Enter your age at the time of invitation. Maximum points for age 25-32.
Select Level
Proficient (e.g., IELTS 8+ / PTE 79+)
Competent (e.g., IELTS 6+ / PTE 50+)
Basic or No English
Choose your highest achieved English test score.
Points awarded for skilled employment in the last 10 years.
Points awarded for skilled employment in Australia in the last 10 years.
Select Option
Yes
No
Completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution.
Select Option
Yes (Competent English & Skills Assessment)
Yes (Competent English Only)
No
Consider if your partner meets certain English and/or skills criteria.
Select Option
Yes
No
Points for state/territory nomination or family sponsored visas.
Select Option
Yes (Professional Translator)
No
Accreditation as a professional translator from NAATI.
Your Estimated Points
—
Age Points—
English Points—
Skilled Employment Points—
Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, skilled employment (overseas & Australia), Australian education, partner skills, state nomination/sponsorship, and NAATI accreditation.
Points Distribution Breakdown
Australia Points Calculator Explained
What is the Australia Points Calculator?
The Australia Points Calculator, often referred to as the SkillSelect points test, is a crucial tool for individuals aspiring to migrate to Australia under its skilled migration program. It's a system designed by the Australian government to assess and select migrants who are most likely to contribute to the Australian economy and society. This system assigns a score based on various factors related to a candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and personal attributes. Understanding how to maximize your score using the Australia Points Calculator is vital for a successful visa application. It helps prospective migrants gauge their eligibility and estimate their chances of being invited to apply for a skilled visa. The points allocated are subject to change and reflect current government immigration policies, making it essential to use up-to-date information.
Who should use it: Anyone considering skilled migration to Australia, including those applying for visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). It is particularly useful for individuals who have skills or qualifications that are in demand in Australia.
Common misconceptions: A common misunderstanding is that achieving the minimum passing score guarantees an invitation to apply for a visa. In reality, invitations are issued to the highest-scoring candidates, and the required points threshold can fluctuate based on demand and program ceilings. Another misconception is that the Australia Points Calculator is a definitive guide to visa approval; it's merely a pre-assessment tool. The final decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs after a comprehensive application review.
Australia Points Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The Australia Points Calculator aggregates points from several key areas. Each area has specific criteria and point allocations. The total score determines a candidate's ranking in the SkillSelect pool. While the exact point values can be updated by the government, the core components remain consistent. The total points awarded are the sum of points from each relevant category.
The formula can be represented as:
Total Points = Age Points + English Proficiency Points + Skilled Employment Points (Overseas + Australia) + Australian Education Points + Partner Skills Points + Nomination/Sponsorship Points + NAATI Points + Other factors (if applicable)
Variable Breakdown:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Age Points
Points awarded based on age at the time of invitation.
Points
0 – 30
English Proficiency Points
Points for English language ability (e.g., Competent, Proficient).
Points
0 – 20
Skilled Employment Overseas
Years of skilled work experience outside Australia in the last 10 years.
Years
0 – 15
Skilled Employment Australia
Years of skilled work experience in Australia in the last 10 years.
Years
0 – 20
Australian Education Points
Points for meeting the Australian Study Requirement.
Points
0 or 10
Partner Skills Points
Points awarded if a partner meets certain criteria (skills, English).
Points
0 – 10
Nomination/Sponsorship Points
Points for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
Points
0 or 10
NAATI Points
Points for NAATI accredited translator qualification.
Points
0 or 5
Total Points
Sum of all applicable points.
Points
Minimum 65 (for invitation)
It's important to note that the Australia visa options can be complex. The points system is designed to favour younger applicants with strong English skills and extensive relevant work experience, both domestically and internationally. The specific scoring for each category can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website, but this Australia Points Calculator provides a quick estimate.
Scenario: Sarah is 30 years old, has a degree from an Australian university, and has worked overseas as a software developer for 6 years. She achieved a Proficient score (e.g., IELTS 8) in her English test. Her partner has competent English but no formal skills assessment.
Interpretation: Sarah has a strong score of 71 points, well above the general minimum requirement of 65. This indicates a good chance of receiving an invitation for a skilled visa, particularly if she applies for a visa stream that does not require state nomination, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
Example 2: Mid-Career Professional with Australian Experience
Scenario: David is 40 years old, has competent English (IELTS 6.5), and has worked as a project manager overseas for 10 years and in Australia for 3 years. He has a qualification from his home country but not from Australia. He has no partner skills to claim points for.
Interpretation: David's score is 55 points. This is below the typical invitation threshold. To improve his score, David might consider enhancing his English proficiency to 'Proficient' (gaining an extra 10 points) or seeking further skilled employment in Australia if possible. Without these improvements, he would likely need to rely on a visa stream with a lower points requirement or one that prioritises specific occupations.
