03 June 2014
We are pleased to pass on the following market information regarding recent changes to the acceptance of English language tests and the positive impacts these will have on student visa applications.
The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) have approved the following additional English proficiency tests, giving applicants more choice in English language testing in line with the Department’s focus on increasing competition in the English language testing market for visas:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
The changes for TOEFL and PTE will come into effect November 2014 and additionally CAE tests across visa programs will be accepted from early 2015. These tests can be used to meet English language requirements for almost all work related visas that require English proficiency. The changes are aimed at providing visa applicants with more choice in English language testing options post-graduation for temporary graduate, skilled migration, post study, holiday and permanent residence visas. Additionally, the changes are also envisaged to address any possible shortages in the number of places available for students to sit the test.
The TOEFL iBT, PTE and CAE tests have been accepted in the student visa program since 2011, these changes affect a student’s post study visa options.
Please view the Table of UniSA International comparative English requirements indicating our scoring criteria
