Is IELTS mandatory for Australia and when should I take it?

Yes, English language proficiency is mandatory for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500), but IELTS is not the only accepted test.

You can choose from several approved tests, including:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- CELPIP General

Each test has specific minimum score requirements set by the Australian Government and universities.

Plan to take your chosen English test well before university deadlines. Test scores are usually valid for two years. Only scores from approved test centers are accepted - online or at-home versions are not valid for visa purposes.