Quick answer: for Australian skilled visas that use the points test, Home Affairs accepts both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic, with the same scores for each English level. So yes, General Training is normally enough for skilled PR. What matters is your lowest score across the four skills, not which version you take. Always confirm the current rules for your visa on the Department of Home Affairs website before you book.
This is one of the most common questions we get from people in Sydney planning their PR. The confusion is understandable: universities and some registration boards ask for Academic, while many people assume visas do too. This guide explains which test fits which path, and when Academic might still be the better choice.
Skilled visas: either version is accepted
For skilled migration, Home Affairs sets English levels by the score you get in each of the four skills. The required IELTS scores are the same whether you sit Academic or General Training:
| English level | IELTS score needed (Academic or General Training) | Points in the points test |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | at least 6 in each skill | 0 |
| Proficient | at least 7 in each skill | 10 |
| Superior | at least 8 in each skill | 20 |
Your level is decided by your lowest skill. Listening 8.5, Reading 8, Speaking 8 and Writing 7.5 is Proficient (10 points), not Superior. Your overall band does not change this. For worked examples and other rules, see our full IELTS for Australian PR guide.
The test centre format matters too. Home Affairs has said that fully online, remote-proctored IELTS Online tests are not accepted. Take IELTS on paper or on computer at a test centre, and check the Home Affairs page for your visa for the latest list of accepted tests.
When you might need Academic anyway
The visa itself may accept either test, but other steps on your path can have their own English rules. These are set by the organisation, not by Home Affairs or IELTS.
- Professional registration. Some registration boards require IELTS Academic. For example, Ahpra does not accept General Training for nurses and midwives. See our IELTS for nurses guide.
- Skills assessment. Some skills assessing authorities set their own English requirements, which may specify Academic or a higher score. Check your assessing authority's website for your occupation.
- Study in Australia. Universities usually require IELTS Academic for admission, even if the visa would accept other results.
If one of these applies to you, taking Academic may let one test result cover both the registration or assessment step and the visa, which can save you the cost of a second test. Check each organisation's official page first.
Is General Training easier for PR?
Not necessarily. Here is what is the same and what is different:
| Section | Academic vs General Training |
|---|---|
| Listening | The same test |
| Speaking | The same test |
| Writing Task 2 | The same type of essay, counting for about two thirds of your Writing band |
| Writing Task 1 | Academic: describe a graph, chart, map or process. General Training: write a letter. |
| Reading | Different texts. General Training texts are more everyday, but you need more correct answers for the same band |
As a rough guide, band 7 in Academic Reading needs about 30 correct answers out of 40, while General Training Reading needs about 34. Band 8 needs even more in General Training. So if Reading is your weakest skill, General Training is not automatically easier. Try the numbers with our IELTS score calculator.
How to decide
- Check your visa's English page on the Home Affairs website and confirm which tests and scores are accepted today.
- Check any other step on your path: skills assessment, professional registration or study. If any of them requires Academic, take Academic.
- If both versions are accepted everywhere you need, choose the one that suits you. Many people prefer the General Training letter to describing graphs, but they need a higher raw score in Reading.
- Focus on your lowest skill. For most PR applicants that is Writing, and Task 2 is the same in both versions. That's where the 10 or 20 points are usually won or lost.
Practise the skills that decide your points
Because points depend on your lowest skill, one weak area can cost you 10 or 20 points. Check a Task 2 essay with the free BandIQ Band Check to see your estimated band for each criterion, and practise Speaking with instant AI feedback. Both are the same in Academic and General Training.
This guide is general information about IELTS, not migration advice. Visa rules change. Always confirm current English requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website, and speak to a registered migration agent if you need advice about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS General Training enough for Australian PR?
For skilled visas that use the points test, Home Affairs accepts both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic, with the same scores for each English level. Always confirm the current rules for your visa on the Home Affairs website.
Do I get more points with IELTS Academic?
No. Points depend on the score in each of the four skills, not on the version. Proficient English (7 in each skill) gives 10 points and Superior English (8 in each skill) gives 20 points, whichever version you take.
When should I take Academic instead of General Training?
When another step on your path requires it, such as professional registration (for example, Ahpra for nurses), some skills assessments, or university study. One Academic result may then cover both that step and the visa.
Is General Training easier than Academic?
Not overall. Listening, Speaking and Writing Task 2 are the same. General Training Reading uses more everyday texts, but you need more correct answers for the same band.
Can I use IELTS Online for my Australian visa?
No. Home Affairs has said fully online, remote-proctored IELTS Online tests are not accepted. Take IELTS on paper or on computer at a test centre, and check the current list for your visa.