Part 1 Preliminary

This instrument is the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) 2024.

This instrument is made under subclause 500.213(3) of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations).

4 Definitions

In this instrument:

approved English language test means an English language test that is specified in the requirement in paragraph 5(1)(a).

Australian Qualifications Framework has the meaning given by the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

eligible pathway program means a registered course that is specified in an item in the table in Schedule 2 for paragraph 5(3)(d).

Note: A pathway program is a course for students who have not met the academic entry requirements for their intended Australian undergraduate university degree. A pathway program leads to a qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and provides academic credit and entry to second year undergraduate study.

extended foundation program has the meaning given by the Education Services for Overseas Students (Foundation Program Standards) Instrument 2021 as in force from time to time.

Note: A foundation program is a nationally recognised preparatory course for students who have not met the academic entry requirements for their intended Australian undergraduate university degree. Successful completion of the foundation program provides an academic entry pathway to first year undergraduate study. A foundation program can also be completed as an alternative to an Australian Year 12 certificate. The extended foundation program is of longer duration than the standard foundation program.

principal course means, where the student is enrolled in multiple courses for the purposes of the Subclass 500 (Student) visa, the course with the highest Australian Qualifications Framework level.

Note: A student may enrol in multiple registered courses for the purposes of a Subclass 500 (Student) visa.

required English language test score is the score specified, in relation to an approved English language test, in an item in the table in Schedule 1.

standard foundation program has the meaning given by the Education Services for Overseas Students (Foundation Program Standards) Instrument 2021 as in force from time to time.

test component: each of the following is a test component of an approved English language test:

(a) listening;

(b) reading;

(d) writing.

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in definitions section of the Regulations, including the following:

(a) Defence student has the meaning specified in regulation 1.04B;

(b) ELICOS has the meaning specified in regulation 1.03;

(d) IELTS (or an International English Language Test System) test has the meaning specified in regulation 1.03; and

(e) Secondary exchange student has the meaning specified in regulation 1.03.

Part 2 English language requirements for Subclass 500 (Student) visa

5 English language test requirements

(1) For the purposes of subclause 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the following requirements are specified:

(a) the applicant must undertake one of the following English language tests:

(i) Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE) (also known as Certificate in Advanced English);

(ii) International English Language Testing System (IELTS);

(iii) Occupational English Test (OET);

(iv) Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE);

(v) Test of English as a Foreign Language internet‑based test (TOEFL iBT); and

(b) the applicant must have undertaken the test within the following period:

(i) if evidence of the test is provided at the time the applicant makes an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa—the 2 year period immediately before the day on which the visa application is made; or

(ii) if evidence of the test is not provided at the time the visa application is made—the 2 year period immediately before the day on which a decision to grant or refuse to grant the visa is made; and

(2) The applicant achieved the required English language test score specified in Column 2 of an item in the table in Schedule 1.

(3) If the applicant is enrolled in:

(a) at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS that accompanies a principal course and that is intended to commence after the Subclass 500 (Student) visa application was made; or

(b) a standard foundation program; or

(d) a registered course that is specified in an item in the table in Schedule 2 (an eligible pathway program);

Note: Registered course is defined in regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations 1994.

the applicant achieved the required English language test score specified in Column 3 of an item in the table in Schedule 1.

(4) If the applicant is enrolled in at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS that accompanies a principal course and that is intended to commence after the Subclass 500 (Student) visa application was made, the applicant achieved the required English language test score specified in Column 4 of an item in the table in Schedule 1.

6 English language test requirements do not apply

(1) For the purpose of subclause 500.213(2) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, subclause 500.213(1) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations does not apply to the following classes of applicants:

(a) an applicant who is a citizen of, and who holds a valid passport issued by, one or more of the following countries:

(i) Canada;

(ii) New Zealand;

(iii) the Republic of Ireland

(iv) the United Kingdom;

(v) the United States of America;

(b) an applicant who is enrolled in one of the following courses, where that course is the only course of study enrolled in for the purposes of the Subclass 500 (Student) visa application:

(i) a course of study that is registered to be delivered in a language other than English;

(ii) an ELICOS;

(iii) a registered school course;

(iv) a registered post-graduate research course;

(i) a Foreign Affairs student; or

(ii) a Defence Student; or

(iii) a Secondary exchange student;

(d) an applicant, who, in the 2 years before applying for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa, has successfully completed:

(i) the requirements for a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, in a course that was conducted in Australia and in English; or

(ii) a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV level or higher that was conducted in Australia and in English, while the applicant was holding a student visa;

(e) an applicant who has successfully completed a minimum of 5 years of study in English undertaken in one or more of the following countries;

(i) Australia;

(ii) Canada;

(iii) New Zealand;

(iv) South Africa;

(v) the Republic of Ireland;

(vi) the United Kingdom;

(vii) the United States of America.

