Should you consider TOEFL instead of IELTS when applying to a university in Australia or for other visas? It is a good question if you are uncomfortable with the IELTS questions style or face-to-face speaking.
Recently Australian immigration released research on the new score concordance study for IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT ,published recently and replacing the previous 2010 study made shed some light.
TOEFL iBT overview
But first, let’s go over the test. TOEFL iBT is a 100% computer-based English proficiency test designed for academic purposes. It evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The speaking section requires recorded responses, unlike IELTS’ in-person interview. The test includes multiple-choice, short answer, and integrated tasks, where listening and reading inform writing or speaking responses. Universities worldwide, including Australian institutions, accept TOEFL iBT scores for admissions.
The new research and its potential effect
Conducted between August 2023 and March 2024, the key takeaways from the report Australian Immigration report were that the score of equivalencies differ significantly from the 2010 study.
Score users who based their requirements on the 2010 charts may consider adjusting high-end requirements and low-end requirements in different directions.
2010 an overall IELTS Academic score of 7.5 = 102-109 TOEFL iBT.
2024/25 an overall IELTS Academic score of 7.5 = 100- 107 TOEFL iBT.
This report shows these trends generated in the listening and reading comparisons.
It suggested that institutions not solely rely on score equivalences when making decisions but to consider additional evidence where possible.
Should You Consider TOEFL iBT Instead of IELTS Academic?
If you’re planning to study or migrate to Australia, choosing between TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic is important. Australian universities and visa programs accept both, with concordance studies ensuring fair score comparisons. Your choice depends on comfort with test styles and institution requirements.
Where is TOEFL iBt accepted in Australia for students?
Many Australian universities accept TOEFL iBT scores for admission. Some of the top institutions that recognize TOEFL iBT include:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- Australian National University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Queensland
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
** please check this information as it differs for each institution and may well change in the next 12 months due to this report.
Other Australian Visa and tricky bits to navigate
The Australian Department of Home Affairs temporarily stopped accepting TOEFL iBT results for migration applications between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 because the test offered during that period was not an approved version.
However, as of 5 May 2024, TOEFL iBT is once again accepted for visa applications. If you took the test before 26 July 2023, your results remain valid for two years. If you took it between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024, those scores cannot be used for migration purposes.
For the latest visa requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
You view the report in full on the IELTS website.
IELTS & PTE TUTORING & COSULTANCY 
Leave a comment