IELTS Score Required to Study in Australia

An IELTS score for Australia is among the most popular English proficiency tests for higher education in Australia. The IELTS band required for Australia student visa varies based on the course chosen. International students should have a 6.5 overall in IELTS for postgraduate and 6.0 overall for undergraduate options.

Australian universities requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall for postgraduate studies, with no band lower than 6.0. While for undergraduate studies in Australia, students need to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

For most medical-related courses, the Australia study visa band requirements are 7.0 with no band less than 7.0. Additionally, there are some Australian universities that accept students with 5.5 bands in any of the four sections of the IELTS - speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Table of Contents

• Why IELTS Exam is Required?
• Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Universities
  • Minimum IELTS Score for Undergraduate Courses at Top Australian Universities
  • Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Courses at Top Australian Universities
• Minimum IELTS Score for Australian Student Visa
• Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Permanent Residency
• Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS

Why IELTS Exam is Required?

Students seeking educational and employment opportunities in English-speaking countries are required to take IELTS in order to demonstrate their ability to communicate efficiently in the English language and overcome the linguistic barrier. 

IELTS is trusted by more than 10,000 organizations worldwide. Globally, employers, education institutions, professional bodies, and governments rely on it. In countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc., an IELTS score is an important part of the admission process. 

Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Universities

The Australia study visa band requirements vary for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The IELTS score required for Australia depends on the requirements of your visa, and the organization where you plan to study or work. International students willing to pursue an engineering program, teaching, or education studies should have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall and per band. The minimum IELTS score for Australian universities at both undergraduate and graduate levels are shown below.

Minimum IELTS Score for Undergraduate Courses at Top Australian Universities

A study visa for Australia requires international students to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate programs. The minimum IELTS score for Australia for undergraduate programs at different universities are tabulated below:

Minimum IELTS Score for Graduate Courses at Top Australian Universities

A study visa for Australia requires international students to score at least 6.0 in each of the four IELTS bands with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and above for graduate programs. The minimum IELTS score for Australia for graduate programs at different universities are tabulated below:

Minimum IELTS Score for Australian Student Visa

In order to qualify for an Australian study visa, students must score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands, with an overall score of 6.0 or above for undergraduate programs. In contrast, for graduate programs, you need to score at least 6.0 in each band and an overall score of 6.5 or above. However, if you plan to pursue a course in fields like engineering or teaching, you must score at least 7.0 in each band and overall. 

Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Permanent Residency

You can either take the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training to obtain an Australian permanent residency visa. IELTS Academic is required, however, if you plan on working in Australia or registering as a professional. Candidates can obtain PR in Australia through one of the three pathways:

• Employer Sponsored Workers
• General Skilled Migration
• Skill Select

The General Skilled Migration Program offers five visa subcategories, all of which utilize a points-based immigration system. You require 65 points on the Point Assessment Grid to be eligible to apply for a visa through the Skilled Migration Program. IELTS scores are grouped into three bands (Competent, Proficient, and Superior). Each band corresponds to a specific number of points.

Point Allocation Table for IELTS Scores

The table below shows language score requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Australia.

Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS

IELTS is one of the most common language selection criteria in almost all universities in Australia. However, there are certain Australian universities that offer admission to international students if the education they have previously attained was taught in English, or if they take a language preparatory course before the commencement of the regular course at the respective Australian university. Listed below are some of the top universities for international students to study in Australia without IELTS.

1. The University of Queensland
2. The University of Adelaide
3. Bond University
4. The Swinburne University of Technology
5. The University of New South Wales
6. Victoria University