Application Requirements and Deadlines

Have a student that’s ready to study in Australia? Start by reviewing the admission requirements for each of the programs that the student is interested in. To gain admission, students need to satisfy the academic requirements of the course and demonstrate the level of English language proficiency required by the institution.

Exact admission requirements can vary from institution to institution and from program to program. Requirements for the same programs can also change over time. Always check the admission requirements before applying.

Academic Requirements

Admission into a study course is dependent on the student’s past academic performance. Each institution specifies the minimum grades/marks or cumulative averages (GPAs) it will accept. In come cases, students also need to have completed one or more required subjects previously, known as prerequisite subjects.

School

Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory the student will be studying in. Academic performance and ability is considered during the application process. Students need to provide certified copies of their school reports from the last two years of study. A reference letter may also be required. Some schools, especially private schools, may require an entrance exam.

VET

Entry requirements vary by qualification. In most cases, there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses require students to have previously studied specific subjects or completed work experience:

• Students can enrol in Certificate I and Certificate II courses without any prerequisites. These are considered entry-level courses.
• Entry requirements vary for Certificate III courses, depending on the subject area. Some Certificate III courses require prior completion of Year 10 or equivalent, while others are available without any prerequisites.
• Requirements for admission into Certificate IV courses vary by subject area. Some courses require prior completion of Year 12 or equivalent, while others are open for enrolment without any formal academic requirements.
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent is required for entry into most diploma courses.

Undergraduate - Higher Education

To gain entry into an Australian undergraduate course, students need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Additionally:

• Students may need to have completed specified pre-requisite subjects for entry into some courses. For example, Year 12 level math (or equivalent) is required for admission into an undergraduate Engineering course.
• Students also need to submit their report cards or academic transcripts to show they meet the cumulative average/GPA requirements for admission.
• Supplementary information, such as a resume or a personal statement, are often required for admission into the more competitive courses.

Postgraduate - Higher Education

Completion of a Bachelor degree with satisfactory GPA is required to gain entry into an Australian postgraduate course. Institutions may take research ability or relevant work experience into consideration when granting admission.

Institutions may require supplementary documents, such as a CV/resume, research proposal, writing sample and/or references, as well as graduate admission tests, such as the GMAT, as part of the admission process.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Since English is the primary language of instruction in Australia, students applying from a non-English speaking country need to demonstrate English proficiency through an English language test as part of the admission process. Standardized English language tests evaluate students on their reading, listening, speaking and writing skills.

English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) scores are the most commonly accepted language tests in Australia.

Language test score requirements vary by institution and by program. Some institutions only look at the overall scores, while others have cut-offs for scores in each of the four skills sections. Typically, students applying to an undergraduate course need:

• IELTS scores between 6.0 and 6.5, with no band less than 5.5 or 6.0, or
• TOEFL (internet-based test, iBT) scores between 60.0 and 90.0 overall, or
• PTE Academic score between 50 to 64 overall, or
• CAE score between 169 to 176 overall, with no less than 169 in each category.

Language requirements are stricter for postgraduate and professional programs, and could be lower for some VET courses. Always refer to the admission requirements for the specific course on the ApplyBoard Platform for the most accurate information.

In some cases, students can satisfy the language requirements for admission by completing an ELICOS (English language) course prior to admission. Learn more about the English Language Courses in the Education Pathways for International Students section of this course.

Note: The Australian government requires students to meet its own English language requirements, which may differ from the scores required by the institution the student is applying to. Review the Student Visa English Language Requirements.

Application Deadlines

Those interested in studying in Australia can apply for admission multiple times in a year. Most institutions have two or more terms in a year, and accept new students each term.

The exact application deadlines vary by institution and by program as each institution has its own admission cycle. Courses that have a higher demand have quicker application deadlines, while other courses remain open until they fill up. In general, the final application deadlines are roughly two months before the start of the academic term.