Part 3 Application and repeals

7 Application of this instrument

This instrument applies in relation to an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa made on or after the commencement of this instrument.

9 Application of repeal

Despite the repeal of Migration (IMMI 18/015: English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2018 by this instrument, that instrument, as in force immediately before the commencement of this instrument, continues to apply in relation to an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa made but not yet finally determined before the date of commencement of this instrument.

10 Application of amendments made by LIN 24/043

The amendments made to this instrument by the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Specification 2024 (the amending instrument) apply in relation to an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa made on or after the day the amending instrument commences.

11 Application of amendments made by LIN 24/082

The amendments made to this instrument by the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (LIN 24/082) Specification 2024 (the amending instrument) apply in relation to an application for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa made on or after the day the amending instrument commences.

Schedule 1 Required English language test scores

English language test scores
Item	Column 1:	Column 2:	Column 3:	Column 4:
Item	Test name	Minimum test score	Minimum test score: if principal course is accompanied by at least 10 weeks of an ELICOS; or if a standard foundation program; or if an extended foundation program; or if an eligible pathway program.	Minimum test score: if principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of an ELICOS.
1	Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test/ Certificate in Advanced English	169	162	154
2	International English Language Testing system (IELTS Test)	Overall band score 6.0	Overall band score of 5.5	Overall band score of 5.0
3	Occupational English Test (OET)	a score of at least B for each test component	a score of at least B for each test component	a score of at least B for each test component
4	Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)	50	42	36
5	Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)	64	46	35

