TOEFL iBT now valid for all Australian visa purposes, effective from May 5

KATHMANDU: ETS, a global organisation specialising in education and talent solutions, has announced that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT is now valid for all Australian visa applications, effective from May 5, 2024.

This significant development opens up opportunities for individuals looking to study, work, or migrate to Australia, allowing them to demonstrate their English proficiency through the TOEFL iBT test.

TOEFL iBT, the most widely accepted academic English proficiency test, continues to be recognised by all Australian universities and over 12,500 institutions worldwide across 160 countries.

This endorsement of TOEFL iBT follows a standard review process by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA), in response to changes made to TOEFL iBT last year. Having successfully undergone this comprehensive review, the enhanced TOEFL iBT is set to continue its role as a trusted measure of English proficiency for a diverse range of visa applicants. Applicants who have taken the TOEFL iBT test from May 5, 2024 onwards can include their scores as part of their Australian visa application.

Commenting on this development, Sachin Jain, Country Manager of ETS India and South Asia, said, "At ETS, we are committed to facilitating global higher education and mobility through our world-class assessments. Australia remains the preferred choice for Nepali students and working professionals, with over 53,000 Nepali students enrolled in Australian Universities in 2023. Furthermore, with nine Australian universities among the top 100 global universities according to the latest QS World University Rankings, Australia offers world-class higher education and post-study work opportunities."

He added, "With the recognition of the TOEFL iBT test, ETS will support learners seeking educational opportunities in Australia, as well as skilled workers, through TOEFL iBT, the world’s most widely accepted English proficiency test."

Seshraj Bhatarai, President of the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN), said, "It's good news that TOEFL iBT is now accepted for Australian visa applications. I believe this acceptance not only enhances accessibility for Nepali students to study in Australia, but also underscores Australia's commitment to providing quality higher education to international learners. Nepal is the third largest source of international students in Australia, behind China and India." He added, "TOEFL iBT's global recognition and credibility further solidifies its significance as a reliable measure of English proficiency for students and professionals worldwide."

Hemanta Bhattarai, President of the International Education Representatives Initiative of Nepal (IERIN), said, "Australia's recognition of TOEFL iBT for visa purposes is a significant development for Nepali students and professionals seeking career advancement opportunities abroad. With globally renowned institutions and universities, Australia offers unparalleled higher education and post-study work opportunities for international students. The Nepali community is one of the fastest growing international communities in Australia." He added, "This development opens doors for Nepali students and skilled workers to excel on the international stage by taking TOEFL iBT, the world’s most accepted English proficiency test."

The TOEFL test is now shorter, faster, and more efficient for test takers. Test takers receive instant unofficial scores for Listening and Reading sections, helping them plan their next steps promptly. Additionally, TOEFL allows unlimited score reporting at no additional expense, expanding opportunities without added financial strain.

About ETS

ETS is a global education and talent solutions organisation enabling lifelong learners to be future ready. The organisation advances the science of measurement to build the benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment. The organisation is committed to powering human progress by promoting skill proficiency, empowering upward mobility, and unlocking more opportunities for everyone, everywhere.