The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

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.

Help me with the IELTS registration

minimum ielts score banner

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

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

Successfully study in Australia with IDP IELTS

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.

Book my test