Schedule 2 Specified eligible pathway programs

Registered courses specified for paragraph 5(3)(d) as eligible pathway programs
Item	Column 1:	Column 2:	Column 3:	Column 4:
Item	CRICOS Course Code	Course Name	Institution Name	Provider
1.	0100739	Diploma of Business Studies	Charles Darwin University	Charles Darwin University
2.	0100740	Diploma of Information Technology	Charles Darwin University	Charles Darwin University
3.	087938G	Diploma of Arts & Creative Industries	Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd	Curtin University
4.	087939G	Diploma of Built Environment	Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd	Curtin University
5.	087940C	Diploma of Commerce	Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd	Curtin University
6.	087941B	Diploma of Engineering	Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd	Curtin University
7.	087943M	Diploma of Information Technology	Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd	Curtin University
8.	063386M	Diploma of Business	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
9.	022637C	Diploma of Commerce	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
10.	097893M	Diploma of Communication	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
11.	097892A	Diploma of Construction Management	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
12.	097895J	Diploma of Design	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
13.	063385A	Diploma of Engineering	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
14.	097894K	Diploma of Film, Television and Animation	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
15.	059996G	Diploma of Health Sciences	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
16.	097891B	Diploma of Information Technology	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
17.	063387K	Diploma of Science	Melbourne Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd	Deakin University
18.	092032G	Diploma of Commerce	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
19.	092033G	Diploma of Communications and Creative Industries	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
20.	103337G	Diploma of Health Science	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
21.	092034F	Diploma of Hotel Management	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
22.	0100511	Diploma of Performing Arts (Music)	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
23.	092035E	Diploma of Science (Computing/IT)	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
24.	092036D	Diploma of Science (Engineering Studies)	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
25.	092037C	Diploma of Science (Health Studies)	Edith Cowan College Pty Ltd	Edith Cowan University
26.	109402K	GC1 - Diploma of Information Technology (Higher Education)	Federation University Australia	Federation University Australia
27.	109279H	Diploma in Business	Flinders University Academy	Flinders University
28.	109280D	Diploma in Creative Industries	Flinders University Academy	Flinders University
29.	109281C	Diploma in Engineering	Flinders University Academy	Flinders University
30.	109282B	Diploma in Health	Flinders University Academy	Flinders University
31.	109283A	Diploma in Information Technology	Flinders University Academy	Flinders University
32.	088633F	Diploma of Business Studies	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	Flinders University
33.	088634E	Diploma of Computing and Information Technology Studies	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	Flinders University
34.	076172G	Diploma of Engineering	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	Flinders University
35.	109014M	Diploma of Business	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
36.	082070G	Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
37.	111385K	Diploma of Design	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
38.	070423G	Diploma of Engineering	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
39.	075188G	Diploma of Health Sciences	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
40.	026675J	Diploma of Information Technology	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
41.	109015K	Diploma of International Tourism and Hotel Management	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
42.	092487K	Diploma of Science	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
43.	092486M	Diploma of Social & Psychological Science	Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	Griffith University
44.	086332B	Diploma of Business	Kaplan Business School	Kaplan Business School
45.	110279J	Diploma of Information Technology	Kaplan Business School	Kaplan Business School
46.	076108D	Diploma of Business	Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd	La Trobe University
47.	113881M	Diploma of Business Analytics	Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd	La Trobe University
48.	114033K	Diploma of Cybersecurity	Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd	La Trobe University
49.	076109C	Diploma of Information Technology	Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd	La Trobe University
50.	045084G	Diploma of Art and Design	Monash College	Monash University
51.	061625F	Diploma of Arts	Monash College	Monash University
52.	043633M	Diploma of Business	Monash College	Monash University
53.	043634K	Diploma of Engineering	Monash College	Monash University
54.	0100159	Diploma of Information Technology	Monash College	Monash University
55.	086068B	Diploma of Science	Monash College	Monash University
56.	113489H	Diploma of Business	Kaplan Higher Education trading as Murdoch College	Murdoch University
57.	113448J	Diploma of Information Technology	Murdoch College	Murdoch University
58.	105379C	Diploma of Business	Phoenix Academy	Phoenix Academy
59.	116308E	Diploma in Architectural Studies	Queensland University of Technology	Queensland University of Technology
60.	081618F	Diploma in Business	QUT College	Queensland University of Technology
61.	081617G	Diploma in Creative Industries	QUT College	Queensland University of Technology
62.	086329G	Diploma in Engineering	QUT College	Queensland University of Technology
63.	094986G	Diploma in Health Science	QUT College	Queensland University of Technology
64.	081616G	Diploma in Information Technology	QUT College	Queensland University of Technology
65.	107881F	Diploma of Business	RMIT University	RMIT University
66.	098561A	Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)	RMIT University	RMIT University
67.	112017D	Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)	RMIT University	RMIT University
68.	115097H	Diploma of Arts	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
69.	102590B	Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
70.	079231K	Diploma of Business	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
71.	086030E	Diploma of Business	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
72.	114987D	Diploma of Conveyancing (Law and Practice)	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
73.	112794G	Diploma of Education	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
74.	111853J	Diploma of Engineering	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
75.	0101136	Diploma of Health	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
76.	0100351	Diploma of Hotel Management	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
77.	111198B	Diploma of Information Technology	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
78.	115098G	Diploma of Legal Studies	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
79.	111197C	Diploma of Regenerative Agriculture	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
80.	086408J	Diploma of Science	Southern Cross University	Southern Cross University
81.	089744B	Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
82.	085473G	Diploma of Business (UniLink)	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
83.	085471K	Diploma of Design (UniLink)	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
84.	085477D	Diploma of Engineering	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
85.	088689A	Diploma of Health Science	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
86.	085475F	Diploma of Information Technology	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
87.	089746M	Diploma of Science	Swinburne University of Technology	Swinburne University of Technology
88.	090282F	Diploma of Business	Torrens University	Torrens University
89.	088633F	Diploma of Business Studies (2yr program)	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd (Eynesbury College)	University of Adelaide
90.	088634E	Diploma of Computing and Information Technology Studies	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd (Eynesbury College)	University of Adelaide
91.	076172G	Diploma of Engineering	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd (Eynesbury College)	University of Adelaide
92.	086314D	Degree Transfer Program Accelerated - Business	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
93.	087624D	Degree Transfer Program Extended - Business	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
94.	087625C	Degree Transfer Program Extended - Computer Science	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
95.	087626B	Degree Transfer Program Extended - Engineering	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
96.	0101444	Degree Transfer Program Extended - Information Technology	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
97.	087627A	Degree Transfer Program Extended - Science	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
98.	086313E	Degree Transfer Program Standard - Business	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
99.	086315C	Degree Transfer Program Standard - Computer Science	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
100.	086316B	Degree Transfer Program Standard - Engineering	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
101.	0101441	Degree Transfer Program Standard - Information Technology	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
102.	086317A	Degree Transfer Program Standard - Science	University of Adelaide College	University of Adelaide
103.	070210K	Diploma of Business	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
104.	062888G	Diploma of Communication	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
105.	076136M	Diploma of Design	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
106.	090071F	Diploma of Health	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
107.	070213G	Diploma of Information Technology	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
108.	074935G	Diploma of Science	University of Canberra College	University of Canberra
109.	113050F	Degree Transfer Architecture	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
110.	104604G	Degree Transfer Business	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
111.	104606E	Degree transfer Commerce	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
112.	113058J	Degree Transfer Construction Management	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
113.	104608C	Degree Transfer Engineering	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
114.	113051E	Degree Transfer Extended Architecture	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
115.	104605F	Degree Transfer Extended Business	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
116.	104607D	Degree transfer Extended Commerce	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
117.	113052D	Degree Transfer Extended Construction Management	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
118.	104609B	Degree Transfer Extended Engineering	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
119.	104611H	Degree Transfer Extended IT	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
120.	114397D	Degree Transfer Extended Media and Communication	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
121.	104610J	Degree Transfer IT	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
122.	114391K	Degree Transfer Media and Communication	University of Newcastle College of International Education	University of Newcastle
123.	081516A	Diploma of Arts	South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
124.	081517M	Diploma of Business	South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
125.	088633F	Diploma of Business Studies	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
126.	088634E	Diploma of Computing and Information Technology Studies	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
127.	076172G	Diploma of Engineering	Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
128.	081519J	Diploma of Engineering	South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
129.	081520E	Diploma of Information Technology	South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd	University of South Australia
130.	0100203	International First Year Diploma - Business	UP Education	University of Tasmania
131.	0100205	International First Year Diploma - Science	UP Education	University of Tasmania
132.	112658D	Diploma of Animation Production (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
133.	080142A	Diploma of Business (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
134.	080143M	Diploma of Communication (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
135.	080144K	Diploma of Design and Architecture (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
136.	080145J	Diploma of Engineering (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
137.	080146G	Diploma of Information Technology (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
138.	080147G	Diploma of Science (Extended)	UTS College Limited	University of Technology Sydney
139.	107425H	Diploma in Commerce – 12 Months	UWA College	University of Western Australia
140.	111079J	Diploma in Computer and Data Science – 12 Months	UWA College	University of Western Australia
141.	112405C	Diploma in Engineering – 14 Months	UWA College	University of Western Australia
142.	112406B	Diploma in Engineering – 10 Months	UWA College	University of Western Australia
143.	057232B	Diploma of Business (3 Session)	UOW College Australia	University of Wollongong
144.	0101925	Diploma of Engineering (3 Session)	UOW College Australia	University of Wollongong
145.	057234M	Diploma of Information Technology (3 Session)	UOW College Australia	University of Wollongong
146.	0101923	Diploma of Science	UOW College Australia	University of Wollongong
147.	093391K	Diploma of Business (Enterprise)	Victoria University Sydney	Victoria University
148.	075552C	Diploma of Business (Enterprise)	Victoria University Melbourne	Victoria University
149.	077776D	Diploma of Information Technology	Victoria University	Victoria University
150.	096975F	Diploma in Arts	Western Sydney University	Western Sydney University
151.	108966D	Diploma in Arts	Western Sydney University International College	Western Sydney University
152.	096993D	Diploma in Arts Extended Pathway to Teaching Secondary	Western Sydney University	Western Sydney University
153.	096800G	Diploma in Business	Western Sydney University International College	Western Sydney University
154.	097252M	Diploma in Business - 2 Term Accelerated	Western Sydney University International College	Western Sydney University
155.	096999J	Diploma in Design Extended Graphic Design (Pathway to Teaching Secondary)	Western Sydney University	Western Sydney University

