Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the 600 visa requires
The Visitor visa Tourist stream page lists the eligibility rules: you must intend to come to Australia to visit only, have enough money for your stay, not work in Australia, and be outside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made. There is no "Have this level of English language" requirement, unlike the 462 or 407 visa pages.
Home Affairs asks you to have all non-English documents translated into English and to provide both the original and the translation.
Study and stay limits
You can study or train for up to 3 months on this visa. Home Affairs says that if your main reason for travel is study, a student visa might be more appropriate. Stay is generally 3 months, and up to 12 months in certain circumstances (Home Affairs).
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the Home Affairs Visitor visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
| If you plan to | Visa | English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Visit as a tourist or see family | Visitor (600) | None listed |
| Study a short course of up to 3 months | Visitor (600) | None listed |
| Study a longer course | Student (500) | See the 500 guide |
| Holiday and work (aged 18 to 30) | Work and Holiday (462) | Functional English |
Need an English test for an Australian visa?
Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic and IELTS, among other tests. Take a free mock and see where you would land.
Free PTE Academic mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
If you need a longer route
For study, read IELTS for the Australian Student visa (500). For a working holiday from a 462 country, read IELTS for the Work and Holiday visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is an English test needed to visit Australia?+
Not for the Visitor visa (subclass 600). Home Affairs does not list an English requirement for it.
Can I do an English course on a visitor visa?+
Home Affairs says you can study or train for up to 3 months on this visa.
Do I need to translate my documents?+
Yes. Documents not in English must be translated into English, and you provide both the original and the translation.
How long can I stay on a 600 visa?+
Generally 3 months, and up to 12 months in certain circumstances, as stated on your grant letter.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the Work and Holiday visa (462)
- IELTS for the Australian Student visa (500)
- English tests accepted for Australian visas
- IELTS for Australia
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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