Approved English Language Tests – Exam Profile

Students studying abroad are required to sit an English test prior to arrival. Each university will require a specific grade for entry. English entry requirements vary depending on the course and the overall reliance on English. For example, Law, Medicine, and Nursing will require a higher level of English. It’s important students can understand and fully engage with lectures, assignments and group work.

Universities and immigration departments typically accept the following English Language Tests:

• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• C1 Advanced {commonly known as CAE}

Several similarities exist between each test; however, small changes can be observed in their differing approaches to marking, methodology, grading, and turnaround time. Students can go online and complete mock tests to establish what test is best suited to them. Each academic level of study will require a different level of English. A rough guide for the scores required at each level of study can be found below.

If students don’t meet the English entry requirements, students can package their primary course with English. Please note, packaging with English can increase the likelihood of a visa rejection.

See below a list of approved English tests and the options available to students.

IELTS

IELTS {International English Language Testing System} is an international standardised test of English proficiency developed by the British Council. There are two types of IELTS tests.

• IELTS Academic – For those who are applying for visas overseas and studying in Higher Education.
• IELTS General Training – For those studying at a lower level of education {school} and those participating in work experience or training overseas.

The IELTS Academic test consists of the following:

• Listening: 30 minutes
• Academic Reading: 60 minutes
• Academic Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes with an examiner
• Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Validity of test: 2-years
• Expected Result: 5 – 7 days

TOEFL

TOEFL is primarily used by US and Canadian Universities. However, this test is accepted by most education providers and immigration departments. TOEFL is primarily a computer-based test but options exist for paper delivery for those without a working internet connection.

The TOEFL test consists of the following:

• Reading: 54-72 minutes
• Listening: 41-57 minutes
• Speaking: 17 minutes, answers are registered using a microphone
• Writing: 50 minutes
• Duration: 3 hours
• Validity: 2-years
• Expected Results: 6 – 8 days

PTE Academic

PTE Academic was created by the Pearson group. The scoring is derived from complex AI {artificial intelligence} evaluation. The benefit of this test is the speed at which results are received making it perfect for students who are limited on time. Most test results are receiving in 3-5 days.

The PTE test consists of the following:

• Speaking and Writing: 54-67 minutes
• Reading: 29-30 minutes
• Listening: 30-43 minutes
• Duration: 2 hours
• Validity: 2-years
• Expected Results: 48 – 72 hours

C1

C1 Advanced {commonly known as Cambridge English Advanced – CAE} is delivered by the Cambridge English Language Assessment centre in the United Kingdom.

The C1 test consists of the following:

• Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Writing: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Listening: 40 minutes
• Speaking: 15 minutes

The C1 Advanced is available in both computer and paper-based formats. However, for students requiring C1 Advanced or B2 these tests must be taken in official C1 centres.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Validity: 2-years
• Expected Results: 12 – 14 days

I hope you found the information on our Approved English Language Tests page useful. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. If you would like to study abroad and hope to secure a significant scholarship or study grant book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available. We look forward to helping you start your journey to a brighter future!