Exams Required to Study in Australia

Students across the globe desire to study in Australia as it is one of the top study-abroad destinations. However, securing admission to one of the top Australian universities would require you to take certain exams and score well. In this article, we will discuss in detail the exams required to study in Australia, minimum score requirements, fee details of these exams, and more.

Prospective applicants choosing to apply to Australian Universities need to demonstrate an adequate level of English language proficiency required to pursue higher studies in Australia. This is also required during the procurement of a student visa. Major test results accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for visa purposes are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE and PTE, but for admissions, standardised tests are also equally important. This article focuses majorly on the English language exams along with standardized exams required to study in Australia which is mandatory for submission if applying as an international student. Read on for detailed information.

English Language Tests to Study in Australia

Universities and colleges set their English language requirements for course entry and the score required for entry to a course may defer from the scores required to secure a visa. However, IELTS is the most commonly accepted English language test in Australia and it is the main test for students seeking enrolment in an Australian Institution. (Students should check the entry requirements of their desired institution). Below is an overview of the various tests accepted by the Department of Education, Australian Govt.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS Australia test is conducted in more than 35 countries. British Council, IDP, jointly manages IELTS: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). It is conducted through over 800 test centres and locations in over 130 countries.

Read more about: IELTS registration

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL scores are accepted for both admission and visa procurement. It is one of the most accepted and most respected tests among universities, agencies and other institutions all around the world. TOEFL test content is 100% academic. The TOEFL iBT^TM is given 30-40 times a year, at thousands of secure, Internet-based test sites around the globe. Whereas, the TOEFL Paper-based Test (or TOEFL PBT) is offered in areas where the internet-based test is not available. It is given 6 times a year.

Check: TOEFL Slot Booking

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

PTE Academic is now accepted by more than 150 institutions in Australia including over 80% of TAFEs. It is also accepted by DIAC for student visas. Students can take the test in twelve cities in India. However, test takers should crosscheck the score requirements with both DIAC and their desired institutions.

In case your English language proficiency score is not up to the mark, you can enrol in an English language course to prepare you for further study. Almost all Australian universities have in-campus English language centres or have links with English language colleges. Read: PTE Exam Slot

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Certificates

Students can now demonstrate their English language skills needed for academic success through Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) scores. It is also accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for the visa application process. Since the test is also run by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), its score is equivalent to the IELTS score and the equivalency is accepted by DIAC.

Duolingo English Test

Some Australian universities have started accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to traditional English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The test is conducted online, and students receive results within 48 hours. It measures listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and is accepted by several Australian institutions for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Read more:

• TOEFL Exam Pattern
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips
• PTE Exam Syllabus
• Minimum IELTS Score for Top Australian Universities in 2024

Registration Fee for ELP Tests

The following table summarises the registration fees and important dates for each of the above-given English language proficiency tests, for those who would be choosing to appear for these exams:

Indian students applying for admission to Australian Universities can submit any one of the test scores depending on their course and university.

Exams for Undergraduate Courses in Australia

Indian students seeking undergraduate admission in Australia have to qualify for the academic eligibility of Australian universities. Depending on the course and institution, additional exams may be required in some cases.

Class XII Board Exam Scores

For undergraduate applications in Australia, the most crucial examination for Indian students is the Class 12 board exam, also known as the Senior Secondary School Certificate. The Australian universities generally expect that the applicant has completed their 12th-grade education from the recognized Indian board, which may include CBSE, ICSE, or State Board exams. The minimum percentage may vary, but at least 60-70% is often a baseline for admission into the most popular programs based on the levels of ATAR for the study.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

SATs are not always required in some of the Australian universities but could be demanded by competitive ones like engineering, computer science, and business. The SAT is a standardized test most commonly used for college entry in the United States; however, some of the universities in Australia take the SAT for entry. The SAT assesses skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Other Entrance Exams Taken in Australia

Some courses in Australia have additional tests or prerequisites, especially in medicine, law, engineering, or design fields. Some of these exams include: 

• UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test): This test is required by several medical schools in Australia to measure general skills and knowledge to be used in health science courses.
• LSAT (Law School Admission Test): This test is required for admission to law programs at law schools in Australia.
• Engineering or Design Portfolios: Some creative fields, such as graphic design or architecture, may require students to submit portfolios of their work.

Exams for Postgraduate Programs in Australia

Indian students applying to postgraduate programs like Masters, MBA in Australia or even PhD courses in Australia will have to submit standardised exam scores. Some universities may require standard tests, while others might only look at academic qualifications and professional experience.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

In Australia, for some postgraduate programs in the fields of engineering, science, and computer science, the GRE is required. It is a standardized test which measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. A higher GRE score is usually preferred by competitive programs.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is a standardized test applied for admission to business schools around the world. In case you are applying for an MBA or other business-related postgraduate courses, most Australian institutions will require GMAT scores. It tests quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. The competitive GMAT score varies with the university and the program, but it generally falls at 645 or above.

Also check: Is it mandatory to take TOEFL/IELTS with GRE/GMAT?

To study in Australia, Indian students must have both academic as well as English proficiency to be admitted to Australian universities. All international students are typically required to take the tests of English language like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. In addition to the above, for undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses, the students may need to take additional tests depending on the course they want to pursue, such as GRE, GMAT, or subject-specific tests. Check: IELTS v/s TOEFL v/s PTE - Which one to choose?

Proper preparation and knowledge of the requirements for taking the exam will enable you to work through the application process to increase your chances of getting admitted into your preferred program in Australia. With the right qualifications and scores in the appropriate exams, you can set out on an exciting educational journey in Australia.

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