Australia Renews 3-Year Agreement: IELTS Reaffirmed As An Approved Test for Australia Migration

Nov 26, 2025

A new three-year Deed of Agreement was signed by the IELTS Partners (British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment) and the Australian Department of Home Affairs on 31 July 2025 to reaffirm IELTS Australia as an approved English test for visa and migration purposes.

Under this renewed deal, both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training scores remain valid for most visa applications, giving test-takers worldwide confidence in using the IELTS test Australia for their migration goals.

“We are honoured to continue this long-standing relationship. This new agreement reflects our shared commitment to maintaining integrity, quality and fairness in English language testing.” said Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer, IDP Education

For a complete guide on preparing for IELTS Australia, check our IELTS preparation tips.

Also Check:

What does the IELTS Australia Agreement Mean for Visa Applicants?

The agreement confirms that IELTS required for Australia visas will continue to be accepted for most migration applications, giving applicants a stable and officially approved test option through the next three years.

Andrew Mackenzie, Head of IELTS at the British Council, said, “It’s fantastic that people can continue to choose IELTS for work or study in Australia. As part of the British Council’s mission to connect people around the world through arts and culture, education and the English language, we’re proud that IELTS continues to open doors worldwide, and we’re thrilled to keep supporting individuals on these life-changing journeys.”

For applicants checking IELTS band scores required for Australia, this renewal provides certainty on IELTS bands required for Australia, the scores needed for PR and skilled visas.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) Accepted
The agreement explicitly confirms acceptance of IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for most visa subclasses, allowing applicants to retake just one module instead of the full IELTS exam for Australia.

However, there are exceptions: visa subclasses 476, 482, and 485 still require scores from a single sitting.

On Reddit, users confirmed this change. “After the English amendments on 7 August 2025, you can now use IELTS OSR for a 485 application as long as the retake is completed before lodging your visa.”

Understand each module better by checking our IELTS Listening, IELTS Reading, IELTS Writing, and IELTS Speaking guides.

Also Check:

Security, Quality & Trust
The agreement followed a comprehensive review by the Department of Home Affairs. The IELTS Partners praised the review for its “rigorous approach and clear focus on test quality and security.”

As Pamela Baxter, the Managing Director for IELTS Australia at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “I’m proud of IELTS’ role by offering an accurate reflection of their English proficiency.”
Volume & Global Reach
According to the announcement, 60,000 people choose IELTS every week to demonstrate English proficiency, and it is accepted by over 12,500 organisations globally.

This underlines IELTS’s role not just in migration, but also in international education and employment.

For important updates, check our IELTS Exam Dates to plan your application.

Also Check:

How Migrants & Applicants Are Reacting Online

The announcement has been met with relief, cautious optimism, and the usual memes across social media. The confirmation of IELTS band for Australia scores and OSR acceptance has been the most positively received.

On Reddit’s r/AusVisa and r/IELTS, users quickly updated pinned threads and shared personal wins: “OSR just saved my 485 application. Got 6.5 overall but 5.5 in writing → retook only writing and lodged the same week. Granted in 12 days.”

Another user wrote: “Finally some good news in 2025. Was terrified they’d drop IELTS like the UK did with some providers.”

On X (Twitter), reactions ranged from celebration to sarcasm:

“Another 3 years of IELTS dominance confirmed! Book your slots early for 2026 PR rounds ????????????”
@KeKirwa said: “High IELTS bands are still the clearest pathway to Australia PR. This new agreement just locked it in until 2028.”
@RoohbirSingh wrote: “Australia: ‘We trust IELTS so much we’ll make you prove English every 2–3 years and charge $395 each time’ ????”

The renewal has given most applicants planning 2026–2028 lodgements the certainty they were hoping for, with many already booking test dates well into next year.

FAQs

Ques. Is computer-based or online IELTS accepted for Australian migration visas?

Ans. No, only paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS taken at a secure test centre is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. At-home or online versions (like IELTS Online or IELTS Indicator) are explicitly not valid for migration purposes, as they don't meet security standards. This has been a hot topic on Reddit, where users warn against wasting money on remote options. Stick to in-centre tests for reliability.

Ques. Do I need a valid IELTS score to enter Australia on a student or work visa, or just for the application?

Ans. Once your visa (e.g., subclass 500 student visa) is granted, you don't need to show your IELTS certificate at the border; immigration focuses on your valid visa. However, the score must be valid at the time of application. In Reddit discussions, applicants share stories of travelling post-expiry without issues, but always confirm with your visa grant letter.

Ques. Which is easier for migration: IELTS General or Academic, and do I need both?

Ans. For most PR visas like 189 or 190, IELTS General is sufficient and often considered easier (especially the Reading/Writing sections, which are less academic-focused). An academic is typically only required for skills assessments in fields like nursing or teaching. Quora users and ExpatForum posters recommend starting with General for the visa itself, then switching to Academic if your profession demands it. Many regret doing the Academic first due to its complexity.

Ques. How long is an IELTS score valid for Australian visa applications, and what if it expires during processing?

Ans. IELTS scores are valid for three years from the test date for most migration visas, but skills assessments often require them to be no older than one year. If it expires mid-process (e.g., during EOI invitation), you'll likely need a fresh test. Agents on Facebook groups advise against risking it, as delays can push you into new rules. For secondary applicants on family visas like 186, some report stricter 12-month limits.

Ques. Is UKVI IELTS accepted for Australian PR or visas, or only standard IELTS?

Ans. No, UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) IELTS is tailored for UK purposes and not accepted by Australia's Department of Home Affairs. ExpatForum users who tried using it for PR applications were rejected outright. Always opt for the standard IELTS General or Academic. This comes up often in mixed-country migration threads.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.