Welcome to our monthly IELTS news roundup, where we track the latest developments that matter to test candidates worldwide. Each month, we monitor official announcements from IELTS Partners, changes in the English language testing landscape, and immigration policy updates from major English-speaking destinations.
IELTS Maintains International Recognition but TOEFL is in Retreat
Australian Government Extends IELTS Partnership
IELTS secured continued recognition in Australia through a fresh three-year partnership finalised in July 2025. The agreement between the test’s governing bodies (British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment) and Australia’s immigration department ensures the exam remains valid for visa applications and permanent residency pathways through 2028.
TOEFL Faces Growing Institutional Skepticism
Whilst IELTS has maintained uninterrupted recognition, recent months have seen several prominent institutions reconsidering their acceptance of TOEFL, particularly the revised format.
Glasgow Imposes Deadline on New TOEFL Format
The University of Glasgow has placed restrictions on its acceptance of the updated TOEFL iBT examination for graduate-level admissions. Multiple departmental websites now specify that applicants can only submit TOEFL scores from tests completed prior to January 2026.
IELTS faces no such limitations and continues as a fully approved option across all graduate programs.
Cambridge Drops TOEFL from Accepted Tests
Cambridge University has removed TOEFL from its list of recognised English proficiency examinations. The institution now exclusively accepts IELTS alongside its own Cambridge English qualifications (C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency) for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
US Pharmacy Board Questions TOEFL Requirement
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy in the United States has assembled a working group to evaluate whether TOEFL scores should remain mandatory for internationally educated pharmacists seeking licensure. This review highlights growing scrutiny of English testing requirements in professional credentialing.
With acceptance at more than 12,000 organisations spanning 140 nations, IELTS maintains its status as the leading English assessment for educational, professional, and immigration purposes worldwide.
International Migration News
United Kingdom Announces Major Visa Changes
The UK government unveiled significant immigration rule changes on October 14, 2025, impacting international students and skilled workers.
Graduate Route Shortened Starting January 1, 2027, the popular Graduate visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders. PhD graduates remain unaffected and will continue receiving three-year visas. This change means international graduates will have less time to secure sponsored employment before requiring alternative visa arrangements.
Higher English Standards for Work Visas From January 8, 2026, applicants for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas must demonstrate B2-level English proficiency rather than the current B1 standard. This represents a significant increase in language requirements, with B2 speakers needing to “interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain.”
Student Visa Financial Requirements Raised Effective November 11, 2025, student visa applicants must show £1,529 per month for London-based courses (up from previous levels) and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months of study.
Canada Continues French-Language Priority
Canada conducted multiple Express Entry immigration draws throughout October 2025, maintaining strong emphasis on French-speaking candidates. On October 29, IRCC issued 6,000 invitations to French-proficient applicants with a Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff of just 416 points—significantly lower than other categories. The country also held Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program draws, with language proficiency remaining a crucial factor for all applicants.
Australia Maintains Restrictive Stance
Australia’s immigration reforms continue to impact international students and skilled workers. Student visa applications have declined 26.4% compared to previous years, while the government emphasizes aged care and skilled worker programs. English language testing remains a core requirement across all permanent and temporary visa categories.
For IELTS candidates: These changes underscore the continued importance of strong English language test scores for migration and study opportunities in major English-speaking nations. Higher proficiency requirements mean candidates should aim for maximum band scores to remain competitive in increasingly selective immigration systems.
Further Reading
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See you in November!