Using alternative English proficiency tests to access the waiver

Identifying alternative English proficiency tests

As one element of the waiver for PRC Schools sector visa applicants, Immigration accepts evidence that an applicant has attained satisfactory results in an English proficiency test conducted under appropriate test conditions.

There is a range of English proficiency tests in use within the Schools sector. It is open to individual Schools sector education providers to identify alternative tests that they use to recruit students, and which they wish to be considered by Immigration for inclusion in the waiver.
See: Accessing the waiver – visa applicants in the PRC

Expected features of alternative tests

When considering alternative English proficiency tests for inclusion in the waiver, Immigration will have regard to a range of test features, such as

• the general nature of the test,

  Note: For inclusion, a test must be a test of English language proficiency.

• test composition and marking,

  Example: Inclusion and weighting of modules to measure reading, writing, listening and speaking

• security features of test delivery and certification of results.

  Example: Measures used to minimise possibility of candidate substitution and other fraud

Submitting details of alternative tests to Immigration

If an education provider wishes to use an alternative English proficiency test for use in the waiver, it must first advise Immigration that it wishes to use that test.

To identify an English proficiency test to be considered for the purposes of the IELTS waiver, complete the form Advice on tests conducted in English. The completed form must be returned to:

The Director
Student Policy Section
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
PO Box 25
BELCONNEN ACT 2616

Immigration’s acceptance of any identified test is limited strictly to acceptance for the purpose of the waiver. It does not extend beyond the waiver provisions, and does constitute any form of endorsement of the test by Immigration.

Immigration will not support any claims that it endorses this test, especially where such claims are intended to provide some form of commercial advantage. If Immigration becomes aware that any such claims are being made, this may have bearing on the continued use of the test for the waiver.

See: Form 1218 Schools sector - English proficiency, advice on tests (94KB PDF file)

Submitting details of alternative tests to Immigration - process

Step 1	Education provider submits completed form Advice on tests conducted in English. See: Identifying alternative English proficiency tests
Step 2	Immigration considers test for inclusion in waiver. See: Expected features of alternative tests
Step 3	Immigration advises education provider of outcome.
Step 4	PRC Schools sector visa applicant sits identified test and provides evidence of results when lodging visa application.

Return to: Introduction of Schools sector English language test requirement (assessment level 4)