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. You can demonstrate your level of English language proficiency by providing the results of an accepted English language test (e.g. IELTS, PTE) taken within the last two years prior to admission.

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 will depend upon the degree you are applying to. Adelaide University degree pages list an IELTS score for their English language requirements. Please visit your chosen degree page for more information.

Accepted tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – iBT
Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously Cambridge English: Advanced CAE)
Cambridge C2 Proficiency test.

Other accepted English proficiency pathways:

Australian year 12 with a passing grade in recognised English as a Second Language or English Language subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Foundation program at another Australian university.

Find your degree

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

IELTS equivalent scores for accepted tests

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.

The English Language Centre (ELC) is Adelaide University’s preferred ELICOS provider. 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.

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, 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.

Browse research degrees

For the Bachelor of Nursing, please refer to the table and information below for accepted English language testing systems, grades equivalent to IELTS, and Primary Language Pathway information.

You must have achieved the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests and tests must be dated within 1 year of commencement.

BACHELOR OF NURSING
IELTS (Academic)	7.0
IELTS Subscores	7.0
TOEFL iBT	94
Speaking	23
Reading	24
Listening	24
Writing	27
PTE	65
PTE Subscores	65
C1 / C2	Not Accepted
ELC Package	Not Accepted
CELUSA	Not Accepted

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, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA.

English language proficiency

IELTS equivalent scores for accepted tests

IELTS equivalent scores for accepted tests

Overall Scores

Subscores

Research degrees

Program specific exceptions