Southern Cross University

English language proficiency

Southern Cross University recognises a number of English language tests as proof of English language proficiency. These are set out in the following tables, together with the minimum results required.

Make sure you also read about qualifications that usually satisfy ELP.

Undergraduate

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

7.5 overall (min. 8.0 in speaking and listening, 7.0 in reading and writing)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

Diploma must be awarded

  • Language of instruction must be English
  • Must be studied in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia or Zimbabwe
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)

3 passes in subjects undertaken at full Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 level

Australian TAFE and private provider studies

Completed AQF Diploma with at least 1 year of full-time equivalent study

SCU Preparing for Success Program

Completion of SCU's Preparing for Success program

ISLPR

Min. 4+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

6.5 overall (min. 6.5 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS 7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest) Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate Diploma must be awarded
  • Language of instruction must be English
  • Must be studied in one of the following countries; Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) or United States of America
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) 3 passes in subjects undertaken at full Advanced (A2) level in UK. Singapore A Levels not accepted.
Occupational English Test (OET) Grade B Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

If you are looking to apply for Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery courses, you must also satisfy the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council’s English language proficiency requirements.

Test/QualificationMinimum result required Conditions
IELTS

IELTS Indicator online test: not accepted

7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International BaccalaureateDiploma must be awarded
  • Language of instruction must be English
  • Must be studied in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) or United States of America
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK)

3 passes in subjects undertaken at full Advanced (A2) Level in UK

Singapore A Levels not accepted
Australian TAFE and private provider studies

Completed AQF Advanced Diploma with at least 2 years of full-time equivalent study

OET

Grade B

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

Score of 8.0 (min. 8.0 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate Diploma must be awarded
  • Language of instruction must be English
  • Must be studied in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia or Zimbabwe
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)

3 passes in subjects undertaken at full Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 level

Australian TAFE and private provider studies

Completed AQF Diploma with at least 1 year of full-time equivalent study

ISLPR

Min. 4+ in each of the areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
IELTS

Diploma of Health in Nursing, Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology, Osteopathic Studies and Occupational Therapy

6.5 overall (min. 6.5 in each subtest)

Diploma of Health in Naturopathic Studies, Community Welfare

6.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

All other diploma courses

5.5 overall (min. 5.5 in writing, 5.0 in speaking, reading and listening)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 60 (min. 17 in writing and speaking, 11 in reading and listening)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS

6.0 overall (min. 5.5 in each subtest)

Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 50 overall Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

SCU welcomes graduates of the International Baccalaureate from around the world. English requirements are affected by a range of factors.

Contact SCU Admissions on 1800 626 481 or admissions@scu.edu.au for consideration of individual cases.

GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) 3 passes in subjects undertaken at full Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 level
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) 169
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
ISLPR Min. 3+ in each of the four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Professional experience For professional experience, contact SCU Admissions Office on 1800 626 481 or admissions@scu.edu.au
CEFR B2
Senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary study Senior secondary study to the equivalent of Australian year 12 or completion of at least 1 year of full-time equivalent study at AQF Diploma equivalent or higher
  • Language of instruction must be English
  • Must be studied in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe
SCU Preparing for Success Program Completion of SCU's Preparing for Success program
Overseas qualifications For overseas qualifications, contact SCU Admissions Office on 1800 626 481 or admissions@scu.edu.au
Other qualifications

For further information, visit the Southern Cross University website.

Contact SCU Admissions Office on 1800 626 481 or admissions@scu.edu.au.

General information for Southern Cross University

Courses available

Undergraduate

Location

Lismore Campus
Military Road, East Lismore NSW 2480

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Important dates

Academic calendar

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Educational Access Schemes

Financial assistance

Equity Scholarships

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