Updated on: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Students from around the world who wish to study in Australia can now use their TOEFL(r) test scores as part of their visa application as announced by Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
"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 Chris Bowen MP, minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
This announcement has significant meaning for large numbers of international students from assessment level 3 and 4 countries, including India, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the Philippines, who are interested in studying in Australia. International students now have the opportunity to use the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English language proficiency, satisfying the required language component of the visa application process.
"Nearly every university and college in Australia already accepts TOEFL scores for admission purposes. Today's announcement means that students globally can now use their TOEFL scores for both visa and academic admission purposes," explained David Hunt, vice president and chief operating officer of ETS's global division.
"The TOEFL test is the most widely accepted English language assessment worldwide. It is popular with prospective students and agents in all of Australia's major source markets. I'm sure that all of Australia's universities, VET and English language providers join me in welcoming the re-introduction of the TOEFL test for student visa purposes," commented Jeffrey Smart, pro vice- chancellor (International and Recruitment) at Melbourne's Swinburne University of Technology.
"For many years, students have been able to gain academic admission into Australia's universities on the basis of their TOEFL score: now applicants will be able to satisfy visa requirements with this test as well. With students in 165 countries taking the TOEFL test, the department's decision provides a boost to Australia's international student recruitment efforts offering a larger and more diverse applicant pool."