TOEFL Scores: Your Key to Global Educational and Professional Opportunities in Australia

TOEFL

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on May 12, 2025 12:34 IST

TOEFL iBT scores is a key requirement for Australian student visas, skilled migration pathways, and even permanent residency applications. It's important to note that only TOEFL iBT tests taken on or after May 5, 2024, are accepted for  Australian visa purposes.

TOEFL exam

Australia is a popular destination for international students and professionals because of its top universities, strong job market, and high quality of life. If you're planning to study in Australia, work, or even migrate, proving your English language skills is a key step. One of the most widely accepted English tests in Australia is the TOEFL iBT.

The Australian government has confirmed that TOEFL iBT scores taken on or after May 5, 2024, are accepted again for Australian visa applications. This means students and skilled workers can now use their TOEFL scores to apply for visas, university admissions, and even requires for permanent residency. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how TOEFL helps with studying, working, or living in Australia, what score you need, and how to prepare for the test.

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Table of content
  • Importance of TOEFL Scores in Australia
  • Recent Enhancements and Global Acceptance of TOEFL
  • TOEFL: The Preferred English Language Test
  • Minimum TOEFL Scores for Top Australian Universities
  • How to Prepare for TOEFL Using TestReady?

Importance of TOEFL Scores in Australia

In Australia, TOEFL scores are critical for various visa categories, including student visas, skilled migration visas, and some pathways to Australian permanent residency. Additionally, Australian universities and vocational institutions mandate a demonstration of English proficiency as part of their admissions process, accepting TOEFL scores as a universally respected standard.

The uniform assessment provided by TOEFL scores is vital in environments where effective communication is crucial to success in academic and professional settings. This standardization makes TOEFL an integral part of the process for studying, working, or settling in Australia.

Exploring Educational Avenues with TOEFL

Australia's educational landscape offers a plethora of opportunities across numerous disciplines. Top universities like the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, as well as vocational colleges that focus on career-oriented training, are within reach for those who perform well on the TOEFL test. Access to these institutions means not only quality education but also a vibrant, multicultural student life.

Professional Opportunities and TOEFL

The dynamic job market in Australia is receptive to skilled professionals across various sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. Proficiency in English, as demonstrated by TOEFL scores, is often a prerequisite for job applications, particularly in roles that require effective communication skills. A robust TOEFL score can significantly boost the chances of securing employment in these competitive industries.

TOEFL and Achieving Permanent Residency

For those looking to gain permanent residency in Australia, demonstrating English proficiency through the TOEFL test is a crucial step. This advantage is especially significant for those already in Australia on different visas who are seeking to adjust their status.

Recent Enhancements and Global Acceptance of TOEFL

ETS has recently streamlined the TOEFL test, reducing its duration from nearly four hours to under two hours, making it the shortest among English language proficiency tests. This significant enhancement prompted a routine review by Australia's Department of Home Affairs. Following a thorough evaluation, the TOEFL test has been endorsed as the most popular and efficient English language proficiency assessment, now fully accepted by all Australian universities and for immigration purposes.

Following a comprehensive review, the Department of Home Affairs now accepts TOEFL iBT scores taken on or after May 5, 2024, for Australian student, skilled migration, and residency visa applications. Tests taken between July 26, 2023, and May 4, 2024, are not eligible for visa purposes.

TOEFL: The Preferred English Language Test

Recognized as the shortest and most widely accepted English language test globally, TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 13,000 universities and institutions across over 160 countries, including all universities in the United States, Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This makes TOEFL a pivotal element of the university admissions process worldwide.

Minimum TOEFL Scores for Top Australian Universities

University Name

UG TOEFL iBT Requirement

PG TOEFL iBT Requirement

University of Melbourne

79 overall

94 overall

Australian National University

80 overall

100 overall

University of Sydney

85 overall

96 overall

Monash University

79 overall

91 overall

University of Queensland

87 overall

95 overall

UNSW Sydney

90 overall

90–95 overall

How to Prepare for TOEFL Using TestReady?

ETS offers TOEFL TestReady, a preparation platform with:

  • Section-wise practice tests for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
  • AI-based performance feedback
  • Goal tracking and improvement insights
  • Authentic practice questions aligned with the real test format

Consistent practice on this platform can help you reach your target score efficiently.

Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier university, advancing your career, or seeking a new life in Australia, excelling on the TOEFL test is a crucial step toward realizing your aspirations. Candidates can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for admission to universities abroad. 

Q:   Can I go Australia with 6 bands in PTE?
A:

Yes, you can go to Australia with a 6-band equivalent in PTE — but it depends on what you're applying for (student visa, work visa, or permanent residency) and what “6 bands” refers to.

If "6 Bands" is referred to as IELTS bandscore equivalent, then an overall IELTS score of 6.0 is roughly equal to a? PTE Academic score of about 50–58. 

This allows you to go on a Australian Subclass-500 student visa which require a minimum PTE score 50. However, this score may not be suitable for admissions to many top Australian universities as they require a minimum PTE score of 65. 

Q:   Which university is better, Deakin or the University of Western Australia, for an MS in Business Analytics?
A:

The University of Western Australia and University offers MS in Business Analytics course at an affordable cost to international students. Both the universities rank among the top business universities in Australia. Applicants can check the table below to check which is better to pursue an MS in Business Analytics:

Universities First Year FeesRanking
Deakin University MS in Business AnalyticsINR 23 L91
University of Western Australia MS in Business AnalyticsINR 25 L77

Both the universities looks good in terms of their tuitoon fees and ranking in the world. Therefore, it's your choice where you wish to study MS in Business Analytics course.

Q:   How can I get admission to study a UG course in horticulture and agriculture without IELTS in Australia?
A:

Horticulture and agriculture programs at a number of Australian universities may provide entrance routes that do not require the IELTS. For example, courses in agribusiness, agriculture, production, conservation & land management, and nursery operations are available at the Australian College of Agriculture and Horticulture (ACAH). The ACAH offers a combination of laboratory study, classroom instruction, and job placement, along with worthwhile work experience opportunities. Furthermore, in some universities, including Charles Sturt University (CSU), the Certificate III, Certificate IV, or Diploma in Horticulture can be used as a gateway for entrance to the Bachelor of Horticulture program. Moreover, some colleges accept other standards for English language competency in lieu of the IELTS, such as the accomplishment of particular coursework requirements or job experience. 

About the Author
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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
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Reviewed by
Anuradha
All courses in ANZ
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp Read Full Bio
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