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Minimum IELTS score for an Australia student visa

by IDP IELTS India 17 July, 2023

Obtaining an Australia student visa is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to pursue their education in this most popular country. However, one crucial aspect that aspiring students must consider is meeting the minimum IELTS score requirement for Australia student visa. 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.

Minimum IELTS score to apply for an 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 6.0 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 requirements of the top universities in Australia

Some of the world’s top Australia universities are ranked in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings.

Here’s the IELTS requirement for Australia student visa scores by popular universities in the hub of academia:

S. No. University IELTS score
1. Australian National University 6.0
2. University of Sydney 6.5
3. University of Melbourne 6.5
4. University of New South Wales 6.5
5. Monash University 6.0
6. University of Queensland 6.5
7. University of Adelaide 6.5
8. University of Western Australia 6.5
9. University of Technology Sydney 6.0
10. Macquarie University 6.5

*Minimum IELTS score accepted, the requirement may vary with the course, hence do check when applying

Documents required for an Australia student visa

When applying for your Australia student visa to study, you will generally need to fulfil the Australia student visa requirement:

  • Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE)
  • A valid passport
  • Your visa application fee
  • Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
  • Academic and work experience documents
  • Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)
  • Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
  • Details of your health insurance policy (OSHC)
  • Passport-sized photographs

If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to provide additional documents such as parental consent.

*Please speak with your IDP experts for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Read more: IELTS accepting universities in Australia

Ensuring the validity of your visa in Australia

After obtaining your visa, it is important to take certain steps to maintain its validity. These include:

  • Stay enrolled in your chosen course and ensure satisfactory progress and attendance.
  • Provide your current Australian address to your university or college and inform them promptly if you change your address.
  • Continue to have sufficient financial resources to support yourself throughout your stay in Australia.
  • Adhere to the working conditions specified by your visa and avoid any violations.
  • If you wish to pursue a different qualification level, you will need to apply for a new student visa specific to Australia.

Feel free to reach out to us for an expert session. We can provide guidance on the entire visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IELTS test mandatory for obtaining an Australia student visa?
Does the minimum IELTS score vary depending on the level of study or the university?

Yes, the minimum IELTS score may vary depending on the level of study and the university you are applying to. Some universities or courses may have higher score requirements, especially for postgraduate programs. It is important to check with the specific institution and program you are interested in for their English language proficiency requirements.

If I have already completed a degree in English, do I still need to provide an IELTS score for an Australia student visa?

In most cases, if you have completed a degree in English from a recognised institution, you may be exempted from providing an IELTS score. However, it is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen institution and consult with the Department of Home Affairs for accurate information on your eligibility for an exemption.