In a move that will have significant consequences for many, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has issued a statement on its website that from 26 July 2023 TOEFL iBT will no longer be offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice.
The Department accepts scores from a range of English language tests, to ensure adequate coverage and access. The following tests are accepted where undertaken at a secure test centre for English language visa requirements:
o International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
o Pearson Test of English (PTE)
o Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
o Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professionals
and TOEFL iBT until the 26th July, 2023 (noting there is no impact on the validity of tests administered prior to this date).
A Home Affairs spokesperson speaking to the Koala said “ETS, the provider of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEOFEL iBT), has made a decision to change the test it provides. Therefore, from 26 July 2023, the version of TEOFEL iBT approved by the Department will no longer be offered by ETS.”
English language requirements generally apply to visa applicants seeking to study or undertake employment in Australia. The Department accepts scores from certain English language tests as one type of evidence to meet various levels of English proficiency prescribed in migration law.
The Spokesperson for Home Affairs affirmed, “There is a current Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) process underway for the selection of English language tests for Australian visas (Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for the selection of English language tests for Australian visas (homeaffairs.gov.au).”
“This process will allow the Department to consider whether any new or updated tests submitted through the REOI meet the requirements for inclusion in the accepted English language tests.” They said.
ETS, who develop and administer the TOEFL iBT have previously announced enhancements to their flagship test to be introduced worldwide on July 26. In these updates include an improved test registration process, revised instructions making it easier for test takers to navigate the test, a streamlined Reading section, a newly introduced Writing for an Academic Discussion section, and the removal of the mid-test break. These enhancements are meant to reduce total test time from 3 hours to 2 hours and improve the test taker experience.
Rohit Sharma, SVP, Global Higher Education and Workskills at ETS said “We appreciate DHA’s thorough review which ensures that its high standards for measures of English proficiency are upheld and are actively collaborating with DHA to provide any assistance we can to ensure a smooth transition to the enhanced test. In the meantime, Australian education providers can continue to accept, for admission, valid TOEFL iBT scores from tests taken pre- and post-July 26.”
The Koala understands that Australian education providers and impacted test takers have already started to receive information from ETS regarding this issue.
The Indian Express reported last month that the test has been approved by Canada.
Brett Blacker, CEO of English Australia said “ETS TOEFL has been a recognised English language test the world over for a very long time so to see them excluded isn’t in anyone’s interest”.
“Australia’s global competitiveness relies on having comparable English language tests as per our competitor countries and excluding ETS TOEFL for an extended period would be detrimental. I hope that this matter is resolved in a timely manner.” He said.
The Koala will continue to watch this space with great interest.
