Is it Possible to Study in Australia Without IELTS or TOEFL?

International students who wish to study in Australia will be able to find that plenty of universities here do not have a mandatory language proficiency requirement like other study destinations. Though this is subject to various conditions and regulations, one can find institutions that waive the language requirement depending on the candidate. Language tests like IELTS or TOEFL require candidates to prove their level of knowledge in English for aspects like reading, speaking, writing, and listening which can be highly essential while moving to an English-speaking country.

However, it can also be an unnecessary hassle for students who have learned the language throughout their educational years or for those who have previously studied in an English-speaking country. Most Australian universities identify these exceptions and study every application before waiving the language proficiency test requirement. In some cases, exemplary students who are not proficient in the language will be accepted into universities under the condition that they take preparatory courses in Australia before starting their educational program.

Who Can Study in Australia Without IELTS or TOEFL?

A few Australian universities allow students to enroll without submitting proof of language proficiency. However, since the medium of instruction in most universities here is English, it will be necessary for students to prove that they are competent in the language through other means. The main exceptions provided are for students who have done their previous education in the medium of English and if the candidate is willing to take preparatory courses in the language before commencing their first semester. The latter option is provided only to competent students who can guarantee mastery of the language through records of their previous academic excellence.

The students who can opt to study in Australia without IELTS or TOEFL include-

• Those who have completed their secondary education in Australia or other English-speaking countries.
• Those who have CAE (C1) or CPE (C2) certification with a score of 169 or above.
• Candidates who have an overall score of 50 in PTE.
• Those who have completed at least five years of study in countries like New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, or Ireland.
• Students who have worked full-time or part-time for three years in a professional setting where English speaking was required.

While considering universities with no IELTS requirements, one should also be mindful of whether their Australian student visa requirements include an IELTS score. In such cases, one will have to clear the language proficiency test irrespective of whether or not their university has an IELTS or TOEFL requirement.

Universities Without IELTS or TOEFL Requirements

There are a few universities in Australia where IELTS or TOEFL is not mandatory. However, the requirements for waiving language proficiency differ for different institutions. Some universities might waive the requirement based on the country where the candidate has completed their previous education. In contrast, some can require PTE or another proficiency test as a requirement. The list of universities that exempt candidates from proving their language proficiency includes-

University	Alternative to IELTS/TOEFL
University of Melbourne	PTE, C1, C2, or previous study in English
the University of Sydney	PTE, C1, C2, undertaken secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies in English, completed a specific subject in a recognized secondary education qualification
University of New South Wales	Senior secondary qualifications, University English Entry Course, Post-Secondary or Tertiary Qualifications in English
University of Queensland	PTE, CES, BE, Completion of a previous course in English or work experience in an English environment
Australian National University	PTE, C1, senior secondary education or prior tertiary education
Victoria University	PTE, C1, B2, or completion of a previous course in English
Swinburne University of Technology	PTE, CEF, VCE, DET, OET
The University of Adelaide	PTE, C1, students can take up English preparatory programs along with their course
The University of Southern Queensland	PTE, C1, GCSE, and other tests or enroll in and complete an English preparatory course
Bond University	PTE, C1, or completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English language, completed an Academic English program
The University of South Australia	PTE, C1, C2, OET, CELUSA
Macquarie University	PTE, C1, C2, OET, DET, Foundation programs, ELP and EAP programs

University of Melbourne

Students applying to the University of Melbourne can provide PTE, CAE, or C2 test scores or complete an approved Foundation program instead of submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores. Those who have successfully finished specific secondary school English subjects or courses, such as the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, VCE, Alberta High School Diploma, or Advanced Placement exam, are also eligible for admission. In addition, students hailing from countries where English is not recognized as an official language may fulfill a requirement of 24 months for an accredited secondary school English subject or course. Conversely, those from countries where English is an official language must complete 60 months for an approved secondary school English subject or course.

University of Sydney

The University of Sydney recognizes various test scores as proof of English proficiency, such as PTE, C1, and C2, in addition to IELTS and TOEFL. Moreover, students may fulfill the English language requirements by completing secondary or tertiary education in English or successfully finishing a specific subject in a recognized secondary education program.

University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales accepts IELTS and TOEFL test scores as proof of English language proficiency for students. In addition to these standardized tests, students can also meet the English Language Requirements through alternative qualifications such as the German Abitur, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), among others. Another option is to have completed at least one continuous year of full-time education at an AQF Bachelor level or above from an accredited institution, where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment. For those who still do not meet the requirements, there is the option to enroll in the University English Entry Course (UEEC) program.

Australian National University

Students must meet English language requirements beyond IELTS and TOEFL scores to be accepted into Australian National University. They also have the option to submit PTE or C1 scores. Additionally, individuals who have completed tertiary education at AQF Levels 5-10, senior secondary qualifications such as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), All India Senior School Certificate, German Abitur, and other relevant University preparation studies like English language programs, Foundation programs, and Other programs may also be considered for admission.

The University of Queensland

This is one of the most flexible universities for proving one’s English proficiency. Candidates can submit PTE, CES, or BE scores instead of IELTS or TOEFL scores. Candidates who had English as their medium of instruction in their past education, those who have any other English certificate, or have work experience in an English-speaking work environment will be exempt from providing an IELTS certificate as long as they can prove the same.

Victoria University

This university does not require candidates to submit proof of language proficiency if they have completed a previous educational qualification in English. They also accept PTE, C1, B2, and the First Certificate in English under Cambridge English as alternatives for IELTS.

Swinburne University of Technology

The Swinburne University of Technology accepts English tests like PTE Academic, CEF, DET, OET, and VCE English as alternatives to the IELTS. This institution also allows students to enroll in preparatory courses in English before their original course commences to compensate for their lack of language proficiency. Candidates can take the General English program or the English for Academic Purpose program, which has a duration of 50 weeks, as the preparatory course.

The University of Adelaide

Candidates who are high achievers will be exempted from the IELTS requirement as long as they are willing to take up English preparatory programs with a duration of 1 or 2 semesters at this university or submit PTE or C1 scores. Those who clear their first semester with high grades in English will not be required to continue with the preparatory course in their second semester.

The University of Southern Queensland

This university provides a unique option for language proficiency assessment, allowing candidates to submit PTE, C1, GCSE, ISE II Distinction, ISE III Pass, IELCA, Language Cert Academic, Language Cert Academic (SELT), Kaplan Test of English, or Password Skills Plus as alternatives to IELTS or TOEFL. If candidates cannot demonstrate their language proficiency, they may fulfill the requirements by enrolling in a preparatory English course before admission.

Bond University

Bond University allows candidates to prove their English language proficiency in ways other than submitting IELTS scores, including taking alternate tests like C1 advanced or PTE. The university also admits international students who have completed their secondary education in an institution where the medium of instruction was English or if they studied in countries like Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, etc.

The University of South Australia

Candidates applying to this university can either submit their IELTS scores or alternate language proficiency proofs like C1, C2, OET, and PTE. They also accept the CELUSA English Program Level 4 qualification from students. Candidates who have completed their previous education in Australia will not have to prove their proficiency in their language.

Macquarie University

This university recognizes PTE, C1, C2, OET, and DET scores in addition to IELTS and TOEFL. Furthermore, the university also admits students who have successfully completed Foundation programs, English Language Proficiency (ELP), and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs.

IELTS Requirement for Australian Student Visa

While Australian universities sometimes offer students an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores, this might not be the case for obtaining a student visa in the country. Since Australia is an English-speaking country, candidates must prove their language proficiency to stay there for educational or work purposes.

Non-native English speakers must submit their IELTS or TOEFL scores or other English test scores generally accepted by educational institutions in the country as part of their student visa application. One can take different tests, including CPE, OET, CAE, DET, and PTE. Suppose the candidate has gained admission to an Australian institution that does not require proof of English proficiency. In that case, they can submit the proof of admission to the institution instead.