English language proficiency
As part of the entry requirements for undergraduate academic programs offered by institutions participating through UAC International, you must demonstrate proficiency in English as follows.
Australian Year 12 qualifications
You must qualify for the measure of overall achievement. Read secondary studies for more information on the measure of overall achievement and eligibility requirements.
International applicants, who are applying to ANU and completing the ACT Year 12 Certificate from 2012 onwards, are required to achieve a result of at least 170 in English as a Second Language major or any result in an English T major.
New Zealand (NCEA) Level 3
You must qualify for an Interstate Transfer Index (ITI) and have fulfilled university entrance requirements as set by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). NZQA calculates the ITI and doesn't release it to applicants. Queries on this ITI and on requirements for university entrance should be made to NZQA.
International Baccalaureate
You must be eligible for award of the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Bilingual Diploma.
Note: The Australian Government has separate English language requirements for students applying for student visas from some countries. For more information, visit the website of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Additional requirements for IB diploma undertaken outside Australia
If you didn't undertake your IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma in one of the following countries, you must provide proof of English proficiency:
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Canada (Applicants studying the IB in Quebec need to undertake English A2 at higher or standard level to meet ANU’s requirements)
- Fiji
- Ireland
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)
- United States of America
- Zambia.
What do institutions accept as proof of proficiency in English?
In the English language proficiency table institutions have outlined the tests and qualifications they accept as proof of proficiency in English. Read these requirements carefully.
What if I don’t have the required tests or qualifications?
If you don’t have the required tests or qualifications, you can sit an English proficiency test. If you need to sit a test, submit your UAC application first and include details of your proposed test in the English language proficiency question. Provide UAC with a verified copy of your results as soon as you receive them.
What if I believe I can demonstrate my proficiency in English but can't find the test or qualification in the following table?
If you believe that you can demonstrate your proficiency in English but your tests or qualifications aren’t mentioned in the following table or on UAC’s website, contact the institution directly.
Don’t send this information to UAC – we can't make decisions about your English proficiency on behalf of institutions.
How do I register for an English proficiency test?
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) – Academic Version
Sitting IELTS outside Australia
For information on the cost to sit IELTS outside Australia, test dates and testing centres near you, visit the IELTS website.
Sitting IELTS inside Australia
The cost to sit IELTS is $330, plus 10 per cent GST if applicable – visit the IELTS website.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Sitting TOEFL outside Australia
For information on the cost to sit TOEFL, test dates and testing centres near you, visit the ETS website.
Sitting TOEFL inside Australia
For information on the cost to sit TOEFL, test dates and testing centres near you, visit the ETS website.
UAC’s TOEFL Designated Institution code is 8619. If you want your results to be sent directly to UAC, enter this code on your answer sheets when you sit the TOEFL examination or on the Score Report Request Forms for tests previously taken.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Academic
For details on the PTE Academic, costs, test venues and dates, visit the Pearson website.
How do I provide results of my test to UAC?
You must provide UAC with a verified copy of your results as soon as you receive them. Read the providing printed documents to UAC FAQs for more information.
