TOEFL iBT English Language Test is currently not available for Australian Migration

With effect from 26 July 2023, TOEFL iBT, which was formerly acknowledged as an English language test for Australia immigration, is temporarily unavailable for visa purposes until further notice. This announcement is a result of considerable revisions made to the test by ETS, the administering organization of TOEFL iBT, and these amendments are presently under review by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australia. Find out more.

English language requirements for Australia immigration

In Australia, applicants willing to study or work in the Land Down Under, usually require meeting English language requirements. To show the specific level of English proficiency applicant must submit the essential proof, i.e. an approved language test result. The DHA accepts scores from the following tests conducted at a secure test centre for English language visa requirements: 

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)*
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
• Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professionals
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)^

For applicants, who already completed the TOEFL iBT

In case you have already taken the TOEFL iBT test, there is no need to worry. The suspension of the test in Australia only affects persons planning to take the test after 26 July 2023. Your TOEFL iBT scores stays valid for Australian visa applications as long as they were attained before the mentioned cut-off date.

As per the statement from Rohit Sharma, SVP of Global Higher Education and Workskills,

“The enhanced version of the TOEFL iBT, which begins worldwide administrations on July 26, has been designed to improve the test taker experience, reducing the test time and streamlining the registration process, while maintaining the rigor and reliability the test is known for. ETS has submitted the enhanced test to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to be reviewed as part of a standard process the Department takes to evaluate English language tests. We commend the DHA for this thorough review which ensures that its high standards for measures of English proficiency are upheld,”  

Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australia

This change by confirmed by Government of Australia on their official website, which says:

“From 26 July 2023 TOEFL iBT will no longer be offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice.”

It further revealed, “For Australian visa purposes, the Department will accept IELTS test results that include OSR, with the exception of applications for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which need scores from a single sitting/attempt.”

To confirm latest Australia immigration updates and apply for the desired visa in Australia this year, you may get in touch with Visas Avenue Australia migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar