English Language Requirements For International Students

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 International students want to know the English language test requirements to study in Australia.

 

If you're an international student planning to study in Australia, you must show you can communicate in English.

 

The requirements for English proficiency depend on where you're from and your educational background.

 

Let's look at the English language test rules for students who want to study in Australia.

 

 

1. Why English?

 

Although Australia has no official language yet, English is considered the de facto national language of the country, spoken by all.

 

English is mandatory for students as it helps them to cope comfortably with tutorials, assignments, examinations, and lectures.

 

 

2. Proficiency Levels You Can Achieve

 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs recognises 5 English language tests for student visa applications in Australia. These are:

 

 

These tests have several proficiency levels: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior.

 

  

English Level Scores to Achieve Level

 

 

Functional English

  • IELTS: 4.5 for each test component

  • TOEFL iBT - A band score of at least: 32

  • Pearson (PTE) Academic: At least 30 for each test component

  • CAE: An overall band score of at least 147

 

 

Vocational English

  • IELTS: 5 for each IELTS component

  • OET: Pass B in each OET Component

  • TOEFL iBT - At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking

  • CAE: 154 for each CAE Component

  • Pearson (PTE) Academic: 36 in all components.

 

 

Competent English

  • IELTS: At leat 6 for each component

  • OET: At least B for each component

  • TOEFL iBT - At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking

  • Pearson (PTE) Academic: at least 50

  • CAE: At least 169 in each of the 4 components

 

 

Proficient English

  • IELTS: At least 7 for each component

  • OET: At least B for each component

  • TOEFL iBT - At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking

  • Pearson (PTE) Academic: At least 65

  • CAE: at least 185 in each of the 4 components

 

 

Superior English

  • IELTS: At least 8 for each component

  • OET: At least A for each component

  • TOEFL iBT - At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking

  • Pearson (PTE) Academic: 79 in all components

  • CAE: At least 200 for each component

 

 

 3. Who Is Exempt From Providing Evidence With Their Visa Application?

 

Almost every International student needs to meet English language requirements to enrol in a course and to receive a student visa in Australia. But, there are a few exceptions when students don’t need to prove their English language proficiency. 

 

These exceptions are for the following:

 

  • Students who have completed their studies in the Republic of Ireland, the U.S.A., U.K., New Zealand, Australia or Canada.

  • Passport holders and citizens of the U.S.A., U.K., Republic of Ireland or Canada. 

  • Defence or Foreign affairs sponsored students.

  • Students who appear in a standalone ELICOS program, postgraduate research or full-time in-school studies as the main course. 

  • Students who have completed the study at Certificate IV level or higher or completed the Senior Secondary certificate in Australia within two years of applying for a student visa. 

 

Apart from these students, all other candidates must prove their English language proficiency to study in Australia. 

 

Undoubtedly, studying in Australia is one of the best ways to experience a unique Aussie lifestyle while learning new skills. 

 

With world-class universities, English language schools and practical vocational colleges supporting international students, Australia is the first choice of students keen to study abroad. 

 

According to the University Ranking of Quacquarelli Symonds, the University of New South Wales, The University of Sydney, The Australian National University, The University of Queensland, and the University of Melbourne are among the top 50 best universities in the world. 

 

So, if you are already proficient in English and want to study at any of these top universities, in that case, you can easily migrate to Australia.

 

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