AITSL IELTS Scores for Teacher Migration in 2026

See AITSL English proficiency and AITSL Four-Year Study Option for Teacher Migration for details on the study route.

Key takeaways

• Must submit official Academic IELTS report
• Four full years of higher education in six specified countries, including initial teacher education
• You must achieve at least 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, on the Academic IELTS test.
• Yes, AITSL accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake for the English language criterion in teacher migration skills assessments.
• As of 2026, AITSL accepts Academic IELTS test reports that are no more than three years old at the time of your skills assessment application.

In this guide: Decision table: AITSL IELTS scores and alternatives for 2026 | Accepted IELTS scores for AITSL teacher migration 2026 | Test evidence and validity period | Accepted and excluded English tests | AITSL fees and timing 2026 | Scenario: AITSL IELTS route in action | Action checklist for AITSL IELTS route | How we researched | Sources

Decision table: AITSL IELTS scores and alternatives for 2026

Accepted IELTS scores for AITSL teacher migration 2026

To satisfy AITSL's English language requirement via the IELTS route in 2026, you must provide Academic IELTS results with at least:

• 7.0 in Reading
• 7.0 in Writing
• 8.0 in Speaking
• 8.0 in Listening

These scores must be achieved in a single Academic IELTS sitting or through the IELTS One Skill Retake, which AITSL accepts. General Training IELTS, IELTS Online, and IELTS Indicator are not accepted for this purpose.

Test evidence and validity period

AITSL requires that your Academic IELTS test report is no more than three years old at the time you submit your skills assessment application. This validity period was extended from two years to three years, as announced in AITSL notices.

Keep a dated copy of the official source and your test report for your records. The evidence must match the requirements at the time of your application, not just when you booked the test.

Accepted and excluded English tests

For the English language criterion, AITSL only accepts:

• Academic IELTS (including IELTS One Skill Retake)

AITSL does not accept:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• Cambridge English tests
• IELTS Online
• IELTS Indicator

If you have results from any of these excluded tests, they will not meet AITSL's English requirement for teacher migration. For more on the One Skill Retake, see Does AITSL Accept IELTS One Skill Retake in 2026?.

AITSL fees and timing 2026

From 7 September 2026, the following fees apply:

• Skills assessment application: AUD 1,198
• Appeal: AUD 938
• Skilled Employment Statement: AUD 265

These fees are set by AITSL and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee on the AITSL fee notice before submitting your application.

Scenario: AITSL IELTS route in action

Suppose you are a teacher trained outside Australia and wish to migrate in 2026. You do not have four years of higher education in one of the six eligible countries. To meet AITSL's English requirement, you:

1. Book an Academic IELTS test.
2. Achieve 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, in one sitting or using the IELTS One Skill Retake.
3. Submit your IELTS report (no more than three years old) with your AITSL skills assessment application.

If your scores meet the above, you satisfy the English language criterion for AITSL teacher migration. If not, you must retake the test or consider the study route if eligible.

Action checklist for AITSL IELTS route

1. Confirm you are not eligible for the four-year study route. See AITSL Four-Year Study Option for Teacher Migration.
2. Book an Academic IELTS test. Use only the official IELTS site.
3. Aim for at least 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening.
4. If you miss one skill, consider the IELTS One Skill Retake (accepted by AITSL).
5. Ensure your IELTS report is less than three years old at the time of application.
6. Prepare your AITSL skills assessment application and pay the correct fee.
7. Keep a dated copy of all evidence and the official AITSL requirements.

Related guides

• AITSL English Requirements for Teachers Australia 2026
• AITSL Four-Year Study Option for Teacher Migration

How we researched

This guide uses only facts and numbers published by AITSL and the official IELTS site. We do not generalise to other professions, authorities or test products. SpeakShark is not affiliated with AITSL or IELTS and cannot issue official evidence or guarantee outcomes. For official requirements, always check the AITSL English proficiency page.

Sources

• AITSL English proficiency
• AITSL notices
• AITSL fee notice
• IELTS official site

For spoken English improvement, you can start a free SpeakShark conversation. For official test preparation, use the exam provider's resources.

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