Entry requirements

To be accepted to study on a student visa in Australia you will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency, and meet minimum academic requirements.

English language skills

English language skills are a requirement for receiving an Australian student visa. IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for visa purposes.

Institutions set their own English language requirements for course entry, and the IELTS score needed for your course may be different to the score needed to secure your visa. You should check entry requirements with your institution.

Education sector	Assessment level
	1	2	3	4
Independent ELICOS	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider. Max. 50 weeks ELICOS	Min. overall band score of 5.0 IELTS. Max. 40 weeks ELICOS *
Schools	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider. Max. 40 weeks ELICOS	Max. 30 weeks ELICOS
Vocational education and training	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *	Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 20 weeks ELICOS *
Higher education	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *	Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *
Masters/Doctorate	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *	Min. overall band score of 6.0 IELTS or Overall band score of 5.0 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *
Non-award foundation studies	As accepted by the education provider	As accepted by the education provider	Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus max. 30 weeks ELICOS *	Min. overall band score of 5.5 IELTS or Overall band score of 4.5 IELTS plus max. 20 weeks ELICOS *
AusAID or Defence sponsored	Evidence of having support of the AusAID Minister or evidence of having support of the Minster for Defence.

* IELTS test to have been conducted not more than 24 months before the day on which the application was made

Academic requirements

Undergraduate – To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course you will need to have an Australia Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.

Postgraduate – As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.

Vocational education and training – Generally there are no other entrance exams for VET institutions. However some courses may have specific pre-requisite subjects or work experience requirements.

Schools – Entry requirements can vary between schools in Australia, depending on the state or territory you will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the selection process.

What if you do not meet the entry requirements?

If your English language proficiency score is not high enough, you can enrol in an English language course to prepare you for further study. All Australian universities have English language centres on campus, or have links with English language colleges.

If you don’t meet academic requirements, there are a few options to prepare you for further study. Depending on your previous studies and the final qualification you want to study, you can enrol in secondary school or Foundation Studies.