If you’re planning to study at university in Australia but are struggling with English test scores, there’s good news. From 24 May 2025, the Australian Government has introduced new visa rules that make it easier to meet English language requirements. If you enrol in an approved foundation or diploma-level course, called a pathway program, you may now qualify for a student visa with a lower test score.
These changes are part of the Subclass 500 Student visa update. This visa lets international students live and study full-time in Australia.
The big change is that students who join a recognised pathway program can now apply for their visa with a reduced English test score. This offers a smoother and more supported entry into university studies in Australia.
The Subclass 500 Student visa is the main visa for international students in Australia. It allows you to study full-time at a registered school, college or university. Usually, you need to show that you can speak and understand English well enough by taking a test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English.
Thanks to the 2025 changes, students in certain pathway programs can now meet this requirement with a lower test score.
Pathway programs are courses designed for students who do not yet meet the academic or English requirements to enter a university degree. These courses help you improve your study and language skills and give you the preparation you need to succeed at university.
Pathway programs are often foundation or diploma courses that last for about one year. Once you finish the program, you can move directly into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree at your destination university.
In May 2025, the Australian Government introduced a new legislative rule called LIN 25/027. This rule expands the number of pathway programs approved for reduced English language test scores. Before, there were 155 eligible programs. Now, there are 166.
You may qualify for the lower English test requirement if:
You apply for a Subclass 500 Student visa on or after 24 May 2025
You are enrolled in one of the 166 approved pathway programs listed in Schedule 2 of LIN 25/027
You take an approved English test and meet the lower score for your program, listed in Schedule 1 of LIN 24/022
You still need to take a test, but the score you need is lower than the usual requirement for direct university entry.
Here are some examples of pathway courses that are now approved for the reduced English test score under the new 2025 rules:
Diploma of Business Studies at Charles Darwin University, leading to a degree at Charles Darwin University
Diploma of Engineering at Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd, leading to Curtin University
Diploma of Information Technology at the same institution, also leading to Curtin University
Diploma of Commerce at Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology (MIBT), leading to Deakin University
Foundation Program at Monash College, leading to Monash University
Foundation Studies at Griffith College, leading to Griffith University
Each of these programs is part of the official list in the LIN 25/027 legislation and is directly linked to a respected Australian university.
If you are enrolled in one of the approved pathway programs, here are the minimum scores you now need:
IELTS: Overall band score of 5.5
TOEFL iBT: Total score of 46
PTE Academic: Overall score of 42
Cambridge English: Score of 162
These scores are lower than the standard entry scores, which are normally around IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 60–78, or PTE 50. This change gives students more flexibility and reduces pressure for those who are close to the required level. Note: Always check with the education provider for the exact score required for your chosen course.
If you are thinking of studying in Australia and want to take advantage of these changes, here are your next steps:
First, check if the course you are interested in is on the list of 166 approved pathway programs. You can do this by visiting the official Australian Government legislation website and looking at LIN 25/027.
Second, check what score you need in your English test. This depends on the type of test you take and the course you choose. Schedule 1 of LIN 24/022 has this information.
Finally, get help if you need it. Book a consultation today with one of our expert migration agents in Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne to ensure your application meets all necessary requirements.
These new visa rules are great news for international students who are serious about studying in Australia. If you’ve found it hard to get the required English score, you now have another option. By joining an approved pathway program, you can study with extra support and move directly into a university degree—without needing a high test score from the start.
The Australian Government has made these changes to support genuine students and improve access to high-quality education. Now is the perfect time to take the next step and begin your study journey in Australia.