ad = added or inserted	orig = original
am = amended	par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
amdt = amendment	/sub‑subparagraph(s)
c = clause(s)	pres = present
C[x] = Compilation No. x	prev = previous
Ch = Chapter(s)	(prev…) = previously
def = definition(s)	Pt = Part(s)
Dict = Dictionary	r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	reloc = relocated
Div = Division(s)	renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have	rep = repealed
effect	rs = repealed and substituted
F = Federal Register of Legislation	s = section(s)/subsection(s)
gaz = gazette	Sch = Schedule(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment	SR = Statutory Rules
cannot be given effect	Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)
mod = modified/modification	SubPt = Subpart(s)
No. = Number(s)	underlining = whole or part not
o = order(s)	commenced or to be commenced
Ord = Ordinance

Name	Registration	Commencement	Application, saving and transitional provisions
Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) 2024	21 March 2024 (F2024L00366)	23 March 2024
Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (Pathway Programs) Specification 2024	19 April 2024 (F2024L00471)	20 April 2024
Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Amendment (LIN 24/082) Specification 2024	2 January 2025 (F2024L01753)	3 January 2025

Provision affected	How affected
section 2	rep LA s 48D
section 4	am F2024L00471
section 8	rep LA s 48C
paragraph 5(3)(d)	rs F2024L00471
section 10	ad F2024L00471
section 11	ad F2024L01753
Schedule 2	ad F2024L00471
	am F2024L01753