News
Australia to welcome students with Cambridge English Advanced certificates
20 May 2011
Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, has announced that the Cambridge English Advanced exam (also known as Certificate in Advanced English, CAE) will be recognised for Australian student visas. The new rules give students who want to study in Australia the opportunity to use this high quality, secure international qualification to prove that they have the language skills they need for academic success. Previously, IELTS was the main English language test accepted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for Australian visa purposes.
“I am very pleased Cambridge has been chosen as one of the new English test providers and I am confident they will provide a valuable service to student visa applicants,” Mr Bowen said.
Cambridge English Advancedis taken in 110 countries around the world and recognised by more than 2,800 organisations – including nearly 50 Australian universities and colleges. It is also accepted by almost all UK universities as well as the UK’s Border Agency for student visas. This means that students with a Cambridge English Advanced qualification can now use their certificate to study in Australia, UK and beyond. The exam is run by Cambridge ESOL, the department of Cambridge University which also produces the IELTS tests. It has been taken by hundreds of thousands of students since 1991.
Dr Mike Milanovic, the CEO of Cambridge ESOL, welcomed the Minister’s announcement and said the decision ensured there is greater choice in the English language tests available for student visas:
“Cambridge English Advanced goes beyond simply providing a snapshot of the student’s knowledge of English. It gives an in-depth assessment of their ability to communicate in an academic environment. Most students who take Cambridge English Advanced follow a preparation course, which means that they’re really well prepared for studying in an English speaking institution.”
As well as the four skills tested by other exams – reading, writing, speaking and listening - the exam covers knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, increasing the reliability of results. It also includes a face-to-face speaking test with two examiners which gives a more rigorous assessment of the ability to use English than is possible with an online test.
Cambridge English Advanced is particularly popular with students in Europe and Latin America. Preparing for the exam enables them to master English to a degree that allows them to communicate confidently in the education and professional world.
Details of the new arrangements will be published by the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on their website soon: www.immi.gov.au
