Australia 189 / 190 Guide

IELTS Score Required for Australia 189/190 from India

For India-based applicants targeting Australia 189 or 190, the smartest IELTS question is not just whether 6, 7, or 8 is enough. It is which English category your route needs, how many points it adds, and whether your EOI remains competitive once English is added to the full profile.

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By Sahil Sayed, CELTA-certified IELTS Trainer·Expert-reviewed·
Last updated: May 2026

What IELTS score is required for Australia 189 and 190 from India?

For Australia 189 and 190 planning, competent English is IELTS 6.0 in each skill, proficient English is 7.0 in each skill, and superior English is 8.0 in each skill. Competent English usually gives 0 points, proficient English gives 10 points, and superior English gives 20 points, which is why many India-based applicants aim beyond the minimum threshold.

Quick Facts

Competent English
IELTS 6.0 in each skill
Proficient English
IELTS 7.0 in each skill
Superior English
IELTS 8.0 in each skill
SkillSelect threshold
65 points
Available English points
0, 10, or 20 points

How do IELTS scores for Australia 189 and 190 actually work?

Australia 189 and 190 are usually planned around English categories, not one generic overall band. That means the score in each skill matters more than a vague total result.

English categoryIELTS scoreSkillSelect pointsBest use case
Competent English6.0 in each skill0 pointsBaseline route eligibility category
Proficient English7.0 in each skill10 pointsCommon target for stronger EOIs
Superior English8.0 in each skill20 pointsHigh-value English category for competitive profiles

What is the real difference between IELTS 6, 7, and 8 for India-based applicants?

IELTS 6.0 in each skill often means route eligibility. IELTS 7.0 or 8.0 in each skill usually means stronger competitiveness. That is the practical difference.

6.0 each

Competent English

Best when the rest of your points profile is already strong.

7.0 each

Proficient English

Often the most realistic points-upgrade target.

8.0 each

Superior English

Useful when English points are the main score lever left.

How should you think differently about subclass 189 and subclass 190?

The English categories are the same, but the route logic is not. Subclass 190 also sits inside state or territory nomination, which can change how valuable a higher IELTS result becomes.

If you still need the broader route map, review IELTS for Australia PR from India and then compare it with the wider 189 / 190 / 491 guide.

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Should you choose IELTS Academic or General Training for Australia 189 and 190?

Both formats can work for these English categories. The better choice depends on which format matches your profile, your backup plans, and the score band you can realistically reach in each section.

If you are still deciding, check Academic or General IELTS for Australia PR before booking.

What should India-based applicants do before booking another IELTS attempt?

First, check your scores with our band score calculator. Then decide whether the next score jump actually changes your English category. If it does, build a personalised study plan. If you want guided support, our online IELTS course for Australia is the next step.

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Need the right English category, not just another IELTS attempt?

If your Australia plan depends on moving from competent to proficient or superior English, we can help you target the score jump that actually changes your points profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For the English categories commonly used in Australia skilled migration planning, competent English is IELTS 6.0 in each skill, proficient English is 7.0 in each skill, and superior English is 8.0 in each skill. These categories matter for subclass 189 planning because higher English can add points in SkillSelect.

The English categories are the same as for subclass 189: 6.0 each for competent, 7.0 each for proficient, and 8.0 each for superior English. The difference is that subclass 190 also sits inside state or territory nomination strategy, so the best score target may be higher than the minimum route threshold.

IELTS 6.0 in each skill can satisfy competent English, which is often the baseline route threshold. But competent English gives 0 English points, so many India-based applicants still target IELTS 7.0 or 8.0 in each skill for a stronger EOI.

For SkillSelect planning, proficient English commonly gives 10 points and superior English gives 20 points. That is why the practical question is often not only 'Can I apply?' but 'How competitive will my EOI be?'

Yes, the Home Affairs English category pages accept both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for these English categories. The smarter choice is whichever version fits your wider route and preparation profile.

The Department of Home Affairs says IELTS results that include One Skill Retake are accepted for eligible visas. You should still check the current visa page before relying on OSR for a live application.

The biggest mistake is treating the question like one generic overall-band target. These routes are planned by English category, not by one vague total score, so section scores in each skill matter much more.

That depends on your occupation, nomination chances, and broader points profile. IELTS alone cannot answer the whole route choice, but 6.0 in each skill usually means you should first check whether your overall EOI remains strong enough without extra English points.

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