TOEFL for MS in Australia
When applying to study for a master’s program in Australia, you may need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English. English language certifications or tests from standardized organizations are generally accepted as an admission criterion for master’s programs in Australia. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an exam apart from IELTS that assesses your language abilities. TOEFL is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the same organization that organizes the GRE Exam.
Typical time required: 4-8 weeks
Test Fee: $180 as of Jan 2020
Before You Start
- Check the university course prerequisites to see if taking the TOEFL is mandatory.
- Check the minimum score required for admission that is mentioned on the university website.
- Even though your bachelor’s degree was taught in English, it is compulsory to provide proof of English language proficiency to apply to universities in Australia. This document will come in handy during your Australian Student Visa procedure as well.
- The TOEFL exam can be an Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) or a Paper-Based Test (TOEFL PBT). Usually, TOEFL iBT is conducted all over the world. India has the iBT Tests. PBT Exams are conducted in only a few places worldwide.
Required Documents
- Indian Passport
- Credit/Debit card for online payment
- Names of 4 Universities/Colleges where you want your Scores to be sent to
Step by step guide
- Visit this official link for the ETS TOEFL Website or you can even directly visit the TOEFL Registration Page
- Go to ‘Register Online’ and set the Language Preference as English.
- Create a New Account, as you are applying for the first time.
- Fill in your exact details under the Profile Information. Most of the fields are self-explanatory.
- You can opt for the TOEFL Search Service while filling in information. This service matches prospective students with the participating educational schools, and you may be sent more details about the programs of study provided at these institutions.
- Set a Username and Password that can be easily remembered, and answer the Security Question.
- Go through the Acknowledgement and Terms and Conditions shown, and click on the checkbox to agree to both.
- Review all the information you have entered for one last time and check if it is entirely correct. The name, DOB and gender cannot be changed once your account has been created.
- You will be sent a confirmation e-mail to the registered email. Verify this e-mail for completing your account registration.
- Sign in with your new Username and Password.
- You will now see the My TOEFL Home page. Your ETS ID will be visible at the top right corner.
- Under ‘My Tests’, click on ‘Register/Find Test Centres, Dates’
- Enter the location of your preference; choose the 2 months during which you can write the TOEFL Exam.
- Click on ‘Find Test Centres and Dates’
- You shall now be redirected to another page displaying all the available test dates (marked in green colour).
- Select a Test Date. You will be shown the respective Test Centres where you can attempt the exam.
- Choose the closest and most convenient Test Centre for you. You can also see the Test Times at these locations.
- Click on ‘Register’ for a suitable location and timing.
- You will now see the guidelines on what needs to be followed. Go through everything as they are essential pointers for the exam.
- Agree to all the terms and conditions and click on ‘Next.’
- Once again, you will be shown another form where you need to complete all the details for your identification and background research.
- Check if the information accurate and click on submit.
- You will be directed to the Payment page, where you have to pay an amount of $180 for the exam and an extra late-registration fee if you are late. This can be done using a credit/debit card.
- You are now all set for your TOEFL Exam.
After You Register
- An email confirming the payment will be sent. It will also contain access details to your ETS Account.
- Open your ETS Account, either using the TOEFL App or the online portal and check ‘Upcoming Tests’ to verify if your registration has been successfully completed.
| SECTION | QUESTIONS | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 2 to 4 Sections / 5 to 6 Questions per audio | 41 to 57 minutes |
| Reading | 54 to 72 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 Sections | 50 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 17minutes |
On the Test Day
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your TOEFL test. If you reach late, you may not be allowed to sit for the test, and the test fee will not be refunded.
- Bring a valid ID that has all the information you entered during registration. We recommend that you to carry your Passport as the Identification proof since it has your full name, signature, and your photograph.
- ETS may also authenticate your identity by a Biometric voice & photo identification, fingerprints, video recording or signature comparison.
- The Test Centre Staff will inform you about the preliminary steps for the test.
- You will be required to place all your belonging sin a separate room as advised by the staff.
- There might also be extra inspection where you will be asked to empty out your pockets.
- There will be a break for about 10 minutes between sections of the test.
Test Results
- The TOEFL iBT scores you on 4 different skills :
- The Reading Section, marked between 0–30,
- The Listening Section, marked between 0–30,
- The Speaking Section scored between 0–30, and
- The Writing Section scored between 0–30
- The Total Scoring is done on a total of 120.
- The TOEFL Exam Scores will be posted on the website approximately 6 working days after your test date.
- ETS TOEFL scores are valid for a period of 2 years.
- You can send the test reports directly to about 4 institutions (which need to be informed before you take the test). You can also request for additional test score reports for extra institutions/agencies for a fee of $20 each.
Useful Tips
- It typically requires about 8 - 12 weeks to prepare for the TOEFL, depending on your current level of English mastery.
- It also takes 6 calendar days for the exam scores to be published on the website.
- If you are unsure if TOEFL is a compulsory requirement for your university admission, check the university portal, and write to the admissions committee asking for clarification.
- Stay calm, relaxed and composed. Take as many practice tests as possible to improve your scores.
- Your TOEFL Exam Scores are valid for 2 years.
- You can take the TOEFL Exam as many times as you want and can send your highest score to the universities.
Resources
Most of the resources that can aid you in getting the desired results are all freely available online. Self-study will get you through the exam with a good score.
Websites
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
Websites
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
