New Visa Policy Endorses Five Cambridge-Linked English Tests for Migration to Australia

Cambridge-Supported English Exams Approved for Australian Migration Pathways

In a major development for international students and skilled migrants, the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has expanded its list of approved English language tests for visa and migration purposes. Following a comprehensive review of assessment standards, five of the nine newly endorsed tests are supported by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, reinforcing the global credibility of Cambridge’s academic and linguistic expertise. Under a three-year Deed of Agreement commencing 7 August 2025, results from IELTS (Academic or General Training), Cambridge C1 Advanced (paper-based), OET, and the Michigan English Test (MET) will be accepted as valid proof of English proficiency for migration to Australia. This policy shift reflects Australia’s commitment to maintaining rigorous language standards while enhancing flexibility for applicants navigating the visa process.

Welcoming the announcement, Francesca Woodward, Managing Director for English at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, noted the organisation’s longstanding partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and its mission to expand opportunities for learners worldwide. She emphasised that IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, and MET are secure, high-quality assessments that reliably measure English proficiency and support real-life communication skills essential for studying, working, and living in Australia.

Moreover, Woodward affirmed that candidates opting for Cambridge-supported tests could be confident in the organisation’s commitment to helping them succeed and thrive. IELTS is jointly owned by Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP IELTS; OET is owned by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Unit Trust (CBLA), a joint venture between Cambridge English (Australia) and Box Hill Institute; and MET is co-owned by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the University of Michigan.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment further highlighted that its English qualifications, including IELTS and Cambridge English Qualifications, are recognised by over 28,000 organisations globally, from universities and employers to immigration authorities. Specifically, the C1 Advanced qualification is accepted by more than 11,000 institutions, including all members of Australia’s Group of Eight universities, such as the University of Sydney, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Melbourne.In addition, MET is a multilevel exam developed by Michigan Language Assessment at the University of Michigan, designed to support learners in achieving their educational and professional goals. OET, meanwhile, remains the leading English test for healthcare professionals and has been jointly owned by CBLA since 2013. This endorsement marks a strategic alignment between Australia’s migration framework and globally trusted English assessment standards.

Editor’s Note:

The Australian Government’s decision to broaden its list of approved English language tests for visa and migration applications is both timely and commendable. In an increasingly competitive global education and labour market, this initiative signals a pragmatic shift towards inclusivity without compromising quality. At the heart of the announcement is the endorsement of five high-quality tests supported by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, namely IELTS (Academic and General Training), Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, and MET. These tests have long been recognised for their academic rigour, security, and relevance to real-world communication, particularly in education, employment, and healthcare contexts. The three-year Deed of Agreement, effective from 7 August 2025, reflects a strategic alignment between Australia’s migration policy and internationally trusted assessment standards. It also acknowledges the evolving needs of applicants, many of whom require flexible, credible pathways to demonstrate English proficiency. Francesca Woodward’s remarks underscore Cambridge’s commitment to learner success and institutional collaboration. The global recognition of these tests, across 28,000 organisations and all Group of Eight universities, reinforces their value not only as migration tools but as enablers of long-term integration and opportunity.

According to Skoobuzz, this initiative balances policy integrity with applicant accessibility, and it strengthens Australia’s position as a destination that values both excellence and equity in its migration framework.