Australia Approves TOEFL Test for Student Visas

Students from around the world who wish to study in Australia can now use their TOEFL test scores as part of their visa application as announced by Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

International students until now had IELTS (International English Language Testing System) only to demonstrate their English language proficiency for Australia student visas.

In Australia, the International English Language Testing System is operated by education giant IDP.

"I am very pleased the TOEFL test has been chosen as one of the new English test providers and I am confident they will provide a valuable service to student visa applicants," said the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Mr Bowen said he expected two other tests, the Pearson Test of English Academic and the Cambridge English: Advanced tests, would get official recognition for student visas later this year.

"These additional English language test options will help to create competition in the English language testing market, while creating more test places for student visa applicants. They will also provide candidates with greater choice and enable them to more quickly obtain test results needed for visa applications,'' he said.