English Language Test Options for Student and Skilled Migration Visa Applications
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Minister Chris Evans has given in-principle approval for the acceptance of more than one English language test to be officially recognised as proof of English proficiency for student and skilled migration visa applications. Currently, students who require proof of English language proficiency for those category visas have only IELTS available to them.
DIAC published a set of benchmarks that test publishers had to address in a formal submission to the department by 31 December 2009 to be considered. The recently launched Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) and TOEFL iBT are both being considered as alternative English language tests. Both PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are computer based academic English language tests that are widely recognised and available globally.
Helen Cook, Associate Director – Client Relations, ETS (Australia) comments, “Educational Testing Service (ETS) welcomes the opportunity to continue the dialogue with DIAC regarding the matter of English- language learning in Australia. As a follow up step, we are pleased to submit a detailed research report to the Minister which focuses on test equivalences. We hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate how accepting the TOEFL iBT test for skilled migration would be beneficial to Australia as a means to attract qualified individuals and boost further the country’s reputation as one of the best places in the world to live, work, and study.”
Sasha Hampson, Director – Government & Education Relations (Australia/New Zealand), Pearson Language Tests states, “Pearson is pleased that DIAC is looking to further extend the opportunities for students and education institutions to choose the English language test which best suits their needs. PTE Academic assists institutions in making more informed admissions decisions by providing comprehensive, consistent and accurate information about the test taker’s academic English language abilities.”
ACPET supports the broadening of the English tests availability to Australia bound students under the regulations as it provides choice, diversity, quality and increased confidence in the language abilities of students.
The recognition of a broader range of English language testing mechanisms will also certainly benefit stakeholders. This more flexible approach to assessing language proficiency for visa purposes will assist our international education industry in an extremely competitive marketplace. The minister’s decision will provide visa applicants with more choice, added convenience and should eliminate waiting times for tests that have existed under the current system. The addition of other language tests that are already accepted globally can only increase confidence in Australia as a quality destination for work and study.
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