The Michigan English Test (MET) is officially accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes. If you are planning to study, work, or settle in Australia, understanding the MET score requirements for your visa class is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about MET scores for Australian visas in 2025 and beyond.
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English Levels for Australian Visas
The Department of Home Affairs defines three functional English levels for skilled migration. Each level awards different points under Australia's points-based immigration system and unlocks access to different visa subclasses.
Competent English
- Points awarded: 0 points
- Meets the minimum English threshold for skilled migration
- Required for: Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa
- Suitable for applicants who meet the points threshold through other criteria (age, work experience, qualifications)
Proficient English
- Points awarded: +10 points under the points test
- Significantly boosts your total score for competitive visa subclasses
- Required for competitive entry in: Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
Superior English
- Points awarded: +20 points under the points test
- IMPORTANT: Superior English is NOT currently recognized for MET
- To claim Superior English, you need IELTS Academic 8.0+ in each band or equivalent in another accepted test (PTE Academic 79+, C1 Advanced 200+)
- If you need Superior English points, contact us for guidance on alternative tests
MET Scores Required for Each Level
The table below shows the official MET score requirements as recognized by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These scores apply to 4-skill MET tests taken at approved test centers.
| English Level | Points | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational | See visa | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 | |
| Competent | 0 | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 | |
| Proficient | +10 | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 | |
| Superior | +20 | NOT ACCEPTED — MET is not accepted for Superior English. You need IELTS 8.0+ or equivalent. See alternative tests | ||||
Note: For Proficient and Competent English, there is no overall MET score requirement — you must meet or exceed the individual component scores. Each skill score must meet its threshold independently.
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Proficient English. Last verified: July 2026.
Which Visas Use These Scores?
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa
- Points-tested permanent residence visa
- No state nomination or employer sponsorship required
- Proficient English (+10 points) strongly recommended for competitive invitation rounds
- Competent English meets the minimum threshold but may not be enough for an invitation
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
- State/territory-nominated permanent residence visa
- Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government
- Proficient English (+10 points) helps meet both state nomination and Department points requirements
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Regional provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years
- Can be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member
- Proficient English adds +10 points to your total
Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate Visa
- For international students who have completed an Australian qualification
- Competent English is the required minimum
- Allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily
Subclass 500 — Student Visa
- English requirements vary by institution and course level
- Most Australian universities and colleges accept MET scores for admission
- Check with your specific institution for their MET score requirements
Key Rules (Post-August 2025)
The Department of Home Affairs updated its English language requirements with new rules effective from August 7, 2025. These are critical to understand before booking your MET test.
- Tests must be taken within 12 months of the date of visa lodgement. Any test older than 12 months will not be accepted.
- Tests must be taken at secure, in-person test centers. Remote/online proctored tests, including MET Digital at-home, are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is NOT accepted for sittings taken after August 7, 2025. If you sat CAE before this date, it may still be valid within the 12-month window.
- 5 passport groups are fully exempt from English testing: United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland passport holders do not need to provide English test scores.
- Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders have lower English thresholds under special arrangements. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for details specific to your situation.
- Single Section Retake (SSR) is accepted. The Department of Home Affairs accepts MET results that include Single Section Retake for eligible visas. If you score low on one section (e.g., Writing), you can retake just that section instead of the entire test. Check your visa page to confirm SSR eligibility.
189 Visa Points Test Summary
The Subclass 189 visa uses a points-based system. Below is a summary of the key point allocations. English is one of several factors that contribute to your total.
| Factor | Category | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 | |
| 33–39 years | 25 | |
| 40–44 years | 15 | |
| 45+ years | 0 | |
| English | Competent | 0 |
| Proficient (MET bands) | 10 | |
| Superior (IELTS 8.0+) | 20 | |
| Skilled Employment | Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3–4 years (overseas) | 5 | |
| 8–10 years (overseas) | 15 | |
| Qualifications | Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 | |
| No recognised qualification | 0 | |
| Australian study (2+ years) | 5 |
How to Prepare for Your MET Test
Achieving the MET scores required for your Australian visa takes focused preparation. Our free practice tests are designed to help you reach your target scores across all four skills.
Each practice test follows the official MET format and includes AI-powered scoring to give you an accurate picture of your current level. Focus on the skills where you need the most improvement to reach your target MET scores for your Australian visa.