International students whose native language is not English must prove evidence of language competence to be admitted to study in Australia. Usually, you can prove your English knowledge by means of scores of a standardized language exam.
Typically, IELTS is the most common language selection criteria in almost all universities in Australia. This might have made you wonder if you can gain admission at a university in Australia without IELTS.
You still have some other options left if you believe this test is unconventional or you’re enough confident about your current English skills.
Fortunately, there are some universities which are aiming to gain a competitive edge in the international higher education market, therefore, may consider your personal circumstances and offer you a place even if you don’t submit an IELTS score.
Here are some of English scores accepted at Australian universities:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL IBT
- Pearson Test of English Academic PTE
- Cambridge Advanced CAE
- Cambridge English CPE
- Occupational English Test OET
There are two common situations at which universities in Australia make exemptions to their language requirements:
- If the education you have previously attained was taught in English, then the university will seriously consider your admission.
- If you’re a talented student, but who doesn’t possess required English skills at the time of application, the university can admit you will offer you a language preparatory course before you commence your regular course.
But not all universities give you such an opportunity. So the question arises which universities in Australia do consider applications without IELTS?
Here are universities in Australia that accept international applications without IELTS:
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The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is committed to giving all students a chance for admission regardless of their English skills. Although an IELTS score is typically required for admission at the University of Queensland, there are other alternatives for how you can meet the university’s English requirements.
If English was the language of instruction in your past education, then you can provide certain evidence which can encourage the university to list you among suitable candidates for the course you’re applying to.
If you haven’t undertaken IELTS you can still prove your English proficiency by presenting any of the following evidence:
- Your previous education has been taught in English.
- You have obtained another relevant English certificate or your English grades were high in your previous education.
- You have obtained a bachelor or master’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the University of Queensland for this purpose.
- You have attended a one-year full-time study program at a recognized university from the University of Queensland for this purpose.
- Working experience of a specific length in a professional English speaking environment.
The University of Adelaide
If your application is appealing apart from English knowledge, the University of Adelaide will initially require you to sit in a language preparatory course which normally lasts for a full academic year or two semesters. At the end of each semester, there’s a test to measure your English improvement. If you show excellent skills by the end of the first semester you can skip the second. Note, however, that if you don’t pass final exams you won’t be allowed to study in your regular course.
Bond University
IELTS and TOEFL scores are not the only options you have to testify your English proficiency if you apply at the Bond University. Applicants who are able to provide strong and relevant evidence of their English knowledge will also be eligible for admission.
Except for IELTS, Bond University accepts the following English certificates:
- C1 Advanced
- Pearson Test of English Academic PTE
Also if you can show evidence of having attained your secondary education in an English-taught school in some specific countries including Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to mention a few, then you have chances to get admitted.
The Swinburne University of Technology
Except for IELTS and TOEFL scores the Swinburne University of Technology is open to students who have scored relatively high on other recognized English qualifications like PTE Academic, Common European Framework and VCE English.
In addition, if you’re not able to prove your English proficiency at the time of application you can enroll a preparatory English course offered as part of the university’s English Language Course (ELICOS). There are two types of English preparatory courses at the Swinburne University of Technology: General English and English For Academic Purposes.
The length of the course varies between five to 50 weeks. It allows for a large of flexibility in order for you to precisely adapt it to your further academic needs in the regular course.
Macquarie University
Another university which enables you to study in Australia is Macquarie University. English requirements at this university change depending on the course you want to attend.
If you have obtained any of the following English certificates, then you might be given a place at this university:
- Pearson Test of English Academic PTE
- Cambridge English Advanced CAE
- Cambridge English: Proficiency CPE
- Occupational English Test OET
The University of New South Wales
A wide variety of English qualifications are accepted to meet English requirements at the University of New South Wales. Whatever the course you have taken it must not be older than two years.
Given below are English certificates that are accepted at the University of New South Wales:
- Pearson Test of English Academic PTE
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English CAE
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English CPE
In some occasions, the university can also consider your application if you have not obtained any of the above qualifications. In that case, you need to contact the university’s admission office and provide genuine evidence that your English meets university language requirements.
One way you can do this is by submitting your scores in relevant English tests during your previous education. Another opportunity is if you have been working for at least 2 years in an environment surrounded by native English speakers. If that is the case you can submit a reference from your employer.
Victoria University
In the list of universities in Australia that admit candidates without IELTS score is also Victoria University. There are a few other relevant English proficiency certificates accepted at this university, including
- Pearson Test of English PTE
- Cambridge English Advanced CAE
- Cambridge English – First Certificate in English FCE
