Language Tests for Australia University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Australia.
You need English scores twice: once for your university, and sometimes for your Student visa. Universities usually ask for more than the visa.
- Students from India and Pakistan, unless an exemption applies.
- Your visa checklist shows whether you must send a score with your visa application.
- Passports from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland.
- 5 years of study in English.
- A research course after a bachelor's degree.
Important Considerations
Many master's courses ask for IELTS (an English test) 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each part. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the visa needs IELTS Academic 6.0.
For the visa, take the test within 2 years before you apply.
The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs), Australia's visa office, does not accept tests taken fully online or at home, such as IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
When you register, choose 'Taking TOEFL for Australia'.
TOEFL iBT is accepted for the Student visa.
Total Score
0 to 120 for the TOEFL iBT for Australia
Score Requirements for Australia Universities
| University Tier | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa | 67 overall (tests taken on or after 7 August 2025) | 67 overall |
| Monash and RMIT (master's in IT) | - | 79 overall. Minimums: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21 |
| UQ (Master of Computer Science) | - | 87 overall. Listening 19, Reading 19, Writing 21, Speaking 19 |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Official Website & Registration
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are both accepted for the Student visa. Universities usually ask for IELTS Academic.
Score Validity
For the visa, a test taken within 2 years before you apply.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of English language courses (ELICOS) first, or 5.0 with at least 20 weeks.
e.g., Monash Master of Information Technology, RMIT Master of Information Technology, UQ Master of Computer Science.
e.g., Deakin Bachelor of Information Technology.
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
The Duolingo English Test is not accepted for the Student visa. Ask your university before you rely on it.
Official Website & Registration
Other tests are also accepted for the visa. Check that your university accepts the same test.
Primary AlternativePTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
Test Overview
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is accepted for the Student visa and by many universities.
Australia University Requirements
Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests
Accepted for the visa. Send both the certificate and the report, or processing may be delayed.
Accepted for the visa, but not with English classes first at a lower score.
Important Considerations
Check your university: Always check the English rules on your course page. They can be higher than the visa minimum.
Scores for the Student visa and for some courses.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
Student visa (tests taken on or after 7 August 2025) e.g., Lower if you first take at least 10 weeks of English classes | 67 | 6.0 | 47 |
Monash and RMIT (Master of Information Technology) e.g., MonashRMIT University | 79 | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each part | 58, no part under 50 |
UQ (Master of Computer Science) e.g., University of Queensland | 87 | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each part | 64, 60 in each part |
Score Requirements Variations
Beyond university tiers, specific academic programs often have their own requirements. Here's how they typically vary:
Deakin Master of Information Technology
IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each part, or equivalent.
Deakin Bachelor of Information Technology
IELTS 6.0 with at least 6.0 in each part, or equivalent.
Many courses also set a minimum for each part of the test. The IELTS minimums here are for the Monash and UQ courses above.
| Test | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 19 (UQ) | 19 (UQ) | 19 (UQ) | 21 (UQ) |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 60 (UQ) | 60 (UQ) | 60 (UQ) | 60 (UQ) |
Special Cases & Conditional Admissions
Conditional Admission Options
- With at least 10 weeks of English classes before your main course, the visa minimum drops to IELTS 5.5. With at least 20 weeks, it is 5.0.
These visa exemptions are set by Home Affairs. Your university has its own rules.
Common Exemption Categories
Some passports
Citizens with passports from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
Study in English
At least 5 years of study in English in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the Republic of Ireland.
Postgraduate research
Students doing a research course after a bachelor's degree (a PhD or a research master's).
Important Notes on Exemptions
- The university may still ask for an English test even if the visa does not.
How to Request an Exemption
- If you fall into an exemption, give papers that show it with your visa application.
Check the score you need first.
General Preparation Timeline
Before you apply
Check the English score on your course page and the visa table.
When you book
Book at a test centre, not an at-home test.
Professional Preparation Services
Useful links
Student visa (subclass 500)
officialEnglish rules and scores for the Student visa. Subclass 500 is the number of the Student visa.
Visit ResourceTalk to our team about the right test and score for your course.
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