The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is an English proficiency test for students, professionals, migrants, and anyone else needing to officially demonstrate their English language skills.
The test is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Australia. Let's examine the TOEFL iBT in Australia, its purpose, format, scoring system, and test locations.
What is the TOEFL iBT, and Why is it Important?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) measures a candidate's ability to use and understand academic English in real-world settings. Unlike other general English proficiency tests, TOEFL iBT focuses on academic language skills, which is why it's popular with students and professionals.
Why is the TOEFL iBT Important?
- Accepted by Australian Universities – Most Australian universities and higher education institutions accept TOEFL iBT scores for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
- Required for Visa Applications – The Australian Department of Home Affairs recognises TOEFL iBT for student visas and some skilled migration visas.
- Recognised by Employers – Many Australian employers and professional organisations accept TOEFL iBT as proof of English proficiency for job applications.
- Globally Recognised – TOEFL iBT is accepted by over 11,500 institutions in more than 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
- Academic Focus – The test is designed specifically for academic English, making it useful for students preparing for university-level education.
Who Accepts TOEFL iBT in Australia?
The TOEFL iBT is widely accepted by:
Check the English language requirements of your university, employer, or visa category before booking your TOEFL iBT test.
Who Needs to Take the TOEFL iBT?
Since the TOEFL, like PTE, CAE, and IELTS, is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities, it's a popular choice for students, professionals, and any other type of migrant who needs to prove their English proficiency.
Here are some of the typical profiles for those who choose to take the TOEFL iBT.
1. International Students Applying to Australian Universities
Many Australian universities and colleges accept TOEFL iBT scores as part of their English language entry requirements for:
- Undergraduate (bachelor's) programs
- Postgraduate (master's & PhD) programs
- Vocational and training courses
Minimum TOEFL iBT Score Requirements for Australian Universities:
- Undergraduate courses: Typically 60–90
- Postgraduate courses: Typically 79–100
- Competitive programs (e.g., Law, Medicine): 100+
2. Skilled Migrants and Visa Applicants
The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts TOEFL iBT for certain visa applications, including:
Student
visas
(Subclass 500)
Skilled migration
visas
(Subclass 189, 190, 491)
Employer-sponsored visas
(Subclass 482, 186)
Minimum TOEFL iBT Score Requirements for Australian Visas
| Visa Type | TOEFL iBT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| Functional English | Overall 32+ |
| Vocational English | Overall 35+, with minimum section scores |
| Competent English | Overall 60+, with minimum section scores |
| Proficient English | Overall 94+, with minimum section scores |
| Superior English | Overall 110+, with minimum section scores |
A higher TOEFL iBT score can help increase visa eligibility points for skilled migration applications.
3. Professionals Seeking Work and Certification in Australia
Many employers, professional organisations, and licensing bodies require TOEFL iBT scores as part of their certification or hiring process. It is particularly useful in fields like:
- Healthcare and Nursing (though OET is recommended)
- Engineering and IT
- Accounting and Finance
- Teaching and Education
Some professional accreditation bodies in Australia may prefer IELTS or OET over TOEFL, so it’s best to check with your industry’s registration authority before taking the test.
4. Individuals Looking to Improve Their English Skills
Even if TOEFL iBT is not a strict requirement, many people take the test to:
- Assess their academic English proficiency.
- Improve their chances of studying or working abroad.
- Boost their resume for job applications.
If you don’t get your desired score, you can retake the TOEFL iBT after a short waiting period.
TOEFL iBT vs. Other English Tests (IELTS, PTE, OET)
So why would you take TOEFL and not other English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, or OET?
Firstly, each test has a different format, scoring system, and focus, so you need to choose the one that is right for your situation.
Here are the key differences between the test types.
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS | PTE Academic | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Fully online, internet-based | Paper-based or computer-based | Fully computer-based | Paper-based & computer-based |
| Scoring System | 0–120 | 1.0–9.0 band score | 10–90 scale | A to E grade |
| Who Takes It? | Students, professionals, migrants | Students, professionals, migrants | Students, visa applicants, professionals | Healthcare professionals |
| Speaking Test | Recorded responses | Face-to-face or recorded | Computer-recorded | Role-play with an examiner |
| Writing Test | Academic writing tasks | Essays and reports | Short & long responses | Writing medical letters |
| Accepted for Australian Visas? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Valid for | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Best For | Academic study, university admissions | Academic & general English | Fast results, computer-based testing | Healthcare professionals |
TOEFL iBT is best for students applying to universities and professionals who need proof of English proficiency for work or migration.
Why Choose TOEFL iBT Over Other Tests?
- Preferred for Academic English – The test focuses on real-world university communication, making it ideal for students and researchers.
- Fully Online Format – TOEFL iBT is internet-based, making it convenient for test-takers worldwide.
- Globally Recognised – TOEFL iBT is accepted by over 11,500 institutions in 160+ countries, including Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK.
- More Speaking Flexibility – Unlike IELTS, where you must speak directly to an examiner, TOEFL iBT allows you to record responses using a microphone.
