As of January 21, 2026, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) only accepts the TOEFL iBT Australia test taken at a test center for visa purposes. This updated guide covers 100% of accepting universities and the latest 2026 score requirements for students.
Australia is a leading destination for international students, known for its high-quality education and strong career opportunities. For Indian students, proving English proficiency is an essential step, and the TOEFL iBT test, conducted by ETS, is widely accepted by universities across Australia.
Most Australian universities accept TOEFL iBT scores for admission, including top institutions like the University of Melbourne and UNSW. However, TOEFL score requirements in Australia vary by course and university, typically ranging between 70 and 100.
It is important to check the latest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) guidelines for student visa requirements, as English test policies may change. This guide covers TOEFL accepted universities in Australia, score requirements, and key admission details to help you plan your study journey.
The TOEFL exam is one of the most widely used English proficiency tests for students looking to study in foreign countries. The TOEFL exam is accepted worldwide by more than 13,000+ universities and institutions in over 160 countries. In this article, we are going to be talking about the TOEFL scores accepting universities in Australia.
- Why Choose TOEFL iBT Australia in 2026?
- Australian Government Visa Score Requirements (DHA 2026)
- List of Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia
- TOEFL Cut-Off Scores for Top Australian Universities (2026)
- Major Update: Australian Visa Eligibility and TOEFL Testing Centers
- TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia FAQs
Why Choose TOEFL iBT Australia in 2026?
Selecting the right English test is crucial for a smooth migration process. The TOEFL iBT Australia version is specifically designed to meet the rigorous standards of both academic institutions and the Australian government. It is the shortest major test, taking only 2 hours to complete.
Universal University Acceptance
Every single university and college in Australia accepts TOEFL scores. This means you only need to take one test to apply to multiple institutions across the country, from Sydney to Perth.
Fast and Reliable Results
In the fast-moving world of university admissions, waiting for scores can be stressful. With TOEFL, official results are usually ready in 4 to 8 days, allowing you to meet tight application deadlines with confidence.
Australian Government Visa Score Requirements (DHA 2026)
Meeting university standards is only half the battle; you must also meet the minimum scores set by the Department of Home Affairs for your visa. The table below outlines the current 2026 requirements for various levels of English proficiency needed for student and migration visas.
| English Proficiency Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 32 |
| Vocational English | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 | N/A |
| Competent English | 12 | 13 | 21 | 18 | N/A |
| Proficient English | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| Superior English | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 | N/A |
List of Top TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia
Candidates should note that 100% universities in Australia accept TOEFL scores. While the government sets the minimum for visas, top-tier universities often have higher requirements. Below is a selection of the top Australian universities that recognize and trust TOEFL iBT Australia scores for their 2026 intake.
| University Name |
QS World University Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
| #19 |
|
| University of Sydney |
#25 |
| #20 |
|
| Monash University |
#36 |
| #42 |
|
| Australian National University |
#32 |
| The University of Western Australia |
#77 |
| The University of Adelaide |
#82 |
| University of Technology Sydney |
#96 |
| #138 |
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
TOEFL Cut-Off Scores for Top Australian Universities (2026)
The global TOEFL iBT has transitioned to a 1-6 band scale. However, for Australian visa purposes, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) only accepts the TOEFL iBT Australia test, which still uses the traditional 0–120 scale. The universities below use the 0–120 scale for their standard admissions.
Updated TOEFL Score Requirements (2026 Intake)
Based on the latest 2026 score conversion standards and the university-specific requirements for the 2026 intake, here is your updated table.
| University Name | Minimum TOEFL Score (0-120) | Competitive Score (0-120) | Band Score Equivalent (1-6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 79 | 94+ | 5.0 |
| University of Sydney | 85 | 96+ | 5.0 |
| UNSW Sydney | 90 | 94+ | 5.0 |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 80 | 100+ | 5.0 - 5.5 |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 87 | 90+ | 5.0 |
| Monash University | 79 | 94+ | 5.0 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | 82 | 100+ | 5.0 - 5.5 |
| University of Adelaide | 79 | 94+ | 5.0 |
| UTS (Univ. of Technology Sydney) | 79 | 94+ | 5.0 |
Major Update: Australian Visa Eligibility and TOEFL Testing Centers
An important rule to remember for 2026 is that the Australian Department of Home Affairs does not accept "at-home" tests. To ensure your visa is granted, you must book your TOEFL iBT Australia test at an authorized physical testing center. The TOEFL Home Edition will not be accepted for visa processing.
Accepted Visa Subclasses
The TOEFL iBT Australia test is recognized for a wide range of visas, including the Student Visa (subclass 500), the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), and various Skilled Migration visas like the 189 and 190.
DHA Policy on Test Dates
It is important to note that the DHA does not accept TOEFL scores for tests taken between July 26, 2023, and May 4, 2024. Always ensure your test date falls outside of this restricted window for your application to be valid.
TOEFL is accepted by 100% of Australian universities. From business and data science to engineering and healthcare, TOEFL scores are accepted. University of Melbourne and RMIT University are top universities to accept TOEFL in Australia.
TOEFL Accepting Universities in Australia FAQs
Commonly asked questions
While both tests are accepted, many Australian universities and immigration authorities tend to prefer IELTS over TOEFL for migration purposes.
Yes, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted for Permanent Residency (PR) applications in Australia.
The total score is 120. Each of the four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This is scored from 0 to 30. If you get 20 in each, your total is 80. Most good universities ask for 90+ or 100+.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae