The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will assess your ability to read, write, speak and listen in English. If you pass this exam, this can help you enter an English-speaking country to work, study or migrate. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US are some countries with English as their native language.
Taking the IELTS test shows proof that you have the skills in English language communication. Almost a thousand higher educational institutions and programs recognise and accept IELTS scores as proof of proficiency in the English language.
Table of Contents
- Why IELTS Exam is Required to Study in Australia?
- Types of IELTS Exam for Australia
- Which IELTS Exam to give for Australia?
- IELTS Validity Period for Australia
- IELTS Score for Australia
- List of Universities Accepting low IELTS Scores in Australia
- Study in Australia IELTS Requirements
- IELTS Requirement for Australia for Bachelor Degree
- IELTS Requirement for Australia for Masters
- Australia Visa IELTS Requirements
Why IELTS Exam is Required to Study in Australia?
If you are an international student looking to study at an Australian university, you must take the IELTS exam. Your test score should be 6.0 overall.
- Australia is an English-speaking country, and its students must possess capabilities in the English language.
- The IELTS is included in the requirements for obtaining an Australian student visa.
- Majority of Australian universities and institutions recognise IELTS as proof of English language proficiency.
- You need to show a strong command and a good understanding of the English language. Hence, the overall IELTS band scores are significant.
- Visa granting authorities and the universities want to make sure that international students would not have problems in communication while working or studying in Australia.
Types of IELTS Exam for Australia
IELTS has two types of tests - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. These tests evaluate your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
IELTS Academic is for individuals interested in higher education in a university or studying in an English-speaking environment. This test can also be taken for purposes of professional registration. It features vocabulary known in an academic setting. It measures your ability and readiness to study in an English institution in Australia.
IELTS General Training is for individuals interested in studying below degree level, including an English-speaking school or college. This test can also be taken for work training and migration to Australia and Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Its features include everyday English used in conversation in the workplace and a social environment.
Which type of IELTS exam is best for you?
If you are moving to an English-speaking country to study, it is best to take the IELTS Academic; however, if you are moving for work or immigration, the IELTS General Training is best.
Which IELTS Exam to give for Australia?
If you wonder which is best for IELTS: British Council or IDP? It is essential to know that there is no difference between the BC and IDP IELTS exams. There is also no difference between their examiners and the markings between the two.
IELTS is owned by the IDP, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Therefore these are all the same company.
The British Council and IDP conduct the IELTS test, but they do not write the tests. On the contrary, the Cambridge English Language Assessment compiles the tests.
All the BC and IDP examiners are trained in the same way and follow the same guidelines.
Reading and Listening are marked according to the right and wrong answers, giving one point for every correct answer. Your score will be based on how many correct answers you got.
Writing and speaking are marked by an examiner who has completed the same training course and follows the same marking criteria. Examiners are regularly checked to ensure that they are marking just right - not too low or not too high.
IELTS Validity Period for Australia
Before discussing the IELTS validity period for Australia,
Here are some exam highlights.
|
Eligibility |
16 years old and older |
|
Pattern of IELTS |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening |
|
Types of Exams |
Academic and General Training |
|
IELTS Test Centres |
4,500 test centres in 165 countries |
|
IELTS Score Acceptance |
IELTS scores are accepted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, government organisations, MNCs, and immigration departments. |
The IELTS validity period for Australia is two years minimum and calculated from the time of the result.
If the results in the certificate are invalid, you need to retake the IELTS exam.
After passing the IELTS test, the score is considered correct only for two years to ensure that the candidate's knowledge is up-to-date. The test results are declared within 5 to 7 days of the exam. Some countries other than Australia have different validity periods for their IELTS test report.
The validity period for Australia's GSM Visa Program is extended to 3 years. GSM is a visa program of Australia for its skilled migrants.
IELTS Score for Australia
Some universities have minimum scores for each of the four test sections, and others have the overall required IELTS scores.
|
NAME OF UNIVERSITY |
IELTS Overall |
Writing |
Reading |
Listening |
Speaking |
|
University of Sydney |
7.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of New South Wales |
7.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
Western Sydney University |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Western Australia |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Queensland |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Notre Dame |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Melbourne |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Canberra |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Adelaide |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Divinity |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
List of Universities Accepting low IELTS Scores in Australia
Studying abroad, specifically in Australia, is the dream of many international students. This is a great opportunity because you will get the chance to live and study in a new and beautiful country. One of the first steps to do this is to take the IELTS exam. This is a language proficiency test, a requirement before admission to a university. There is nothing to worry about when you get a low score, say 6.0 and below, because there are universities that accept students with low IELTS scores in Australia.
Here is the list.
|
Name of University |
IELTS Score Overall |
|
University of Queensland |
6.0 |
|
RMIT University |
6.0 |
|
Australia Catholic University |
6.0 |
|
Charles Darwin University |
6.0 |
|
University of South Australia |
6.0 |
|
Victoria University |
6.0 |
|
University of Wollongong |
6.0 |
|
University of Newcastle |
6.0 |
|
Murdoc University |
6.0 |
Study in Australia IELTS Requirements
Australia is among the most friendly and pleasant countries for international students. It has an extremely low crime rate, making it safe for visitors and international students. Its highly ranked universities have outstanding educational facilities that motivate students to dream big. The country provides various options for accommodation, such as homestays, private rentals, shared houses, and boarding schools. In addition, Australia is one of the world's cleanest countries.
The study in Australia IELTS requirements are as follows:
- An Australian student visa requires the applicant to have an undergraduate program with a score of at least 5.5 in each of the 4 IELTS bands and a minimum overall score of 6.
- For graduate courses, a student must get a minimum IELTS score of 6 for each band and an overall score of 6.5 and above.
- For a degree in Engineering, Teaching and Education Studies, the student should have a minimum score of 7.0 per band and overall.
IELTS Requirement for Australia for Bachelor Degree
For undergraduate courses such as a Bachelor's degree, you must have completed a secondary school education equal to a Year 12 Certificate of Australia. You should verify if your qualifications meet the international entry course requirements.
IELTS requirement for a Bachelor's degree is an overall score of 6.0, and no band should be less than 6.0. The exam should be taken not more than two years before the course starts. See if you qualify for an English language test exemption by checking the English language requirements.
IELTS Requirement for Australia for Masters
To enter into a Master's degree course, you need to have completed an undergraduate qualification equal to a Bachelor's degree in Australia or an Honour or Graduate Diploma. You should verify if your qualifications meet the requirements of an international entry course.
IELTS' requirement for a Master's degree is an overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. The exam should be taken not more than two years before the start of the course. See if you qualify for an English language test exemption by checking the English language requirements.
Australia Visa IELTS Requirements
Suppose you would like to take up studies in Australia. In that case, there are some basic requirements that you should fulfil so that you can be admitted to the university of your choice. First of all, you should show proof of your English language proficiency by taking the IELTS exam. This is a test that assesses your knowledge of the English language, and IELTS scores are accepted widely at the universities of English-speaking countries.
The IELTS band requirement is not the same in all English-speaking countries, and they will also change according to your field of study. Medical courses, for example, will require higher scores than vocational courses.
You should also apply for a study visa, following the Department of Immigration and Border Protection guidelines.
Here are the eligibility criteria that you should note:-
- You should be able to provide proof of your enrollment, valid passport, GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement, and academic and work experience certificates.
- You should have a valid score in IELTS for your communication skills in English.
- You should show proof of your financial ability to pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
If you have decided to pursue your higher education in an Australian university and think you need help, consider AECC. They provide consultations, assessment and visa services to foreign students and the skilled migrant category.
Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today!
AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.
