TOEFL iBT for Australian Migration Visas: Scores and Key Points

What is TOEFL iBT and does Australia accept it?

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test) is an academic English test run by ETS, widely used in the United States and many other countries. In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts TOEFL iBT as valid evidence of English proficiency for some migration visas.

However, not all visas accept TOEFL iBT. Before booking the test, check carefully the requirement of the visa you are applying for.

Minimum scores for each English band

DHA classifies English proficiency into bands: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior. TOEFL iBT has a maximum score of 120, across four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

TOEFL iBT score requirements for the migration bands:

• Competent English: A minimum of 18 in each of the four skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). This is the minimum requirement for most skilled visas such as the subclass 482 and 186.
• Proficient English: A minimum of 24 in each of the four skills. This level is usually needed to earn higher points in the skilled independent EOI.
• Superior English: A minimum of 27 in each of the four skills. This is the highest level, equivalent to IELTS 8.0 in each band.

An important note: the overall TOEFL iBT score is not enough — DHA requires you to reach the minimum score in each individual skill, not the average.

Comparing TOEFL iBT with IELTS

IELTS is still the most common and most widely accepted test for Australian migration visas. TOEFL iBT differs in a few ways:

• Test format: TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based, whereas IELTS Academic has the Writing and Speaking sections either in person or on a computer.
• Scoring scale: TOEFL iBT uses a 0–30 scale per skill, whereas IELTS uses a 0–9 scale.
• Acceptance: IELTS is accepted for all Australian migration visas, whereas TOEFL iBT may not be accepted for some specific visas (for example, some health and nursing visas require OET).
• Test length: TOEFL iBT takes about 3 hours; IELTS about 2 hours 45 minutes.

How to submit your TOEFL iBT results to DHA

Once you have your TOEFL iBT results, you need to:

1. Ask ETS to send the official results to DHA. The DHA institution code can change — check the ETS and DHA websites for the most up-to-date code.
2. Upload a copy of your results to your online visa application through ImmiAccount.
3. Make sure the result is still within its validity period: TOEFL iBT is valid for 2 years from the test date (shorter than IELTS and PTE, which are valid for 3 years).

Validity period of the results

One important difference: TOEFL iBT results are only valid for 2 years, whereas IELTS and PTE Academic are valid for 3 years from the test date. If you sit TOEFL iBT and your visa processing takes a long time, there is a risk the result will expire before the visa is granted. Plan the timing of your lodgement accordingly.

Visas that accept TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is generally accepted for:

• Skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, 491)
• The Global Talent visa
• Student visas — although each university may have its own requirements

TOEFL iBT is not generally accepted in place of OET for health visas that require OET (such as a nursing visa with AHPRA registration). Always check the official DHA website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA) to confirm.

Practical advice

If you already have a TOEFL iBT score from applying to study in the US or elsewhere, check whether it meets the Australian visa requirement before re-sitting. However, if you have no result yet, IELTS or PTE Academic is often the more flexible choice, as it is accepted for all visas and has a longer validity period.