Expanded English language proficiency and test scores for migration purposes have been recently announced.
The changes apply to new applications only:
Applications lodged before 1 July 2012 – no change, IELTS and OET
Applications lodged after 1 July 2012 – no change, IELTS and OET
Applications lodged on and after 23 November 2014 can now utilise the TOEFL iBT and Pearson (PTE Academic) English tests in addition to the IELTS. The equivalent scores for the relevant levels are listed below:
Reg 1.15B – Vocational English
IELTS – 5 in each of the four sections
OET – B in each of the four sections
TOEFL iBT – Speaking 14, Reading 4, Writing 14, Listening 4
Pearson (PTE Academic) – 36 for the four components
OR a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, to a citizen of that country
Reg 1.15C – Competent English
IELTS – 6 in each of the four sections
OET – B for each of the four components
TOEFL iBT – Speaking 18, Reading 13, Writing 21, Listening 12
Pearson (PTE Academic) – at least 50 for the four components
OR a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, to a citizen of that country
Reg 1.15D – Proficient English
IELTS – 7 in each of the four sections
OET – B for each of the four components
TOEFL iBT – Speaking 23, Reading 24, Writing 27, Listening 24
Pearson (PTE Academic) – at least 65 for the four components
Reg 1.15 EA – Superior English
IELTS – 8 in each of the four sections
OET – A for each of the four components
TOEFL iBT – Speaking 26, Reading 29, Writing 30, Listening 28
Pearson (PTE Academic) – at least 79 for the four test components
Administrator’s note:
The iron grip IELTS previously had over English testing for migration matters has come to an end. This move offers applicants more flexibility in testing location and convenience. The TOEFL iBT in particular appears to be more forgiving to speakers of American English.