Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
AACA minimum scores
From the AACA OQA Applicants Guide (October 2025, updated to align with the new DEWR guidelines for skilled migration assessments). Evidence of English proficiency is one of three eligibility requirements, alongside a comparable architecture qualification and at least six months of relevant professional experience. If the eligibility requirements are not met, the application is rejected and the fee is not refunded.
The guide sets overall scores only; it does not list band minimums.
| Evidence (issued within the last three years) | AACA minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic, including One Skill Retake | 6.5 overall |
| PTE | 61 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 85 overall |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) | 176 overall |
| OET | Listed, with a note that it is designed for health professionals; no score given |
| Letter from a current architectural employer | Australian residents only: confirms English appropriate for professional practice |
Who needs the test
The OQA page says a standard English proficiency test is required if the qualification was not undertaken in English. If your architecture degree was taught and assessed in English, the guide does not ask for a test.
The employer letter is an alternative only for applicants who live in Australia. Applicants overseas whose programme was not in English need one of the test results.
AACA quotes the DEWR guidelines: English requirements in skilled migration assessments follow industry-set levels, while visa English criteria are separate. Passing the AACA requirement does not by itself meet the English level for your visa.
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.
Visa English is a separate check
AACA lists the OQA under its skilled migration assessments. If you are using it for a visa, check the Department of Home Affairs English requirement for that visa as well, because it is set separately from the AACA level.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the AACA page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do architects need for AACA?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, if your architecture programme was taught in a language other than English.
Does AACA accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes. The OQA Applicants Guide lists IELTS Academic including One Skill Retake.
What PTE score do architects need in Australia?+
AACA asks for PTE 61 overall for the Overseas Qualifications Assessment.
How old can my IELTS result be for AACA?+
It must have been issued within the last three years.
Is IELTS General Training accepted by AACA?+
The guide names IELTS Academic only.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for architects in New Zealand
- IELTS for Australia's 189, 190 and 491 visas
- IELTS for engineers in Australia
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy