What OET score do you need for an Australian visa?

OET does not print an overall result on its score reports, but Home Affairs says you can get your overall OET result by contacting OET (Home Affairs). Only functional English uses an overall OET score; the other levels set a minimum for each sub-test. OET itself reports each sub-test from 0 to 500 (OET).

The test must take place at a secure testing centre, and Home Affairs does not accept tests delivered completely online; it names OET@Home as an example (Home Affairs). OET on Paper and OET on Computer at a venue are the modes to book.

For vocational, competent, proficient and superior English, the test must be in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass (Home Affairs). For functional English it must be in the 12 months before you apply (Home Affairs). Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa (Home Affairs). Check your visa subclass page for the level it needs.

Registration with Ahpra and a visa are separate requirements. For tests from 23 April 2026, Ahpra asks for OET 350 listening, 360 reading, 350 writing and 360 speaking (Ahpra), while proficient English for a visa asks for 380 in writing. Check both if your visa points or conditions need a higher level than registration. See OET score for Ahpra.

If you are weighing IELTS or PTE for a skilled visa instead, see IELTS for Australian skilled visas and functional English in Australia, or take a free PTE mock test.