1. The purpose of our procedure
This procedure outlines how we assess English language proficiency requirements for admission to our programs.
Please read this procedure in conjunction with our Admissions Policy.
2. Who our procedure applies to
2.1 Inclusions
This procedure applies to domestic and international applicants for admission to Adelaide University’s:
- enabling programs
- undergraduate programs
- postgraduate programs
- graduate research programs.
2.2 Exclusions
This procedure does not apply to:
- applicants to non-award programs, such as:
- cross-institutional study
- single courses (non-award enrolments)
- participants in short courses or professional development programs offered by us or affiliated entities
- staff, alumni, or honorary degree nominations.
3. Our English language proficiency requirements procedure
This procedure outlines how we set, assess and verify English language proficiency for admission to Adelaide University programs. Program-specific information is published on our admissions webpages.
3.1 Setting English language requirements
- Each program webpage must have an approved English language entry requirement.
- The [Transitional Academic Board/Academic Board] approves all English language requirements.
- Colleges are responsible for ensuring approved requirements are published accurately on program webpages including a clear statement of program-specific English language standards.
- Unless a program requires a higher level of English language proficiency, the minimum standards as outlined in 3.2 and 3.3 apply.
3.2 Accepted evidence of English proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
- Approved English language test undertaken within the last two years:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test (iBT).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.
- Cambridge English test C1 (advanced) or C2 (proficiency).
- Occupational English Test (OET).
- Previous study in English: Completion, within the last five years, or the an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)-specified recency period where such a period has been formally approved and applied by the University for admissions purposes.
- English language bridging or preparatory program: Completion, within one year prior to commencement, of an approved English language bridging or preparatory program.
- Other verified evidence: Assessment, on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Office, of non-standard but verifiable evidence (for example, relevant professional experience) demonstrating English language proficiency.
Under the student visa framework, international applicants applying for a student visa may be required to meet additional or different English language requirements set by the Australian Government. Applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current visa-related English language requirements.
3.3 Minimum standards
- For undergraduate programs at AQF Level 6 (certificates and diplomas), applicants must achieve a minimum IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0, or an equivalent result in an Adelaide University-approved English language test.
- For undergraduate programs at AQF Level 7 or above, applicants must achieve a minimum IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each sub-band of reading, writing, speaking and listening, or an equivalent result in an Adelaide University-approved English language test.
- For most postgraduate coursework programs, applicants must achieve a minimum IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each sub-band of reading, writing, speaking and listening, or an equivalent result in an Adelaide University-approved English language test.
- Some programs may require a higher level of English language proficiency. Applicants should check the program-specific entry requirements on the Admissions webpages for details of any higher standard applying to their program.
- Test results must be less than two years old at the time we assess an application.
- Equivalent English language requirements: Comparisons for other approved tests or qualifications, including those commonly undertaken by domestic applicants, may be published on our Admissions webpages from time to time and reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with national standards.
3.4 Verification and assessment
- The Admissions Office verifies all English language evidence.
- If multiple forms of valid evidence are submitted to satisfy the English language requirement, we will use an applicant’s most recently dated evidence as proof of English language proficiency unless otherwise specified by the published program requirements.
- Applicants must provide certified translations if documents are not in English.
- We may require an applicant to demonstrate that they meet Adelaide University’s English language requirements by undertaking a new approved test if existing evidence does not meet requirements.
3.5 Offers, exceptions and appeals
- Offers, conditions and withdrawals are managed in accordance with the Admissions Policy and associated procedures.
- Applicants may request reconsideration of admission decisions under the processes set out in the Student Appeals Procedure.
4. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure
Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.
4.1 Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic (or delegate) is required to:
- approve associated English language protocols
- approve exceptions under this procedure
- ensure alignment with national standards and the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Cth).
4.2 Executive Director, Future Students (or delegate) is required to:
- interpret the Admissions policy and program rules for English language requirements
- maintain consistency across colleges and programs
- oversee compliance with this procedure and relevant legislation.
4.3 Admissions is required to:
- verify English language evidence and ensure recency
- maintain accurate student records
- provide timely communication of assessment outcomes.
4.4 Program Director is required to:
- advise which higher English standards apply under program rules, where applicable
- confirm that published program information reflects approved requirements.
4.5 Applicant is required to:
- provide valid evidence of English language proficiency
- respond fully and within Adelaide University specified timeframes to all requests for information
- meet all conditions of an offer within the timeframe specified by Adelaide University.
5. Definitions used in our procedure
Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.
Enabling program means a program that develops student skills and knowledge necessary for successful participation in university study.
Entry requirements means the rules that specify the attainments, skills and knowledge an applicant must demonstrate to be eligible for consideration for admission to a program.
Graduate research program means a program at doctoral or master level which comprises two-thirds or more of its assessable content by research.
Postgraduate program means an academic program of study that leads to the conferral of a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or doctoral degree.
Student means a person enrolled in an enabling program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.
Undergraduate program means an academic program of study leading to a qualification such as an undergraduate certificate, diploma, associate degree or bachelor degree. This includes an honours degree where applicable.