TL;DR
MET accepted from 7 August 2025: Australia now officially accepts the Michigan English Test (MET) for visas, including the 485 Temporary Graduate visa
485 visa uses an overall MET score: Applicants must meet an Overall Score of 58, with minimum scores in each skill — not an average or best-of method
PR points depend on per-skill MET scores: For skilled visas (189/190/491), Competent and Proficient English are assessed per skill, with no option to claim Superior English via MET
MET at Home is NOT valid: Only test-centre MET results are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs
For years, Australian visa applicants have rotated between the “Big Three” tests: IELTS, PTE, and MET. But as of August 7, 2025, a new player has entered the market. The Michigan English Test (MET) is now officially accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, offering a modern, cost–effective alternative for recent graduates and skilled
migrants.
Here is the bottom line: The MET is now a valid option for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, requiring an Overall Score of 58. It is also accepted for Permanent Residency pathways up to the “Proficient” level (10 points), but it is not accepted for Superior English (20 points).
If you are looking for a cheaper, faster alternative for your 485 visa or need to prove Competent English for a 482 visa, the Michigan English Test (MET) might be your best option. This guide covers the specific scores you need and the unique “Single Section Retake” policy.
What is the MET?
The Michigan English Test (MET) is a digital, 4–skill exam developed by Michigan Language Assessment (a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Cambridge University Press).
Unlike the clinical focus of OET or the academic density of IELTS, the MET focuses on “everyday” English used in social, educational, and workplace contexts.
Format: Digital 4–skill test taken at a secure test centre.
Scoring Scale: 0–80 (aligned with CEFR)
Warning: The “MET Digital At–Home” version is NOT accepted for Australian visas.
Cost of MET?
One of the biggest draws of the MET is its price point. While costs vary by country and test center, the exam is generally significantly cheaper than competitors.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately USD $215 (approx. AUD $320) depending on
location. - Comparison: This is often half the price of other major tests (which can exceed AUD $450).
- Check Locally: Always verify the exact fee with your local authorized test center
485 Visa (Post-Higher Education Work) Requirements
For the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, you need to achieve a specific Overall Score with minimums in each component.
To be eligible, you must achieve an Overall Score of at least 58.
Additionally, you cannot drop below these minimum scores in any single component:
MET English Requirements – Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)
(Test taken on or after 7 August 2025)
| Test Component | Minimum MET Score Required |
|---|---|
| Listening | 53 |
| Reading | 51 |
| Writing | 51 |
| Speaking | 43 |
Migration English Levels: Competent, Proficient, & Superior
If you are applying for skilled migration (189/190/491) or employer–sponsored visas (482), you need to meet the standard migration definitions.
MET Scores for Migration English Level
| English Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
| Proficient English | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
| Vocational English | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
The “Superior English” Limitation
Crucial Note: As of early 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has NOT included MET for Superior English (20 points). If you need the full 20 points for your visa strategy, you must stick to IELTS, PTE, or OET.
Functional English
An overall MET score of 38 is required (test-centre MET only).
Test Format & Duration
The test takes approximately 155 minutes (2.5 hours) and is broken down as follows:
- Writing (45 mins): Includes three short questions and one multi–paragraph essay.
- Listening (35 mins): 50 questions involving conversations and short talks.
- Reading (65 mins): 50 questions covering grammar and reading comprehension.
- Speaking (10 mins): Recorded Format: Unlike IELTS, there is no human examiner. You speak into a headset, and your responses are recorded and sent to certified raters
The “Single Section Retake” Policy
MET offers a flexible retake policy, but it has a specific limitation. You can retake one section if you fail to meet your required score.
- Eligible Sections: Writing, Listening, OR Reading.
- Excluded Section: You CANNOT retake the Speaking section alone. If you fail
Speaking, you must retake the entire exam. - Conditions: You must request the retake within 3 days of receiving your results
Conclusion
The MET represents a budget–friendly and accessible alternative for Australian visa applicants, particularly those aiming for the 485 visa or Competent/Proficient English levels.
However, be mindful of the Speaking retake limitation and the inability to claim Superior English points. Are you paying too much for your English tests? If you don’t need Superior English (20 points), switch to the MET and save hundreds of dollars. Contact our team today to see if the MET fits your specific migration strategy.
FAQ’s
1. Should I choose MET or PTE/IELTS for my PR strategy, not just my 485 visa?
If your long-term plan includes skilled migration points, MET works well up to Proficient English (10 points). However, if your strategy relies on Superior English (20 points), MET will block that pathway and you’ll need PTE or IELTS instead. This decision should be made before booking the test, not after your 485 is lodged.
2. I already sat PTE but missed one skill — can MET be a smarter backup?
Yes, in many cases. MET is often used as a strategic fallback when students narrowly miss a score in one skill. Its different test style and lower cost can make it a faster recovery option, especially if you’re close to a visa deadline.
3. Can I use MET now and switch to another English test later for PR points?
Yes. English tests are not locked across visas. Many graduates use MET for their 485 or employer-sponsored visa, then sit PTE or IELTS later when they’re closer to lodging an EOI and need higher points. Timing this correctly can save money and reduce pressure.
4. What happens if I fail only one section in MET — do I need to resit everything?
Not always. MET allows a Single Section Retake for Listening, Reading, or Writing. However, Speaking cannot be retaken alone. If you miss Speaking, you must redo the full test. This makes Speaking preparation critical when choosing MET.
5. I have a tight visa deadline — are MET results fast enough?
MET results are generally released faster than IELTS Academic, making it suitable for last-minute 485 or employer visa planning. That said, booking availability and local test centre schedules matter — delaying the decision can still create risk.
6. Can MET be used alongside PY, NAATI, or state nomination planning?
Yes, but with limits. MET supports Competent and Proficient English, which is sufficient for PY, NAATI, and most state nominations. If your state strategy depends on maximum points, MET alone may not be enough — this needs to be mapped early.
7. Is MET the right option if I plan to change jobs or employers after my 485?
Often yes. If your focus is work rights continuity and employer confidence, MET can be a cost-effective compliance tool. However, if you anticipate employer sponsorship or points-tested PR soon, your English test choice should align with that future pathway, not just your current visa.
