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Minimum IELTS score to study in Australia universities in 2024
What IELTS score must international students achieve to get into a university in Australia or get an Australian study visa? If you’re looking to study abroad down under, you’ve landed on the right page.
Over the years, Australia has become a top study destination choice for students from all over the world – with world-class institutions, beautiful landmarks and vibrant culture. It also offers tremendous travel opportunities across the outback and diverse cities. In February 2024, there were 713,144 international students pursuing their studies in Australia.
For obtaining an Australia student visa, one crucial aspect is to meet the minimum IELTS score requirement for Australia. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) serves as a benchmark to assess an applicant's English language proficiency. While the specific minimum IELTS score for an Australia student visa may vary depending on the chosen program or institution, it is essential to understand the significance of achieving the required score to ensure a smooth visa application process and a successful academic journey in Australia.
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Minimum IELTS band score for Australia student visa
The minimum IELTS score required for Australia student visa varies depending on the level of study and the institution. Generally, for undergraduate programs, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is often required. For postgraduate programs, the requirement is typically higher, with a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0, and no band less than 6.0. It is important to note that these requirements can vary, and it is recommended to check with the specific institution or the Department of Home Affairs in Australia for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Course | Required IELTS band |
|---|---|
Undergraduate or Diploma | Overall band of 6 or 6.5 |
Overall band of 6 or 6.5 | Overall band of 6.5, and each section should have at least 6 bands |
Section-wise IELTS score for Australia study and work visa
The section-wise Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking IELTS score for Australia when applying for a study visa:
Visa Type | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Student Visa (Undergraduate) | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
Student Visa (Postgraduate) | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.06 | 6.0 | 6.5 or 7.0 |
Please note that these minimum IELTS scores for Australia student visas vary depending on the specific institutions and organisations. It is always recommended to check the official requirements provided by the Department of Home Affairs in Australia or with the respective universities to which you have applied for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities
If you’re planning to further your education in Australia, you’ll be required to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to prove your language proficiency in English. This test will also be important if you’re looking to work in Australia.
To qualify, you must obtain the minimum IELTS band score of 6.0 for an Australian study visa (subclass 500).
Let’s get right down to it! Read on for the minimum IELTS requirements according to the top-ranked universities in Australia.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2024
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assess universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook and industry income.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Melbourne | 37 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2 | Monash University | 54 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
3 | University of Sydney | 60 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
4 | Australian National University | 67 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | The University of Queensland | 70 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
6 | UNSW Sydney | 84 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
7 | University of Adelaide | 111 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
8 | The University of Western Australia | 143 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
9 | University of Technology Sydney | 148 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
10 | Macquarie University | 180 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
11 | Queensland University of Technology | 199 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
12 | Curtin University | 201 – 250 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Newcastle | 201 – 250 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
14 | Swinburne University of Technology | 201 – 250 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Wollongong | 201 – 250 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
16 | Deakin University | 251 – 300 | 6.0 | 7.0[IK1] |
17 | Griffith University | 251 – 300 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | La Trobe University | 251 – 300 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
19 | RMIT University | 251 – 300 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | University of Tasmania | 251 – 300 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
QS World University Rankings in 2024
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is also another global premier ranking system that rates universities by institution and subject through academic reputation, citation, faculty to student ratio, employer, international and sustainability indicators.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The University of Melbourne | 14 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2= | UNSW Sydney | 19= | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2= | The University of Sydney | 19= | 6.5 | 7.0 |
4 | Australian National University | 34 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | Monash University | 42 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | The University of Queensland | 43 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
7 | The University of Western Australia | 72 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Adelaide | 89 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
9 | University of Technology Sydney | 90 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
10 | Macquarie University | 130 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
11 | RMIT University | 140 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Wollongong | 162 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Newcastle | 173 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
14 | Curtin University | 183 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | Queensland University of Technology | 189 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
16 | Deakin University | 233 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
17 | La Trobe University | 242 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
18 | Griffith University | 243 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | Swinburne University of Technology | 285 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
20 | University of Tasmania | 307 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Read more: IELTS for Australia
Successfully study in Australia with IDP
If you’re looking to further your studies down under, we’re happy to help!
As a joint owner of the IELTS test, IDP has decades of experience in helping students to prepare for and take the test, and we can help you get to the Australian university of your dreams.
You’ll gain all the benefits at your fingertips, from a wealth of official IELTS preparation resources to convenient test locations, when you download the IELTS by IDP app.
Get started by booking your IELTS test today!
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