CELPIP for Australian Immigration: Your Complete Guide
Accepted by Australia's Department of Home Affairs since August 2025. A faster, computer-based alternative to IELTS and PTE.
No credit card required. Full AI grading on Speaking and Writing included.
Is CELPIP accepted in Australia? Yes, since August 7, 2025.
Australia's Department of Home Affairs officially recognizes CELPIP General for skilled migration, work, and student visas. Here is what you need to know:
- Which visas: subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, 485, and 500. See the full acceptance details
- Where to take it: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, or any in-person centre worldwide. Find a test centre
- Scores needed: Level 7 in all skills at minimum; higher scores earn 10 or 20 immigration points. Check score requirements
- How to prepare: practice with realistic mock tests and instant AI scoring, starting with 2 free full-length exams
Only in-person CELPIP General is accepted. CELPIP Online and CELPIP General LS are not valid for Australian visas.
Why Choose CELPIP for Australia?
If you've been struggling with IELTS band scores, or finding PTE stressful and expensive, CELPIP gives you a genuine third option for your Australian visa.
Fully Computer-Based, One Sitting
No handwriting, no separate speaking appointment. Complete all 4 sections in about 3 hours, with a built-in spell checker in the Writing section.
Faster Results
CELPIP results arrive in 3-4 business days. IELTS can take up to 13 days, which matters when your invitation round or nomination deadline is close.
Everyday Canadian English
Clear North American accents and practical, everyday scenarios. Many candidates find this easier to follow than the mixed international accents on other tests.
Competitive Cost
About AUD $355 in Australia (CAD $299 plus tax in Canada), compared to roughly AUD $395 for IELTS and AUD $410 for PTE.
Already took CELPIP for Canadian PR? Your score may still be valid for Australia: results are accepted for 3 years, so one test can serve two immigration systems. Read the full acceptance update.
CELPIP Score Requirements at a Glance
Your CELPIP scores map directly to Australia's three English levels. Higher levels earn more points on points-tested visas.
| Level | Points | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Competent English Minimum requirement for most skilled migration visas | 0 (threshold only) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Proficient English Significantly boosts your points score | 10 points | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
Superior English Maximum English language points | 20 points | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
You must achieve the required level in ALL 4 sections; a split score counts as the lowest section. Note that Superior English requires Writing 12, the maximum possible CELPIP score. Verify requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
CELPIP Test Centres in Australia
CELPIP is available in 5 Australian cities, with weekend test dates and registration open until 1 business day before the test.
Which Test Is Right for You?
All three tests are accepted for Australian skilled migration. The right choice depends on your typing speed, comfort with accents, budget, and how quickly you need results.
| Feature | CELPIP | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | 100% computer-based | Paper or computer | 100% computer-based |
| Duration | ~3 hours, one sitting | ~2h 45m (speaking may be separate) | ~2 hours |
| Speaking | Recorded via microphone | Face-to-face examiner | Recorded, AI-scored |
| English Variety | North American / Canadian | British / International | International |
| Results | 3-4 business days | 3-13 days | 2 business days |
| Cost (AUD) | ~$355 | ~$395 | ~$410 |
| Validity (AU) | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Competent | Level 7 all skills | Band 6.0 all skills | Score 50 all skills |
| Proficient | L9/R8/W10/S8 | Band 7.0 all skills | Score 65 all skills |
| Superior | L10/R10/W12/S10 | Band 8.0 all skills | Score 79 all skills |
Still deciding? Read our in-depth CELPIP vs IELTS comparison or see how CELPIP levels map to CLB, IELTS, and PTE in our full score chart.
How to Book Your CELPIP Test
Booking takes about 10 minutes. Five steps from account to confirmed seat.
Create an account at celpip.ca
Register with the exact name shown on your passport.
Choose CELPIP-General
Australia only accepts CELPIP-General taken in person, not CELPIP-General LS or CELPIP Online.
Pick your test centre and date
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, or any in-person centre worldwide. Registration closes 1 business day before the test.
Pay the test fee
Approximately AUD $355 in Australia (CAD $299 plus tax in Canada). Payment confirms your seat instantly.
Bring your passport on test day
For tests outside Canada and the US, a valid passport is the only accepted ID. Arrive 30-45 minutes early.
Full booking details, test-day checklist, and city-by-city info in our Australian test centres guide.
Why Practice CELPIP with Us
The only CELPIP prep platform with AI-powered unique exams and 14-language support.
100+ Unique Mock Exams
Fresh, realistic questions every time. No recycled question banks that you memorize instead of learning from.
Instant AI Scoring
Get CLB-level feedback on Speaking and Writing within seconds. Know exactly where you need to improve for your target score.
14 Language Support
Study in your native language, including Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, and 9 more. Feedback and interface translated.
Realistic Exam Simulation
Official timing, format, and difficulty. Practice under real conditions so test day feels familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Hit Your Target CELPIP Score?
Start with 2 free full-length exams. No credit card. Full AI feedback on Speaking and Writing included.
Plans from CA$29/month. Weekly from CA$9.99/week.