Interested in studying in Australia? Start by reviewing the admission requirements for each of the programs you're 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.
Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory the student will be studying in. Academic performance and ability are 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.
Entry requirements vary by qualification. In some cases, there are no entrance exams for VET institutions. However, some courses require students to have previously studied specific subjects or completed work experience:
- Certificate I & II: Students can enroll without prerequisites (entry-level).
- Certificate III: Requirements vary; some require Year 10 completion, while others have no prerequisites.
- Certificate IV: Some require Year 12 completion; others are open enrollment.
- Diploma: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent is required for entry into most diploma courses.
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:
- Prerequisites: Students may need to have completed specified subjects (e.g., Year 12 Math for Engineering).
- GPA: Students must submit report cards/transcripts meeting the cumulative average requirements.
- Supplementary Info: Competitive courses often require a portfolio, resume, or interview.
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.
- Documents: CV/resume, research proposal, and references are standard.
- Tests: Graduate admission tests (e.g., GMAT) may be required for specific programs like MBAs.
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), Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) scores are the most commonly accepted language tests in Australia.
Minimum Score Guidelines
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. Institutions may set higher benchmarks, but the minimums for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) have increased to:
-
Undergraduate/Postgraduate (Standard):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (previously 5.5).
- PTE Academic: 50 overall (previously 42).
-
Through a Foundation/Pathway Program:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall (previously 5.0).
-
Through an ELICOS (English) Package:
- IELTS: 5.0 overall (previously 4.5).
Note: Always refer to the admission requirements for the specific course on the ApplyBoard Platform for the most accurate information.
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.
| Intake | Start Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1 |
Late February / Early March |
Primary Intake |
Semester 2 |
July |
Secondary Intake |
Trimesters |
February, May/June, September |
Used by many universities (3 terms) |