Australia is no longer accepting TOEFL test results for visa purposes. Here's why

As of 26 July 2023, the Australian government is not accepting TOEFL iBT English language tests for visa purposes until further notice. Here is what you need to know.

Diverse University Students in Classroom Credit: ferrantraite/Getty Images

Key Points

• TOEFL iBT is no longer offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice.
• Any test undertaken on or after 26 July 2023 will not be accepted for this purpose.
• Australian universities and other educational institutions can still accept TOEFL iBT results: migration agent

In many countries around the world, international students and potential migrants are required to first sit a recognised test of their English abilities.

These tests include IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), OET (Occupational English Test), and CAE (Cambridge Advanced English).

In many countries, international students and potential migrants are required to sit a recognised test of their English abilities. Credit: Pekic/Getty Images

However, according to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website, one of the most popular tests, the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), is no longer offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice.

"ETS [Educational Testing Service] are the provider of TOEFL iBT and changed the test they offer, such that it is different from the version approved for Australian visa and migration purposes," a DHA spokesperson told SBS Sinhala in a statement.

"From 26 July 2023, ETS decided to only offer the updated version of TOEFL iBT and would no longer offer the version of TOEFL iBT approved for Australian visa and migration purposes.

This means test scores for a TOEFL iBT test undertaken on or after 26 July 2023, will no longer be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes.

Department of Home Affairs spokesperson

Who needs to take the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL test is taken by over 50 million people worldwide a year to ensure their English abilities are adequate.

The test is often taken by students who are planning to study at a university abroad and scholarship candidates, skilled workers who are applying for visas, and English-language learners tracking their English progress, according to the official TOEFL website.

The TOEFL website indicates the test is accepted by more than 12,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries, including Australia.

Students taking a test in class. Credit: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

What is TOEFL and who conducts it?

The longer version name of the TOEFL is "Test of English as a Foreign Language". The test has four components like the other English tests, listening speaking, reading, and writing

Also, the test has two versions,

• Internet Based test (TOEFL iBT) - This takes around 3 hours to complete all the components.
  
• The other version is TOEFL Essentials Test

This test version takes around 1.5 hours to complete and consists of four sections as well as a five-minute personal video statement that consists of two questions that are not scored as part of the test

TOEFL is operated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), an American-based private non-profit organisation, which designs and administers the tests.

Adelaide-based migration agent Deshani Diunugalage told SBS Sinhala comparing both versions of the TOEFL exams, the TOEFL iBT version, which is the online test, takes a longer time to complete.

According to the TOEFL website, ETS decided to review this online test version in order to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete.

What will be the new changes for the TOEFL iBT version?

Several steps will be taken to improve this version, including the way of registration and the instruction given at the exam will come up with a new appearance.

According to Ms Diunugalage, the new reading component will be shortened. The existing reading section takes 54-72 minutes which involves reading passages, with 30-40 questions. Also, new writing components will be introduced. The existing writing section lasts 50 minutes and involves two tasks

Deshani Dinugalage is a migration agent based in South Australia. Credit: Supplied

Furthermore, the break time between completing the test components is set to be removed as well.

What if you have already done the TOEFL iBT exam? Is that still valid?

"If you have done the online exam, which is TOEFL iBT, after 26 July, your results will no longer be considered by the Australian (Department of) Home Affairs for visa purposes until further notice,” Ms Diunugalage said.

However, she explained that Australian universities and other educational institutions can accept TOEFL iBT results from applicants who have done the exam even after 26 July for their admissions.

This decision impacts the DHA's English requirement only.

The Government remains committed to using English language requirements in migration legislation as a means to effectively manage immigration risk and ensure visa holders are able to fully participate in the Australian community.

Department of Home Affairs spokesperson

SBS Sinhala understand the updated version of TOEFL iBT is not under review by DHA.

The DHA is currently managing a Request for Expression of Interest process for the selection of English language tests for Australian visas.

For more details, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

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