- Faster Results Than IELTS – TOEFL iBT results are typically released within 4–8 days, compared to IELTS paper-based tests, which take up to 13 days.
TOEFL iBT Test Format and Key Components
Like other English tests, TOEFL candidates are tested on the four key skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The TOEFL test is online and takes around 3 hours.
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Task Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions | Read academic passages & answer questions |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | Listen to lectures & conversations, then answer questions |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | Respond to questions & discuss academic topics |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks | Write an academic essay & summarize a lecture |
The TOEFL iBT is 100% online—candidates take the test on a computer with a microphone and headphones.
1. TOEFL iBT Reading (35 Minutes)
The Reading section evaluates comprehension skills through academic texts and passages.
- 3–4 reading passages from university-level texts.
- Question types: Multiple-choice, insert missing information, summary completion.
- Focuses on understanding main ideas, vocabulary, and factual details.
Practice skimming and scanning techniques to read and answer quickly.
2. TOEFL iBT Listening (36 Minutes)
The Listening section assesses how well you understand spoken English in an academic environment.
- 2–3 academic lectures and 2–3 conversations between students and professors.
- Question types: Multiple-choice, table completion, and ordering events.
- Tests comprehension of main ideas, speaker attitudes, and implied meaning.
Take notes while listening—you only hear each recording once!
3. TOEFL iBT Speaking (16 Minutes)
The Speaking section evaluates fluency and coherence in spoken academic English.
- 4 tasks:
- Independent Task (1 question): Express an opinion on a familiar topic.
- Integrated Tasks (3 questions): Respond to a lecture or conversation.
- Responses are recorded and graded by AI and human evaluators.
Speak clearly and naturally—avoid memorised answers.
4. TOEFL iBT Writing (29 Minutes)
The Writing section assesses the ability to express ideas clearly in academic writing.
- 2 writing tasks:
- Integrated Task: Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a response.
- Independent Task: Write an opinion-based essay.
- Evaluated on organisation, coherence, grammar, and vocabulary usage.
Use clear paragraph structure (introduction, body, conclusion) for higher scores.
The TOEFL iBT is graded on a scale of 0 to 120, with the four section scores (from 0 to 30) combined. These scores indicate candidate proficiency.
| Total Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| 110 – 120 | Expert (C2 Level) – Near-native English skills |
| 94 – 109 | Advanced (C1 Level) – Strong academic English ability |
| 79 – 93 | Competent (B2 Level) – Suitable for most university admissions |
| 60 – 78 | Limited (B1 Level) – Basic English comprehension |
| Below 60 | Beginner (A2 Level) – Requires improvement |
Where to Take the TOEFL iBT Test in Australia?
There are multiple locations across Australia where you can take the TOEFL iBT. Here are some of the test centres across major Australian cities.
| City | Test Centers | Available Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Pearson Professional Centers, IDP Australia, UNSW Global | In-person & Home Edition |
| Melbourne | Pearson Professional Centers, RMIT English Worldwide | In-person & Home Edition |
| Brisbane | International House Brisbane, Griffith English Institute | In-person & Home Edition |
| Perth | Pearson Professional Centers, Navitas English Perth | In-person & Home Edition |
| Adelaide | Cambridge International College, ILSC Adelaide | In-person & Home Edition |
| Canberra | Australian National University (ANU) | In-person & Home Edition |
| Hobart | Cambridge Tasmania English Centre | In-person only |
| Darwin | Charles Darwin University | In-person only |
How to Register for the TOEFL iBT in Australia
To book your TOEFL iBT test, follow these steps:
- Visit the official ETS TOEFL website: www.ets.org/toefl.
- Create an ETS account and log in.
- Select your test format: Test Centre or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- Choose a test date and location.
- Pay the registration fee and confirm your booking.
TOEFL iBT test dates fill up quickly, especially in major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
How Superprof Can Help with TOEFL iBT Preparation
Test preparation requires proper study, structured practice, and effective test strategies. Luckily, the Superprof website has plenty of tutors who can offer personalised academic coaching.
Why Choose Superprof for TOEFL iBT Preparation?
- Expert TOEFL Tutors – Learn from certified instructors with experience in TOEFL exam strategies.
- Customised Study Plans – Focus on specific skills like Reading, Writing, Speaking, or Listening based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Flexible Scheduling – Take private lessons online or in person.
- Mock Tests & Real Exam Practice – Get access to TOEFL sample questions, timed practice tests, and personalised feedback.
- Affordable Learning Options – Choose tutors based on your budget and learning needs.
How to Find a TOEFL iBT Tutor on Superprof
- Visit Superprof’s website and search for TOEFL tutors.
- Filter tutors based on experience, pricing, and location.
- Book a trial lesson to discuss your goals and create a study plan.
- Start preparing for your TOEFL iBT test with expert guidance and real-world practice.
Why not try a free session before committing before committing to a tutor? Many of the tutors on the Superprof website offer their first session for free.
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