UAC Postgraduate frequently asked questions

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English language proficiency FAQs

Important Downloads

  • Do I have to demonstrate proficiency in English?

    If you DO NOT have an assessable qualification that was undertaken in English from one of the following countries, you must provide proof of English proficiency:

    • American Samoa
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Fiji
    • Ireland
    • Kenya
    • New Zealand
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Singapore
    • Solomon Islands
    • South Africa
    • United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)
    • United States of America
    • Zambia.

    Being born in Australia or one of the countries listed does not automatically pass you for English proficiency. You must also have at least one assessable qualification from one of the countries listed.

  • What is an assessable qualification?

    Assessable qualifications from the countries listed above that may be accepted by institutions as satisfying English proficiency include:

    • senior secondary studies, comparable with the NSW HSC
    • one full year of Australian or comparable tertiary studies, including RATE associate diploma and diploma, associate degree, Bachelor degree and postgraduate studies
    • completed AQF diploma and Advanced diploma
    • Australian or comparable non-award studies and tertiary preparation courses, including NSW TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC), with a full-time equivalence of one year.

    The following qualifications may also be accepted by institutions as satisfying
    English proficiency if you were born in and undertook the qualification in one of the countries listed above:

    • other post secondary studies, including Certificate and Advanced Certificate
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Tests (STAT)
    • studies undertaken through professional organisations, including hospital-based training and armed forces training.

  • What do institutions accept as proof of proficiency in English?

    Download the Minimum English proficiency requirements.

  • Are there other tests and qualifications the institutions accept?

    There may be other tests and qualifications that institutions accept. Refer to the institution entries for more information.

  • What if I don’t have the required tests or qualifications?

    If you don’t have the required tests or qualifications, you can attempt 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.

  • How do I register for an English proficiency test?

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic Version

    The cost to sit IELTS is $310, plus 10% GST if applicable – check with the testing centre for further details.

    Australian Capital Territory IELTS test centres

    New South Wales IELTS test centres

    Administered in Armidale by:

    Administered in Newcastle by:

    Administered in Sydney by:

    Administered in Wollongong by:

    Queensland IELTS test centres

    Administered in Brisbane by:

    Administered in the Gold Coast by:

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

    • Administered by Thomson Prometric call (02) 9640 5899

    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 for the TOEFL examination or on the Score Report Request Forms for tests previously taken.

  • 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 providing documents to UAC FAQs for information about how to verify copies and how to send them to UAC.

  • What if I believe I can demonstrate my proficiency in English but cannot find the test or qualification?

    Write to the Admissions Office at each institution to which you are applying and include supporting documentation so that the institutions can determine whether the test or qualification is acceptable. The institutions will make a decision and will record that decision against your application.

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Institutions have different application closing dates and there are different closing dates within each Intake and for each course. Check the course search for information on closing dates for each institution, intake and course. Note that you must apply by the Main closing date listed to be guaranteed consideration of your application.