澳大利亚学生签证重磅新闻：2011年5月20日澳大利亚移民部长宣布，除雅思(IELTS)测试成绩外，托福(TOEFL)考试、皮尔森(Pearson)学术英语测试、以及剑桥高等英语水平考试(CAE)等三种英语测试成绩今后也可用于澳大利亚学生签证的英语能力评估。这三种考试的具体分数要求将于今年晚些时候公布和实施。

　　以下为澳大利亚移民部的官方信息，供参考。

　　Alternative English language tests for Student visas

　　On 20 May 2011 the minister announced that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English Academic (Pearson) and the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) from Cambridge ESOL (Cambridge) would also be acceptable tests for Student visa application purposes.

　　This is expected to be implemented later this year.

　　See: Student Visa English Language Requirements

　　Student Visa English Language Requirements

　　Some Student visa applicants are required to provide the results of an English language test.

　　To date, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is one English language test option accepted by the department for Student visa purposes. The department can also accept an English language test result from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Occupational English Test (OET) in 14 countries where IELTS is not available.

　　However, the department will shortly be able to accept the following English language test options for Student visa application purposes:

　　TOEFL in all countries

　　Pearson Test of English Academic (Pearson) in all countries

　　Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) from Cambridge ESOL (Cambridge) in all countries.

　　Equivalency scores for TOEFL, Pearson and Cambridge are being finalised and will be announced shortly. Test results from these alternative test providers (or in the case of TOEFL, from applicants in countries other than the 14 previously specified) will not be accepted for Student visa purposes until after this process has been completed. This is expected to be in place later this year.

　　The department will continue to accept a test result from IELTS. Current testing arrangements and equivalency scores for IELTS will not change.

　　The department will be closely monitoring the implementation of the new test providers and a review will be undertaken to determine whether these should be extended for the use with other visa programs.

　　See: IELTS - English for International Opportunity

　　Important: If you intend to lodge a further student visa application in Australia, read the information on the department’s website to check if you need to provide your English language results to meet the English Language requirements.

　　See: Student Visa Options

　　Demand for English language tests in Australia

　　There is a strong demand for English language tests in Australia and many centres are booked well in advance. Applicants should book their English language test as early as possible.

　　(编辑：Anna)