The first step in any form of immigration is to be proficient in the language that is spoken in the country you want to immigrate. English, for the matter, is a one-size-fits-all thing which is accepted by the majority of countries, including where the primary language is not English. For all those planning to immigrate to Australia having English language proficiency is a must.
The better your English proficiency, the better your immigration chances and the easier it will be for you to settle down in the country. It can turn out to be a do-or-die situation for students who want to study in Australia and want to get admission to a particular institution or university. Every university in Australia has its band requirement, failing which a prospective student will not be given a seat.
There are English language requirements for the type of programme you want to study. Technically intensive programmes will have fewer band requirements, as compared to arts and literature programmes. Here are some factors to consider for language proficiency.
How to Prove Your English Proficiency for Studying in Australia
There are several tests through which you can prove your proficiency in the English language. The most widely accepted test, as you must have guessed by now, is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is without doubt the most popular exam.
Next in line is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which is as good in popularity as IELTS. For many aspiring international students, TOEFL is considered a bit tough as compared to IELTS. Students who do not have a background in English can opt for the IELTS exam.
Another computer-based test that is gaining popularity is the Pearson Test of English (PTE) which is considered to be on the softer side when compared to IELTS. Even though the value of all the English language tests is the same, as per the perception among test takers, so appearing for a relatively easier test makes sense.
A test that is accepted for some specific programmes and by some institutions is Cambridge English Advanced (CAE). This is one least known testing option, yet some institutions may specifically ask to appear for this. How many bands are required for Australia and the English language test one needs to appear depends on the programme you are applying for, and the university or institution you plan to attend.
Why Does English Language Proficiency Matter?
To say it in the least words, it will affect your employability in the long run if you aim to settle down in Australia permanently. To start things, you will not be able to understand what is taught in classrooms in case you are not proficient in understanding and communicating in the English language. The fact that you need a good understanding of English to perform well in your academics, is the reason why you are asked to have high bands in English language tests.
Do not focus on how many bands are required for an Australian study visa, focus on how confident you are in communicating. Will you be able to communicate in English in daily life and express your feelings in every situation? Navigating through everyday chores of life will be much easier when you can communicate well in the local language.
Last but not least, your chances of employment depend largely on your ability to communicate. Particularly if you are searching for counter sales jobs where you will be required to communicate with customers or clients, then command over the English language is a must. Talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh to find out how you can score more bands on English tests.
How to Improve Your English Proficiency?
In case you are not able to score high bands on the English proficiency test, you may need help to get admission to the institution you want or the programme that you want to enrol in. Australian institutions are very particular about this and often there is no way around it. Since there is no escaping this requirement, here are some tips that can help you improve your English proficiency.
First, you need to immerse yourself in this language. Be it English or any other language that you want to learn and attain a level of, you will only be able to grab it if you start living it. By this, we mean that you should try and watch English movies, listen to the news in English, and read in English. Grasping a vocabulary is more than a one-day matter and requires continuous practice.
The next step is to converse in English. Here you are learning to use English in everyday life. Some may ridicule you but you should focus on your development. When you start to converse in English it will improve your confidence, vocabulary, and understanding level. Learning English is not like learning mathematical formulas that you can cramp and spit out, you will have to understand how you can describe a situation in different ways in English.
Regardless of how many bands are required for Australian immigration, there is no substitute for regular dedicated practice. When you learn different words you should practice them regularly so that it becomes your second nature to use these words in other contexts. Remember scoring high bands in English is easy provided you work with a plan and execute it properly.
The Takeaway
Every immigration plan whether you want to go for higher education, explore a new place as a tourist, or settle permanently in a new country, having command over the language will make life much easier for you. Next, whether you want to score high band or use English in your everyday life, regular practice for a good number of days is a must.