How to Use This Australia Points Calculator
Using our Australia Points Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get an estimate of your potential points score for Australian skilled migration:
Input Your Details: Navigate to the calculator section. Carefully enter your information into each field. Pay close attention to the helper text provided for each input, as it clarifies what information is required (e.g., age at invitation, years of employment in the last 10 years).
Select Options: For fields like English proficiency, Australian education, partner skills, state nomination, and NAATI, select the option that best reflects your situation from the dropdown menus.
Calculate: Once all relevant fields are populated, click the "Calculate Points" button. The calculator will instantly update the main result and intermediate values.
Interpret Results: The "Your Estimated Points" section will display your total calculated score. The intermediate results break down points by category, helping you identify areas where you score highly and areas that might need improvement. Remember, the minimum score for an invitation is generally 65, but higher scores are more competitive.
Review and Refine: If your score is lower than expected, consider the "Key Factors" section below for insights on how to improve your eligibility. You can then adjust your inputs and recalculate.
Reset or Copy: Use the "Reset" button to clear all fields and start over. The "Copy Results" button allows you to save a summary of your calculated points.
This Australia Points Calculator serves as an excellent starting point for your migration journey, offering immediate feedback on your potential eligibility.
Key Factors That Affect Australia Points Calculator Results
Several factors significantly influence your score on the Australia Points Calculator. Understanding these can help you strategize your migration plan:
Age: Younger applicants (25-32) receive the maximum points for age. As age increases beyond this bracket, points gradually decrease, and after 45, no points are awarded for age. This reflects the government's aim to attract younger workers to the labour force.
English Language Proficiency: Higher levels of English, such as 'Proficient' or 'Superior', awarded based on test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), grant significantly more points than 'Competent' English. Demonstrating strong English skills is crucial for integration and employment.
Skilled Work Experience: Both overseas and Australian skilled work experience contribute points. However, work experience gained in Australia often yields more points, highlighting the government's preference for skilled migrants already familiar with the Australian workplace. The points increase with the number of years, up to a certain maximum.
Educational Qualifications: Having qualifications recognised by Australia, especially degrees or higher qualifications obtained from Australian institutions, awards additional points. This factor signifies a candidate's educational attainment and potential for skilled employment.
Partner's Skills and English: Points can be awarded if your partner (spouse or de facto partner) meets certain criteria, such as having competent English or a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation. This acknowledges the contribution of the entire family unit to Australia.
State or Territory Nomination/Family Sponsorship: Securing nomination from an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in Australia can add a substantial number of points. This is often a pathway for candidates who may not score highly enough based on their individual merits alone.
NAATI Accreditation: For specific visa streams, having accreditation from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) can award bonus points, particularly beneficial for those in translation and interpreting professions.
Optimizing these factors through further study, English tests, or gaining more experience can significantly boost your score on the Australia Points Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the minimum score required on the Australia Points Calculator?
A: The minimum points score required to be eligible for an invitation to apply for most skilled visas is 65. However, the actual points score required for an invitation can be much higher, depending on the specific visa subclass, the nominated occupation, and the number of invitations issued in each round.
Q2: Does my age count at the time of application or invitation?
A: Your age is calculated at the point you receive an invitation to apply for the visa, not at the time you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Q3: What constitutes 'skilled employment' for the points test?
A: Skilled employment refers to work experience in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for your visa subclass. It must be paid employment and typically requires at least 20 hours per week. The Department of Home Affairs will assess the relevance and duration of your experience.
Q4: How many times can I use the Australia Points Calculator?
A: You can use this Australia Points Calculator as many times as you like. It's a free tool to help you estimate your eligibility. You can adjust your inputs to see how different factors affect your score.
Q5: Can I claim points for overseas and Australian experience simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can claim points for both overseas and Australian skilled employment experience within the last 10 years, provided the experience is in eligible occupations. However, the points awarded for Australian experience are generally higher.
Q6: What if my occupation is not on the skilled occupation list?
A: If your nominated occupation is not on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you are applying for, you generally cannot claim points for it and may not be eligible for that visa subclass.
Q7: How often are the points requirements updated?
A: The points requirements and allocation can be updated periodically by the Australian Government. It's advisable to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information regarding the points test.
Q8: Is this calculator an official government tool?
A: This Australia Points Calculator is an independent tool designed to help you estimate your potential points score. It is not an official government application. For definitive information and application processes, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Australia Visa Options – Explore the various visa pathways available for migrating to Australia.
Occupation List Checker – Determine if your occupation is eligible for skilled migration programs.