English Requirements & Application Changes for Australia (Student 500 & Temporary Graduate 485)

What changed in 2024?

• Genuine Student (GS) replaced GTE for Student visa (subclass 500) applications lodged on/after 23 March 2024. Applications lodged before that date remain assessed under GTE. Immigration and citizenship Website+1

• The English-language rules were updated via legislative instruments and later amendments; always check the current Home Affairs pages when you apply. (Home Affairs notes further test-rule updates from 7 Aug 2025.) Immigration and citizenship Website+1

Minimum English scores (approved tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CAE)

Temporary Graduate visa – subclass 485

• IELTS: overall 6.5, no band below 5.5.

• Test currency: scores must be from a test taken within 1 year before the application; all non-OET components in one sitting.

• Equivalent minima are specified for PTE/TOEFL iBT/CAE/OET.

• Instrument LIN 24/021 also repeals IMMI 15/062 and preserves it only for applications lodged but not finally decided before 23 Mar 2024. legislation.gov.au

Student visa – subclass 500

• Standard entry to principal course: IELTS overall 6.0 (or equivalent).

• With 10 weeks ELICOS / standard or extended foundation / eligible pathway program: IELTS 5.5.

• With 20 weeks ELICOS: IELTS 5.0.

• Test currency: generally within 2 years (see clause 5(1)(b) of LIN 24/022). legislation.gov.au

GS (Genuine Student) replaces GTE

From 23 March 2024, student-visa applicants must satisfy GS, showing they are genuine students (and may later pursue skilled pathways). GTE still applies to earlier-lodged cases and remains for Student Guardian (subclass 590). Immigration and citizenship Website

Instruments & policy notes you can cite in your documents

• LIN 24/021 (Subclass 485 English): sets 6.5 overall / 5.5 each band, 1-year test validity; repeals IMMI 15/062 with savings for pre-commencement cases. legislation.gov.au

• LIN 24/022 (Subclass 500 English): sets 6.0 standard entry and reduced thresholds with ELICOS/foundation/pathway; 2-year test validity window. legislation.gov.au

• GS requirement page (Home Affairs): confirms GS effective 23 Mar 2024. Immigration and citizenship Website

• Home Affairs notes further English test rule changes from 7 Aug 2025 on both the 500 and 485 pages—check these before lodging. Immigration and citizenship Website+1

Reminder: Policy settings can change. Use the cited Home Affairs pages/instruments at the time you prepare your application.