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- IELTS score for an Australian student visa
- Minimum IELTS score required to study in Australia
- IELTS score and Australian PR
- Minimum IELTS score for admission to top universities in Australia
IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is among the most popular English proficiency tests in the world for higher education in European countries, with thousands of students taking the test every year. Thousands of universities abroad accept IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency. Australia's band requirement for IELTS varies based on universities and courses.
IELTS score for an Australian student visa
As per the latest updates, those applying for a student visa should score a minimum of 6.0 in IELTS. Previously, the required score was 5.5.
If you want to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (the post-study work visa in Australia), you should score a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS.
Minimum IELTS score required to study in Australia
In general, to study in Australia, you need to score an overall score of a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS, with no band less than 6.0 for your postgraduate options.
For undergraduate courses, you need to have an overall score of a minimum of 6.0. The score requirements will be higher for courses like medicine, teaching and nursing.
|
Study level |
Minimum IELTS score requirement |
|
Undergraduate: Bachelor courses - Arts |
6.0 - 6.5 |
|
Undergraduate: Bachelor courses - Business |
6.5 |
|
Undergraduate: Bachelor courses - Engineering |
6.0 – 6.5 |
|
Postgraduate: Masters courses - Arts |
6.5 |
|
Postgraduate: Masters courses – Business |
6.5 – 7.0 |
|
Postgraduate: Masters courses – Engineering |
6.0 – 6.5 |
|
Postgraduate: Graduate Certificates and Diplomas – Arts |
6.0 – 7.0 |
|
Postgraduate: Graduate Certificates and Diplomas – Business |
6.5 and above |
|
Postgraduate: Graduate Certificates and Diplomas |
6.0 – 6.5 |
Universities might also set a minimum IELTS individual band score requirement for specific courses. For example, you should score a minimum of 6.5 in Writing to apply for a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Bond University.
IELTS score and Australian PR
Did you know that your IELTS score can influence your permanent residency dreams too? If you are looking for work and permanent residency in Australia, you should be aware of the point-based immigration system followed in Australia.
For a Skilled-Independent visa and a Skilled Nominated visa, you can score up to 20 points based on your level of English.
|
English proficiency |
Points |
|
Competent |
0 |
|
Proficient |
10 |
|
Superior |
20 |
The equivalent IELTS score for these English proficiency levels are as follows:
|
English language skill |
Equivalent IELTS score |
|
Functional English |
A minimum score of 4.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
|
Vocational English |
A minimum of 5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
|
Competent English |
A minimum score of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
|
Proficient English |
A minimum score of 7.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
|
Superior English |
A minimum score of 8.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
Minimum IELTS score for admission to top universities in Australia
Here’s Australia’s top universities’ IELTS band requirement, for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Please note that specific courses might have higher IELTS score requirements. So, it is important to check the entry requirements as you plan your application.
|
University |
World University Rank (Based on QS ranking 2025) |
Minimum overall IELTS score required for undergraduate courses |
Minimum overall IELTS score required for postgraduate courses |
|
The University of Melbourne |
13 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
The University of Sydney |
18 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
UNSW, Sydney |
19 |
6.5 – 7.0 |
6.5 – 7.0 |
|
Australian National University |
30 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
Monash University |
37 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
The University of Queensland |
40 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
The University of Western Australia |
77 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
The University of Adelaide |
82 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
Some universities in Australia accept applications from students who have secured a band of 5.5 in any of the sections of IELTS – either speaking, listening, reading or writing.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in September 2016 by our content writer, Kavitha Vijayavelan. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.
Note: Hotcourses India is part of IDP Connect, which is an IELTS partner.
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