Exchange in Australia: changes to the English requirement for a postgraduate visa in 2025
Australia has just implemented significant changes to the English proficiency requirements for a graduate visa, directly impacting international students who plan to remain in the country after completing their studies. The new rules, which came into effect on August 7, 2025, raise the minimum standard required and represent an important milestone for those who dream of building a career in the country of kangaroos.
What has changed in the English language requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has established stricter criteria for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), known as Visa 485. This change aims to ensure that international graduates have a higher level of communication, facilitating their integration and success in the competitive Australian labor market.
New requirements (as of 07/08/2025):
- Minimum overall score of 6.5 No IELTS
- No individual skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking) can be lower than 5.5
Previous requirements (up to 06/08/2025):
- Minimum overall score of 6.0 No IELTS
- No individual skill lower than 5.0
For students who are already planning their exchange, these changes reinforce the importance of preparing properly. O Uncomplicating the Australian visa now includes this new reality that must be considered from the beginning of the planning.
Why were these changes implemented
The Australian government's decision reflects a larger strategy for the more careful selection of professionals who remain in the country after their studies. With an increasingly competitive job market, especially in technical and specialized areas, advanced fluency in English has become a crucial differential.
This measure also aligns with other new Australian student visa rules which were implemented in recent years, demonstrating the country's commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
How does this impact Brazilian students
For Brazilians who dream of study and work in Australia, this change represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, it requires greater language preparation. On the other hand, it guarantees that those who are able to meet the new requirements will be better positioned in the local labor market.
Practical impacts:
- Intensive preparation: Need for more focused and targeted English courses
- Advance planning: Additional time must be considered to achieve the required score
- Additional cost: Possible investments in preparatory courses and multiple attempts at the test
- Competitive advantage: Better linguistic preparation for the labor market
Other ways to prove proficiency
While IELTS is the most well-known test, Australia accepts other forms of proof of English. O Complete guide to Australian visa requirements explains in detail all the options accepted by the Australian authorities.
Accepted tests and their equivalences:
- TOEFL iBT: 79 overall points, with a minimum of 19 in each skill
- PTE Academic: 58 overall points, with a minimum of 50 in each skill
- Cambridge English: 176 overall points, with a minimum of 162 in each skill
Strategies to meet the new requirements
1. Start preparation early
Fluency in English doesn't develop overnight. Students planning to apply for a 485 visa must begin language preparation at least 12 months before completing the course.
2. Focus on specific skills
Many students score well overall but fail at specific skills. Writing (writing) and speaking (speaking) tend to be the biggest challenges for Brazilians.
3. Practice in a real environment
Make the most of your exchange experience to practice English in real situations. Participating in study groups, extracurricular activities, and part-time work accelerates fluency development.
The Future of Australian Visas
Immigration experts believe that these changes are just the beginning of a series of adjustments that the Australian government intends to make in the coming years. The trend is towards increasingly strict criteria, especially for professions in high demand.
For those who are starting to plan the exchange, it is essential to keep up to date with all the changes. O Australian student visa remains one of the best gateways to an international career, but requires increasingly careful preparation.
Practical tips for preparing
During the exchange:
- Take an active part in classes: Don't just be a passive listener
- Get involved with the local community: Volunteering and social activities improve fluency naturally
- Work legally: Local professional experience enhances technical English
- Do networking: Professional connections require advanced communication
Before the test:
- Regular simulations: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and time
- Preparatory courses: Invest in online language course It can make a difference in the final score
- Professional feedback: Specialized teachers identify specific improvement points
Planning is fundamental
The changes in English language requirements reinforce something that we always defend at Be Easy: planning in advance is essential for a successful exchange. Students who prepare in advance, considering not only the main course but also future requirements, are much more likely to achieve their goals.
For those considering destinations like Sydney, it's worth remembering that the city offers excellent opportunities for professional development. O exchange in Sydney remains one of the most transformative experiences a student can have.
Be Easy
The new English requirements for the Australian postgraduate visa may seem challenging, but with the right planning and specialist support, they are fully attainable. Na Be Easy, we accompany our students from their first interest to the achievement of their professional goals abroad. Our experienced team offers comprehensive guidance on visa requirements, language preparation, and strategies to maximize your chances of success in Australia. Contact us and make your dream of an international career a reality, even with the new requirements of 2025!
