English Entry Requirements

To study in Australia, you will have to meet not only academic entry requirements, but also meet the school or the university’s English entry requirements as well. Depending on your level of studies and disciplines of study areas, the English entry requirement varies from school to school, from course to course.

The following tables outlines the general guidelines for the English entry requirements for most Australian universities or schools. Some courses may require higher scores, such as education, physiotherapy etc. Here we only list three most-widely accepted English tests scores.

Bachelor of Commerce, Engineering & IT, Science Courses

IELTS Overall 6.0 and 6.0 in each band

TOEFL(IBT) Overall 79, L13, S18, R13, R21

PTE Overall 58 and 50 in each band

Postgraduate Courses , Including Commerce, Science & IT

IELTS Overall 6.5 and 6.0 in each band

TOEFL(IBT) Overall 79, L13, S18, R13, R21

PTE Overall 60, and 60 in each band

Vocational Education & High Schools

IELTS Overall 5.5 and 5.5 in each band

TOEFL(IBT) Overall 79, L13, S18, R13, R21

PTE Overall 58 and 50 in each band

High Schools (Year 11 or 12)

IELTS Overall 5.0 and 5.0 in each band

TOEFL(IBT) Overall 35

PTE Overall 36

The English Requirements from the Department of Home Affairs

As announced in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023, the Australian Government has made changes to English language requirements for student visa 500. The new English language requirements apply to all student visa applications lodged on and after the 23 March 2024.

How have the English language requirements changed?

The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).
The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS score 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent).
The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). These recognised courses will be listed on the Department of Home Affairs website.