Australia is one of the top choices for students who want to study abroad. After the USA and UK, Australia is considered as the third most popular study destination for international students. It is home to the world’s eight most popular universities that comprises vocational universities and colleges with 22,000 courses available for international students. If you are presently exploring your Australian study options, you must be aware that the English language proficiency test is mandatory to obtain a student visa.
Is the English language proficiency test mandatory? Students will have to obtain English language proficiency requirements to obtain admission into the course of their choice and acquire an Australia student visa. Exempted students are those coming from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland.
Why English? Although Australia has no such official language yet, English is considered as the de facto national language of the country, spoken by the majority. English is mandatory for students as it helps them to cope comfortably with tutorials, assignments, examinations, and lectures.
What English language tests are accepted in Australia? The Australian Department of Home Affairs recognises 5 English language tests for student visa applications in Australia. These are: • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (paper-based test is accepted from limited countries) • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic • Occupational English Test (OET). It’s important to remember that for results to be accepted, the test must have been completed no more than two years before the application is made.
About the exams The different English tests consist of four sections that assess different aspects of language: speaking, listening, writing, and reading, all of them have different methodology:
What is the minimum test score required? Your required level of English language proficiency will vary depending on your desired institution and level of study, your country of citizenship and whether you plan to complete an ELICOS course upon arrival in Australia. For student visa applications, the table below outlines the minimum scores accepted for each test.
It’s important to note that while these are the minimum scores required for a student visa, you will likely need a higher score to gain entry to your course. For undergraduate courses, the following scores provide an indication of the minimum requirement at most universities:
Minimum scores vary considerably between institutions and levels of study, so it’s best to check with individual providers before you apply. Certain courses, such as nursing, education or law programs, tend to have stricter requirements, while requirements for Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are usually lower. If you don’t meet English language requirements, you may consider completing an ELICOS program to improve your English language skills.
What other options do you have to apply to your Course? • General English Course: You must study 10 weeks and achieve Upper Intermedia Level if you want to study a VET course. • English Placement Test: This free test seeks to determine your current English language proficiency by assessing your ability to write and read in English. Most of the colleges allow you to do the in-house English test if you do not have IELTS or PTE • Diploma or Ad. Diploma: If you want to study Bachelor the universities avoid the English Test requirement if you have done Diploma or Ad. Diploma in Australia in the last two years
Who is exempt from providing evidence with their visa application? Almost every international student needs to meet English language requirements to enrol in a course and to receive a student visa in Australia. But, there are a few exceptions when students don’t need to prove their English language proficiency. These exceptions are: • You are a citizen and hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland • You are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or, Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES) • You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course • You have completed at least 5 years’ study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland • In the 2 years before applying for the student visa, you completed, in Australia and in the English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa. Apart from these students, all other candidates need to prove their English language proficiency to study in Australia. Do you want to know more about Australian student visa requirements?
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