This is a profound question that is asked by every International student who seeks to study in Australia to further their education and build a successful career out of it. Another equally important question is, "how much money is required to study in Australia for International Students?", where this question deals with the monetary requirements to study in Australia and poses a challenge to many international students who wish to study overseas.
In this blog, we will be addressing some of the key factors and hopefully answer most if not all of the critical questions that are commonly asked by every student who wishes to study in Australia and learn about the process to achieve their dreams.Here is the list of requirements to study in Australia for International Students.
For international students who seek to enter Australia to enrol themselves into one of their universities, one would have to meet the academic entry requirements to ensure their enrolment is approved and they can pursue their education. The reason for these requirements to be set in place is because, like any university, Australian universities also have set certain entrance tests to ensure that the applicants are eligible to apply to these universities.
Students from Bangladesh who wish to study in Australia just like any international student will also have to prove their proficiency in the English language. Though some universities do not require such tests depending upon certain courses, Australia is an English speaking country and as the most commonly spoken language, a certain level of proficiency in English is required by the universities in Australia to ensure that the students who study in Australia from Bangladesh or any other country would not have difficulties in understanding any concepts throughout their study in Australia.
There are various levels of proficiency required for enrolling oneself in an Australian university. The English proficiency requirement is categorised under different sections such as for Diplomas, Degrees for both Graduate and Masters, and research level postgraduate level programs.
Below listed are some of the tests that are accepted by the universities in Australia:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the top language tests conducted to test English proficiency around the world. This test has 4 sections, that are
The total time that will be given for each candidate to complete this test will be for 2 hours, and 45 minutes.
On average, most universities require their applicants to have a score of around 6.5. But not every university in Australia has such criteria, so the students who apply to the universities around Australia can opt for the universities that match their scores and their course preferences.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another English proficiency test that is accepted by the universities of Australia. Like IELTS, TOEFL also has 4 sections which are – Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The only difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that it takes more time to complete this test. The time limit for TOEFL is 4 hours and 20 minutes and the applications will require a minimum score of 46 to be able to apply to study in Australia. However, it will be more likely for the universities in Australia to shortlist the candidates if the scores are around 60 – 90.
The Pearson Test of English Academic is another test for English proficiency which all the universities in Australia accept. This test like the previous others also has 4 sections that are: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. For this exam, students are given 3 hours to complete the test and they need a minimum score of 42 to apply for universities in Australia, but like mentioned earlier, students should aim to score marks around 50 and 64 to ensure they have a much higher chance to clear the test.
C1 Advanced or formerly known as Cambridge English/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is a recognised advanced qualification test for proof of English proficiency for all visa programmes that is renewed by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It means that the applicants with this qualification can continue to use C1 Advanced for study, work and migration to Australia.
C1 Advanced is accepted by 100% of the Australian universities for admissions into undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Applicants can also use C1 Advanced results to prove their English language skills as such, the levels in which the English language proficiency level are categorised are:
|
English Language Proficiency Level |
C1 Advanced Scores (Overall and individual 4 test components) |
|
Functional |
147 |
|
Vocational |
154 |
|
Competent |
169 |
|
Proficient |
185 |
|
Superior |
200 |
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), is an English language examination provided by the Cambridge Assessment English. C2 Proficiency is the highest-level qualification provided by Cambridge Assessment English and shows that learners have mastered English to an exceptional level.
Preparing and passing this exam proves that the applicant has the level of English that is needed to study or work in a very senior professional or academic environment that demands high proficiency in English in course levels such as specific English courses, postgraduate, research or PhD programmes and academic seminars, and communicate effectively at the managerial and board level international business.
Unlike tests like IELTS or TOEFL which expire after a course of time, the C2 Proficiency certificate does not expire.
Additionally, course-specific secondary tests such as SAT, or ACT for undergraduate programs and GRE or GMAT for graduates play a vital role in the admissions process for international students who wish to enrol in Australian universities.
Below listed are some of the most commonly found English Proficiency Requirements across the various universities in Australia are as follows:
(Some of the values that are mentioned below are demarcated between a range, as different universities in Australia have different levels of English proficiency requirement depending on the courses offered by them.)
| SI:No | English Proficiency Tests | Diploma level (Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced diplomas) |
Bachelor Degree level (Bachelors or Under-Graduate) | Graduate certificate & diplomas level (Graduate Certificate & Graduate diplomas) | Master Degree level (All master degrees) | Research Program level (Post graduate entry) |
| 1. | IELTS (Academic module) | Overall score of 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | Overall score of 6.0 – 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | Overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | Overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | Overall score of 6 – 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 – 7) |
| 2. | TOEFL (Internet-based) | A total score of at least 55. | A total score of at least 67 – 79 | A total score of at least 79 | A total score of at least 79 | A total score of at least 79 – 94 |
| 3. | Pearson Test of English (PTE) | A total score of at least 42 – 49 (no section less than 40) | A total score of at least 50 – 58 (no section less than 50) | Overall score of at least 58 – 64 (no section less than 50) | Overall score of at least 58 – 64 (no section less than 50) | Overall score of at least 50 – 65 (no section less than 50 – 65) |
| 4. | C1 Advanced (formerly known as CAE – Cambridge English/ Certificate in Advanced English) | A Score of at least 162 with no skill below 154. | A score of at least 169 – 176 with no skill below 16. | A score of at least 176 with no individual band less than 169. | A score of at least 176 with no individual band less than 169. | A score of at least 165 – 185 with no individual band less than 169 – 185. |
| 5. | C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CPE – Cambridge Proficiency: English) | - | A score of at least 180 - 230 with no skill below 180 | A score of at least 180 - 230 with no skill below 180 | A score of at least 180 - 230 with no skill below 180 | A score of at least 180 – 230 with no individual band less than 180 |
The admission requirements to study graduate in Australia for international students requires the student to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university and has equivalent English proficiency.
The admission requirements to study master degree in Australia for international students has eligibility to the applicants who have completed their first degree at the undergraduate level. In certain cases, a demonstrated research ability or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration for eligibility.
Australia is a beautiful country that is full of vibrancy and excitement which is seen everywhere and is a dream destination for many international students to pursue their dream courses. AECC Global is one of the top educational consultants that is certified by the ICEF Agency with expert professionals who are always at the ready to help you, the students, to realise that dream.
For more information, contact us and let us help you get on board with your dreams and witness them being made into a reality.
The average costs between AU$20,000 - AU$45,000 for an undergraduate degree course and AU$22,000 – AU$50,000 for a Master's degree and PhD degree courses for international students.
Requiring an Australian university for an international student is a tedious and expensive process, and the application process varies vastly from one university to another.
One of the best ways to apply is via means of contacting expert professionals as they have all the necessary information on how to apply, and communicating with well-reputed consultants such as AECC Global, can reduce the time spent, find out the best course for you and one that doesn't bite into your wallet.
For international students, a minimum of 65 per cent in the 12th grade is required to pursue a bachelor's and other UG programmes in Australian universities. Diploma and foundation courses however accept those who have slightly lower scores, as well as their requirements, are not as stringent as the UG programmes.
