English language proficiency

International students from non-English speaking backgrounds must meet Adelaide University’s minimum English language requirements to be admitted to a degree.

English language entry requirements are specific to the degree you choose, and some degrees have higher English language requirements. This means the exact level of English language proficiency required will depend upon the degree you are applying to. Adelaide University degree pages list the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score required and a link to all accepted tests.

You can demonstrate your level of English language proficiency by providing the results of an accepted English language test. Tests are generally valid for two years prior to admission. Some degrees require a shorter validity period. Please visit your chosen degree page for more information.

Accepted tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – iBT

Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously Cambridge English: Advanced CAE)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency test

Occupational English Test (OET) (not for all degrees)

Other accepted methods to meet English proficiency:

Australian year 12 with a passing grade in a recognised English as a Second Language or English Language subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma (including specific language subjects undertaken in English)

Foundation program at another Australian university

In limited circumstances, previous academic qualifications or practical application of your English skills in a professional environment

Find your degree

The table below lists the English language testing systems accepted by Adelaide University, and grades equivalent to IELTS.

Overall Scores

IELTS (Academic)*	6.0	6.5	7.0	7.5	8.0	8.5	9.0
TOEFL iBT	60	79	94	107	112	116	120
PTE	50	58	65	74	82	88	90
C1 / C2	169	176	185	191	200	205	209
OET^	C to C+	B	B	-	3 A & 1 B	-	-

Subscores

IELTS (Academic)*	6.0	6.5	7.0	7.5	8.0	8.5	9.0
TOEFL iBT (Speaking)	18	20	23	24	26	28	30
TOEFL iBT (Reading)	13	19	24	27	29	30	30
TOEFL iBT (Listening)	12	20	24	27	28	29	30
TOEFL iBT (Writing)	21	24	27	29	30	30	30
PTE	50	58	65	74	82	88	90
C1 / C2	169	176	185	191	200	205	209

Notes

English language test results are generally valid for two years prior to the date of commencement at Adelaide University.

*IELTS Academic includes IELTS Academic One Skill Retake, IELTS UKVI Academic.

^OET applies for Health Programs only. The scores in each band must be achieved in one sitting.

Adelaide University’s English Language Centre (ELC) provides packaged ELICOS programs for students who do not meet English language requirements. Visit the Pathway providers page to find out more.

Adelaide University does not offer packaged programs with The Centre for English Language at the University of South Australia (CELUSA), but does accept CELUSA results.

Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery and Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery and Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) applicants are required to meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

All applicants must demonstrate their English Language competency in one of the following ways:

English language test pathway

Applicants have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests. (Tests are valid for 12 months prior to program commencement.)

IELTS (Academic)	7.0 7 RWSL
TOEFL iBT	Internet-based: Total score of 94 with a minimum of 27 in writing, 23 in speaking and 24 in reading and listening
Cambridge Exams	Not accepted
PTE	Overall score of 65 AND Skills profile of 65 in writing, speaking, reading and listening
OET	A minimum result of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)

Primary language pathway

Alternatively, you may be eligible for a primary language pathway if:

a) English is your primary language; and

b) You have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.

Notes

*Recognised countries are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Some other programs have non-standard English language proficiency requirements, please refer to the relevant program degree page for further information.

All research degree students must be proficient in English and meet the minimum English language requirements for their degree. Any applicant who is a citizen and holds a passport from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America is not required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Recent academic experience

Prior to date of application, the University will not require evidence for:

Any applicant who has satisfactorily completed study at a Bachelor degree level or above from one of the following countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cook Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, Zimbabwe for at least one of the last two years, or at least two within the last four years of full-time study.
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency in the form of a valid English test that has been taken within two years preceding the application.
All programs except language rich disciplines require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 overall, and a minimum of 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Language rich disciplines such as Education, Language and Literature, Communication and Media Studies, and Philosophy and Religious Studies require an overall IELTS band score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

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