Senator Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection has recently announced the introduction of addition acceptable English tests from November 2014. In addition to the currently accepted tests, of IELTS and OET, the following tests will be accepted:
- Test of English Language as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English Academic
Here is the full announcement from Senator Michaelia Cash:
“Visa applicants will have more choice in English language testing with the addition of more test options for temporary graduate, skilled, work and holiday, and former resident visas, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Senator Michaelia Cash, said today.
The changes, which come into effect in November, are in line with the department’s focus on increasing competition in the English language testing market for visas.
‘Applicants who need to provide the Department of Immigration and Border Protection with an English language test score as evidence of their English ability will be able to choose from two additional tests,’ Minister Cash said.
These tests are theTest of English Language as a Foreign Languageinternet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and thePearson Test of English Academic.
Minister Cash said increasing the number of English language tests accepted by the department will provide greater choice for visa applicants and address any possible shortages in the number of places available to sit the test.
‘The department expects to also receive test scores from the*Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)*test across visa programmes from early 2015, further expanding the English language test market,’ the Minister said.
The TOEFL iBT, Pearson and Cambridge tests have been accepted in the student visa programme since 2011.
Applicants planning to take an English language test before lodging their expression of interest or visa application from November 2014 can visit the department’s website for more information about minimum test score requirements and upcoming updates.
Further Details on Scores that will be required
The DIBP has provided the following chart with details test score equivalencies for all English language tests accepted by the department from November 2014:
| English Language proficiency level | Test component | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | Average across test components only | 4.5 | 32 | 30 | n/a |
| Vocational | Listening | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | B |
| Reading | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | B | |
| Writing | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | B | |
| Speaking | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | B | |
| Competent | Listening | 6.0 | 12 | 50 | B |
| Reading | 6.0 | 13 | 50 | B | |
| Writing | 6.0 | 21 | 50 | B | |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 18 | 50 | B | |
| Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) | Listening | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | B |
| Reading | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | B | |
| Writing | 7.0 | 27 | 65 | B | |
| Speaking | 7.0 | 23 | 65 | B | |
| Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) | Listening | 8.0 | 28 | 79 | A |
| Reading | 8.0 | 29 | 79 | A | |
| Writing | 8.0 | 30 | 79 | A | |
| Speaking | 8.0 | 26 | 79 | A |
Warning:
This information is accurate on the 25 May 2014.
DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application.
Sources:
http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/mc/2014/mc214807.htm
http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/aelt.aspx
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