Australia broadens range of English Language tests for visa applicants

Scores from several other recognised English language tests will be added to the well-known and already accepted IELTS and OET scores for several Australian visa categories.

An announcement from the immigration authority has confirmed that scores in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) will count along with the UELTS and OET scores over a range of visa programmes. The new test options will come into force in November and will apply to skilled migrants.

The International English Language Testing system (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET) are the currently accepted testing systems for student visas, with the range of visas covered by these tests after November extending to the Temporary Graduate, Skilled Work and Holiday visas. TOEFL iBT and PTE test results will also be accepted from applicants for the above visas.

The new options will also be available to applicants for the Employer Nomination Scheme, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and the Recognised Graduate visa. Education experts consider the move to be positive, as it will encourage intending migrants to apply to Australia in preference to other countries.

The TOEFL test is well known internationally, and the IELTS test, managed by the IDP, assesses the English language standards of those who are not native speakers of the language. The addition across the board of two more test systems will give aspiring migrants a wider choice of the most suitable test for their abilities.