable with while still satisfying the requirements for an Australian visa.

What Changed? Key Highlights

  • Flexible Test Options: Starting August 7, 2025, Candidates can submit test scores from any of the nine recognised tests, based on the requirements for their visa subclass.
  • Valid Transition Period: Tests taken before August 7, 2025, are still valid but only if they fall within the validity windows of the visa.
  • Secure Testing Requirement: The Department requires that examinations be taken at secure test facilities; remote or at-home versions (such as the TOEFL Special Home Edition, IELTS Online and OET@Home) are NOT allowed.
  • Scoring Alignment: The score thresholds were changed so that all test formats have the same standards. 

Applying for the English Language Tests for the Australian Visa in Dubai

If you live in Dubai and want to apply for an Australian visa, you now have the option of taking IELTS, PTE or less common but relevant tests like CELPIP or MET. Here is how to get through the process:

1. Check Visa Subclass Requirements

Different types of visas like Student subclass 500, Temporary Graduate subclass 485 and Skilled visas, have different levels of English ability that applicants must meet: 

  • Functional 
  • Competent 
  • Proficient
  • Superior.

2. Choose a Test Available in Dubai

There are many testing centres in Dubai. If you are better with an academic structure, you might want to take the IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. 

  • If you are more interested in medicine, you might want to take the OET.
  •  If you find Canadian-based testing easier, you might want to take the CELPIP.

3. Book at a Secure Testing Centre

Make sure to book the test in person not online at home. Australia’s Home Affairs won’t accept digital or remote proctored versions.

4. Aim for the Specific Score Requirements

Every type visa and test has different marking criteria. For instance, to get Proficient English, you need a 7 in each band on the IELTS, a mid-60s or above on the MET and an even higher score on the LanguageCert.

5. Retain Validity of Older Tests

Make sure that your test is still valid if you took it before August 7, 2025. Depending on your visa subclass, the validity period could be as long as three years.

Why This Matters

Here are some of the main reasons:

  • Accessibility: Adding lesser known but strong options like CELPIP, MET and LanguageCert makes it easier for people to take the test which is especially important for people in Dubai who need to take it at different times.
  • Standardised Scores: New scoring standards assist in making sure that English Proficiency Examinations are fair and consistent across the Board.
  • Less Stress: People who want to apply can choose examinations that fit their strengths, which gets around the problems of having too few options before.
  • Policy Transparency: Clear guidelines for transitions and modifications that are available to the public ensure that applicants fully understand their options and eligibility.

The Importance of a Study Abroad Consultant

As English test requirements and immigration restrictions become more complicated the need for a study abroad counsellor in Dubai becomes even more important. Here are some good reasons to hire a consultant in Dubai or online:

  • Test Selection Guidance: A consultant can look at your profile, strengths, and test availability to suggest the ideal test for you, whether it’s CELPIP General, IELTS Academic or OET.
  • Score Benchmarking Support: They know the most recent score requirements for different visa subclasses which can help you get ready for the right level.
  • Test Booking and Logistics: Consultants know about test centres in Dubai, how to book them and what supplies to use to be ready. They can also assist you in finding convenient times at safe locations.
  • Visa Documentation Expertise: A consultant makes sure that all parts of your visa application, like proof of funds, proof of education eligibility, health checks and more are put together correctly.

A professional consultant gives you peace of mind and a better chance of success, especially when things are changing, like the new list of acceptable English language examinations.

FAQs

 1. Which English tests are now accepted from August 7, 2025?

There are nine tests: C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic and General , LanguageCert Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.

2. Are online or at-home test versions accepted?

No. Tests performed at secure test facilities are the only acceptable ones.

3. What if I took a test before August 7, 2025?

Tests taken before August are still valid for a short time usually up to three years.

4. Why should I hire a study abroad consultant?

They help you choose and book tests, understand score requirements, deal with paperwork, and make sure you follow the laws when they change. This makes the immigration process easier.

Conclusion

The Department of Home Affairs made a sensible and inclusive move by adding the recent Australia List of Approved English Language Tests for international residents in Dubai. The policy makes it easier and fairer for applicants all around the world by raising the number of accepted tests from five to nine and making the scoring system the same for all of them. 

But even with changing laws and different visa requirements it can still be hard to choose a test, book it, meet the scoring standards and gather all the necessary paperwork. So the unquestionable value of a study abroad consultant is that they make this complicated process easier by giving you expert advice, personalised preparation plans and making sure you have the best chance of getting your visa.