English Language Requirements for Australian Universities

Two requirements, set by different bodies

When you apply to study in Australia, English language evidence usually matters in two separate places: the university's own admission requirement for your course, and the English requirement for the student visa, which is set by the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs).

These are decided by different bodies and can differ from each other. Meeting a university's English requirement does not automatically satisfy the visa's requirement, and the reverse is also true. Treat them as two checks and confirm each on its official source.

• University requirement — set by each institution for each course
• Visa requirement — set by the Department of Home Affairs
• Satisfying one does not automatically satisfy the other

Tests universities commonly accept

Australian universities commonly accept recognised English tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic, and several also accept other tests depending on the course. Each university lists the tests it accepts and the scores it requires on its official admissions pages.

Because accepted tests and required scores differ by university, by course, and by level of study, do not assume a test or score that worked for one application will work for another. Confirm the accepted tests and minimums on each university's official course or admissions page.

• IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic are commonly accepted
• Some courses accept additional tests — check the course page
• Required scores vary by course and study level

Exemptions and alternative evidence

Universities may waive a test requirement in certain situations — for example, where prior study was completed in English, or where an applicant holds a qualification the university recognises as meeting its English standard. The conditions for these exemptions are defined by each university and vary.

If you think you may qualify for an exemption, do not assume it applies. Check the specific university's official policy and ask its admissions office, because exemption rules and the documents required to prove them differ between institutions.

The student-visa English requirement

Separately from the university's requirement, the student visa has its own English language evidence rules set by the Department of Home Affairs. These specify which tests are accepted and any minimum scores or exemptions for visa purposes, and they can change.

We do not publish the specific visa English thresholds here because they are government-set and updated periodically. Always check the current requirement on the official Department of Home Affairs website. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify on the official government source before acting.

How to plan your English evidence

Start by reading the English requirement on the official page for each course you are applying to, and note the accepted tests and scores. Then check the visa English requirement separately on the official immigration website. Aim to satisfy whichever requirement is higher, and leave time to retake a test if needed.

Because both university and visa rules change between intakes, verify everything against the current official pages close to when you apply rather than relying on older information.