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From May 5, 2024, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be accepted for all visa applications in Australia. This comes after the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) had previously put a temporary hold on accepting TOEFL scores for visa applications. Now, applicants can again use their TOEFL results when applying for an Australian visa.
Timeline for TOEFL Score Acceptance
Starting May 5, 2024, Australian visa applicants will once again be able to submit their TOEFL scores. This change follows a temporary suspension of TOEFL exam results initiated in July 2023 by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The suspension was due to revisions made to the test by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which introduced an updated version at that time.
ETS has stated that TOEFL exams taken from July 26, 2023, to May 4, 2024, will not be recognized for visa purposes, though they remain valid for academic admissions. Furthermore, TOEFL scores obtained before July 26, 2023, will continue to be valid for Australian visa applications for two years from the test date.
The Role of TOEFL iBT in Supporting Global Education and Migration
The TOEFL iBT test, provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), will aid learners and skilled workers who are pursuing educational and professional opportunities in Australia. This test is globally recognized as one of the most widely accepted English proficiency assessments.
TOEFL, a standardized test, is designed to evaluate the English language skills of non-native speakers aiming to attend English-speaking universities.
The test is accepted by every university in Australia and over 12,500 institutions across more than 160 countries worldwide, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
ETS continues to support global education and professional opportunities through the TOEFL iBT test, ensuring broad acceptance and recognition.
Other English Proficiency Tests for Australian Visas
In addition to TOEFL, Australia also accepts scores from other English language proficiency tests for visa requirements, provided they are taken at secure test centers. These include:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which offers an option for One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE), also known as C1 Advanced
- Occupational English Test (OET), specifically designed for health professionals
In June 2023, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) made several updates to the TOEFL test, including a significant reduction in its duration. Previously a three-hour test, the TOEFL now requires less than two hours to complete.