DIAC releases equivalences between IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and CAE.

I blogged at an earlier date that from 5 November 2011, the department will accept English language test results from the following alternative tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Student visa purposes taken in any country:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).

Now, DIAC has released the equivalences between the various accepted tests for student visas. The tests are at this accepted only for “student visas”.

What are the test score equivalencies for the new tests?

Test score equivalencies for the alternative tests are provided below:

It remains a matter for discussion as to what will happen in 2012 once the streamlining is introduced for participating Universities. Primarily so since the recommendations of the Knight Review indicates that DIAC may pull away from setting its own English Requirements and will accept the judgment of the participating Universities.

Hence, leaving the complicated system of streaming and also whether the Universities will (or can) take up the additional responsibility at some time in 2012, lets only pore over the equivalences and welcome the move of DIAC in ending the monopoly of IELTS.