Know more about the top universities to study in Australia without IELTS along with the alternative English proficiency tests accepted at these Australian universities.
Did you know that it is possible to study in Australia without IELTS? IELTS is one of the most common language selection criteria in almost all universities in Australia. However, Some of the Australian universities accept other test scores such as the TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Advanced CAE, etc to evaluate the English language proficiency of the applicants.
Some other Australian universities offer admission to international students by exempting the English language requirements and evaluating them on other personal circumstances. Students who do not have a satisfactory IELTS score or are confident enough in their English-speaking ability can opt for these Australian universities.
Table of Contents
- How to Study in Australia Without IELTS?
- Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS
- Admission Procedure to Study in Australia without IELTS
- Scholarships in Australia for International Students
How to Study in Australia Without IELTS?
Australian universities are aiming to gain a competitive edge in the international higher education market and may offer admission to international students without an IELTS score. Given below are some of the ways in which international students can study in Australia without IELTS.
- International students who have previously attained education that was taught in English are considered to study in Australia without IELTS.
- A candidate who has proof of honing English language skills in a professional job for at least consecutive years.
- Applicants who have completed an International Baccalaureate program.
- An applicant who is able to present an AISSCE certificate issued by CBSE with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Academically talented students who don’t possess the required English skills at the time of application may be offered admission to study in Australia without IELTS by offering them to study a language preparatory course before commencing their regular course.
Top Universities to Study in Australia Without IELTS
Many Australian universities accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores from international students in place of an IELTS score for admission to various courses. There are several other English language proficiency tests accepted at most universities in Australia such as TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced, and more. Listed below are some of the best universities to study in Australia without IELTS for international students.
- University of Queensland
- University of Adelaide
- Bond University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Macquarie University
- University of New South Wales
- Victoria University
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is one of the popular universities in Australia without IELTS for international students. It is committed to offering admission to students regardless of their English skills. International students who have received past education in English can provide adequate evidence of the same and can be shortlisted for admission to the respective courses. Listed below are the other evidence to prove English proficiency instead of an IELTS score that should be provided to the University of Queensland for admission:
- Proof that English was the language of instruction in previous educational institutions
- Relevant English certificates to prove English grades were high in your previous education
- A bachelor’s/ master’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the University of Queensland
- The applicant should have attended a one-year full-time study program at a recognized university from the University of Queensland
- Proof of work experience of a specific length in a professional English speaking environment
Read More: University of Queensland
University of Adelaide
International students with an appealing application apart from the English language proficiency applying to the University of Adelaide are required to attend a language preparatory course which normally lasts for a full academic year or two semesters. Students are tested at the end of each semester to assess their English improvement. The students who display excellent skills at the end of the first semester are not required to attend the second semester. However, the candidates who do not pass the final examination are not eligible to study the regular course.
Read More: University of Adelaide
Bond University
International students willing to apply for admission to Bond University are required to provide strong and relevant evidence of their English knowledge. IELTS and TOEFL are not considered the only two options to prove English language proficiency. Other English certificates such as the C1 Advanced and Pearson Test of English Academic PTE can be submitted by international students to study in Australia without IELTS. International students can also provide adequate evidence of having attained secondary education in an English-taught school in certain countries including Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales to be considered for admission to Bond University.
Read More: Bond University
Swinburne University of Technology
The Swinburne University of Technology accepts other scores of English proficiency such as the PTE Academic, Common European Framework, and VCE English in place of an IELTS score for admission. International students who are not able to prove their English skills at the time of application can also enroll in preparatory English courses offered as part of the Swinburne University of Technology English Language Course (ELICOS) such as General English and English For Academic Purposes. The duration of these courses range between 5-50 weeks and are helpful in the further academic needs in the regular course.
Read More: Swinburne University of Technology
Macquarie University
Macquarie University accepts international students to study in Australia without IELTS. Its English language requirements vary depending on the course chosen by the student. The other English certificates accepted at Macquarie University are the Pearson Test of English Academic PTE, Cambridge English Advanced CAE, Cambridge English Proficiency CPE, and Occupational English Test OET.
Read More: Macquarie University
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales accepts a wide variety of English language certifications such as the Pearson Test of English Academic PTE, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English CAE, and Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English CPE from students who are unable to produce IELTS scores provided the certificates are not older than two years.
In certain cases, it may also consider the application from students who have not obtained any of the above qualifications. In such cases, the applicant should contact the admissions office and provide evidence that their English meets the university language requirements. Given below are some of the other ways to prove English proficiency for international students applying to the University of New South Wales:
- Applicants can submit the scores of the relevant English tests undertaken in the previous study
- Students can also show proof of having worked for at least 2 years in an environment surrounded by native English speakers. A reference letter from the employer can be submitted to prove the same.
Read More: University of New South Wales
Victoria University
Victoria University accepts international students to various undergraduate and graduate courses without an IELTS score. Students can submit other English proficiency test certificates such as the Pearson Test of English PTE, Cambridge English Advanced CAE, and Cambridge English – First Certificate in English FCE for admission to Victoria University.
Read More: Victoria University
Admission Procedure to Study in Australia without IELTS
As part of the application procedure of Australian universities, there are various requirements that international students must fulfill. Steps involved in the admission process to study in Australia without IELTS are listed below:
- Application Process
- Skype/Video Interviews
- Study in Australia Costs
- Apply for Australian Student Visa without IELTS
Application Process
The first step towards applying to an Australian university is to research the course you wish to study. Research all the aspects of the course and the university. You must be aware of the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and prospective career paths.
After shortlisting the universities that offer the course of your choice, apply through the online application portals of the respective universities. Submit the application form of the university. A conditional/non-conditional offer email will be sent to you once your application has been submitted. You will be instructed on how to accept the offer in the email.
Skype / Video Interviews
Prior to extending an offer, some universities may request that you attend a Skype interview or video interview. The purpose is to get to know you better as well as to assess your English proficiency. In order to be admitted to Australian universities and colleges without an IELTS score, you need to clear this video interview.
Study in Australia Costs
Once you have cracked your personal interview, the Australian university will send you a letter of acceptance. The letter confirms your acceptance into the program you applied for. Now you will to pay the tuition fees of the first year of study in Australia. If you wish to apply for scholarships, you need to fill out a separate application form. It is advisable to apply for scholarships as early as possible.
Apply for Australian Student Visa without IELTS
Following are some of the important documents required to apply for student visa in Australia:
- Academic transcripts
- Two photographs
- Confirmation of Enrolment Form (COE)
- Overseas health insurance receipt
- Proof of monetary funds
- A valid Passport
- Proof of accommodation
- An updated CV
Scholarships in Australia for International Students
Australia offers a plethora of scholarships for international students from around the world. Some of these scholarships are partially-funded, while others are fully funded. These scholarships are awarded by govermerment and private organizations as well as Australian universities. Take a look at some of the most prominent scholarships in Australia:
Scholarship |
Amount (AUD) |
Destination Australia Scholarships |
$15,000 per year |
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) |
$29,843 per year |
University of Sydney International Research Scholarships |
$35,629 per annum |
Macquarie University International Scholarships |
Up to $10,000 |
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships |
Up to $110,000 |
UNSW International Scholarships |
$5,000 per year |
Fulbright Program |
$35,000 per annum |
International Water Centre Scholarships for International Students |
$92,645 per year |
Read More: Scholarships in Australia for International Students
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