TOEFL iBT is accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs as proof of English language proficiency for most visa types that require it. These visas include skilled migration visas (e.g., Subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 Skilled Nominated, 186 Employer Nomination, etc.), student visas (Subclass 500), temporary work visas (e.g., Subclass 482 Skills in Demand), post-study work visas (Subclass 485), partner visas, and others.
TOEFL is one of several accepted tests (along with IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and a few others). As an Indian citizen (passport holder from a non-English-speaking country), you will always need to provide evidence of English proficiency unless you meet a specific exemption (e.g., completed 5+ years of study in English-medium institutions in certain countries — India usually does not qualify for full exemptions in skilled migration).
Must Read: Australia Launches Priority Visa System for Select Universities
TOEFL Minimum Score for Australia and Proficiency Levels
Australia uses 5 main levels. The level you need depends on the visa and whether you want points in the skilled migration points test.
| Level | Typical Use / Points (Skilled Migration) | TOEFL iBT Minimum Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | Some partner or business visas (no points) | Overall 26 |
| Vocational | Some temporary work visas (e.g., older 482 streams) | Listening 8, Reading 8, Writing 9, Speaking 14 |
| Competent | Minimum threshold for most skilled and PR visas (0 points) | Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19 |
| Proficient | 10 points in points-tested skilled visas | Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 26, Speaking 24 |
| Superior | 20 points (maximum) in points-tested skilled visas | Listening 26, Reading 27, Writing 30, Speaking 28 |
Notes:
- You must meet the minimum in every section, no averaging.
- For skilled migration (e.g., 189 and 190), Competent is the minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), but higher scores (Proficient or Superior) give crucial points to reach the 65+ needed for invitation.
- Student visas (Subclass 500): Requirements vary by education provider and country assessment level, but typically Competent level or higher is recommended.
Ques. What happens if I don’t meet the required TOEFL score for my visa?
Ans. If you don’t meet the minimum score, you may need to retake the test or explore alternative English proficiency tests accepted for your visa. For skilled migration visas, a higher score improves your points.
Ques. Can I average my TOEFL scores across sections?
Ans. No, you cannot average your scores across sections. You must meet the minimum requirement for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) independently.
Ques. Are TOEFL scores adjusted based on visa category?
Ans. Yes, different visa categories require different proficiency levels. For skilled migration visas like the Subclass 189, Proficient or Superior scores can significantly boost your visa points, whereas other visas may only require Competent scores.
Which Australian Visas Commonly Require TOEFL?
The table below gives a detailed account of the Australian visa types and their English proof requirements.
| Visa Type | English Level Required | Common for Indian Applicants? |
|---|---|---|
| Student (Subclass 500) | Competent or as per university (often 60-80 total) | Yes, very common pathway |
| Temporary Graduate (485) | Competent (post-study work) | Yes |
| Skilled Independent (189) | Competent minimum; Proficient or Superior for points | Yes (points-tested PR) |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Same as 189 | Yes |
| Skilled Work Regional (191, 494) | Competent minimum | Yes |
| Employer Sponsored (186, 482, 494) | Vocational or Competent (varies by stream) | Yes (job offer needed) |
| Partner and Family visas | Functional (or pay English charge) | Sometimes |
Must Read: PR in Australia
Ques. Do all Australian visas require TOEFL for Indian applicants?
Ans. No, not all visas require TOEFL. For example, Partner and Family visas may require only Functional English or a payment for the English charge, while Skilled Migration visas require Competent or higher proficiency.
Ques. Can I use TOEFL to apply for a post-study work visa (Subclass 485)?
Ans. Yes, the Subclass 485 visa commonly requires a Competent level of English proficiency, which can be demonstrated with TOEFL iBT.
Ques. If I already have a job offer, do I still need TOEFL for Employer-Sponsored visas?
Ans. Yes, TOEFL is still required to prove English proficiency, even if you have a job offer. The required score depends on the specific stream of your Employer-Sponsored visa.
TOEFL iBT for Australian Visas Rules
Below are some key restrictions that you must take note of before applying for an Australian visa.
- Test must be taken in-person at a secure test centre. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition (or any online/at-home version) is NOT accepted for any visa purposes.
- Accepted Test Dates:
- Tests taken before July 26, 2023: Accepted (if within validity period).
- Tests taken July 26, 2023 - May 4, 2024: NOT accepted (due to a temporary suspension while ETS updated the test format).
- Tests taken on or after May 5, 2024: Fully accepted.
- Validity Period: TOEFL Score Validity is usually 3 years from the test date (some visas allow use up to 3 years; check specific visa). Older tests taken before August 2025 may have extended usability in some cases until 2028.
- Scores must be from a single test sitting (no combining scores from multiple tests, except where One Skill Retake equivalents are allowed for other tests, but TOEFL does not have this).
- Recent changes (August 7, 2025): More tests added and some minimum scores slightly adjusted for equivalence, but TOEFL scores remain largely consistent with pre-2025 levels.
Check: Upcoming TOEFL Test Dates
Ques. How long should I wait to receive my TOEFL results?
Ans. TOEFL results are typically available within 4-8 days after the test. Be sure to plan ahead to ensure you meet visa application deadlines.
Ques. Can I use TOEFL scores from multiple sittings for my Australian visa application?
Ans. No, TOEFL does not allow the combination of scores from different test sittings. You must meet the required scores from one test attempt.
TOEFL for Australia: Tips for Indian Students
Here are some tips you can follow for a successful Australian visa application.
1. Start Preparing Early
- Book your test early: Test dates can fill up quickly, especially during peak periods. Early preparation helps ensure you have enough time to retake the test if needed.
- Choose a test center near you: India has a large number of TOEFL test centers, so find the one most convenient for you.
2. Understand Your Visa Requirements
- Ensure that you meet the English proficiency requirements for your specific visa type (e.g., Student Visa, Skilled Migration Visa).
- Higher TOEFL scores improve your chances for points-based visas like Subclass 189 or 190.
3. Focus on Sectional Scoring
- Remember that Australia does not allow averaging of TOEFL section scores. You must meet the minimum requirement in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
Must Read
TOEFL iBT is a critical requirement for Australian immigration, especially for skilled migration, student visas, and work visas. To improve your chances of success, ensure that you understand the score requirements for your specific visa type and plan your TOEFL test in advance. By preparing early, aiming for higher scores, and understanding how TOEFL fits into your Australian visa application process, you can streamline your path to studying, working, or living in Australia.
FAQs
Ques. Is TOEFL the only English language test accepted for Australian immigration?
Ans. No, TOEFL is one of several accepted tests. Others include IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Each visa category may have a preferred test, but TOEFL is widely recognized.
Ques. Can I use TOEFL scores taken online or at home for my Australian visa?
Ans. No, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or any online test is not accepted for Australian visa purposes. You must take the test in person at a certified test center.
Ques. Is TOEFL score validity the same for all visa types?
Ans. Generally, TOEFL scores are valid for three years from the test date. However, some specific visa categories may allow you to use older scores, particularly if they were taken before August 2025.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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