UNSW Sydney

English language proficiency

UNSW 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. These tables relate to courses offered at both the Sydney and Canberra (ADFA) campuses.

PTE Online, IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT home edition and OET@Home tests are not assessed.

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

Undergraduate

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Specific courses in this group

B Actuarial Studies 
B Actuarial Studies (Co-op)
B Applied Exercise Science/M Clinical Exercise Physiology 
B Commerce 
B Commerce (International) 
B Commerce (Co-op) 
B Commerce/B Adv Maths (Hons) 
B Economics 
B Economics/B Advanced Maths (Hons) 
B Economics/B Advanced Science (Hons) 
B Economics/B Computer Science
B Engineering (Hons)/B Commerce
B Exercise Science/M Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology 
B Information Systems 
B Information Systems (Co-op) (Hons)
B Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (including double degree)
B Pharmaceutical Medicine/M Pharmacy
Double Actuarial Studies (all courses)
Double Commerce (all courses)
Double Economics (all courses)
Double Law (all courses) including Double Law (426000), B Psych (Hons)/B Laws (426060) and B Actuarial Studies/B Laws (426080)
 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary 
educational institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institution.
 
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening & speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
 
IELTS 
 
7 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic65 overall (min. 54 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)No minimum grade required. English medium is assumed and ELP is met. 
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE185 (min. 169 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE185 (min. 180 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPMA in Literature (920)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE5 in English Language or Literature in EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma 
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component 
UNSW Foundation YearCompletion of program with a minimum grade of B in Academic English 
International Foundation YearSuccessful completion of an International Foundation Year with a minimum grade of B or 80% in English from one of the following universities: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western AustraliaPlease note that ANU Foundation students need to complete Advanced Academic English and UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
Other

Contact the UNSW Admissions Office if you have completed assessable overseas senior secondary studies from/in a non-English speaking country, but completed all schooling up to and including Year 10 in Australia

Further information on UNSW English language proficiency requirements

 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institution and comply with the NESA English Language Proficiency Requirements and provide the necessary evidence when you apply for provisional and conditional accreditationGained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

B Education (Secondary): Internet-based score: 94 (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, 27 in listening, 24 in speaking)

B Education (Primary) (Honours): Internet-based score: 102 overall (min. 27 in writing, 24 in reading, 28 in listening, 26 in speaking)
 

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTSB Education (Secondary): 7.0 overall (min. 6.5 in writing and reading, 7.5 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 7.5 overall (min 7.0 in writing and reading, 8.0 in speaking and listening)
Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE AcademicB Education (Secondary): 65 overall (min. 58 in writing and reading, 73 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 73 overall (min. 65 in writing and reading, 79 in speaking and listening)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)No minimum grade required. English medium is assumed and ELP is met. 
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

B Education (Secondary): 185 (min. 176 in writing and reading, 191 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE 
 

B Education (Secondary): 185 (min. 180 in writing and reading, 191 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPMA in Literature (920)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE5 in English Language or Literature in EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
UNSW Foundation YearCompletion of program with a minimum grade of B+ in Academic English 
International Foundation YearSuccessful completion of an International Foundation Year with a minimum grade of B+ or 85% in English from one of the following universities: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia
 
Please note that ANU Foundation students need to complete Advanced Academic English and UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
OtherContact the UNSW Admissions Office if you have completed assessable overseas senior secondary studies from/in a non-English speaking country, but completed all schooling up to and including Year 10 in Australia

Further information on UNSW English language proficiency requirements
 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institution.Gained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 overall (min. 27 in writing, 24 in reading and listening, 23 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 4 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 5 in IB English A at Standard Level or Grade 7 in IB English B at Higher Level

Diploma must be awarded
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)No minimum grade required. English medium is assumed and ELP is met. 
C1 Advanced, formerly CAENot acceptedOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPENot acceptedOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPMC pass in 920 EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE4 in English language or Literature in EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma 
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component 
UNSW Foundation YearCompletion of program with a minimum grade of C+ in Academic English 
International Foundation YearSuccessful completion of an International Foundation Year with a minimum grade of C+ or 70% in English from one of the following universities: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western AustraliaPlease note that ANU Foundation students need to complete Advanced
Academic English and UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
Other

Contact the UNSW Admissions Office if you have completed assessable overseas senior secondary studies from/in a non-English speaking country, but completed all schooling up to and including Year 10 in Australia

Further information on UNSW English language proficiency requirements

 

Specific courses in this group

B Social Work (Hons)/B Arts
B Social Work (Hons)/B Crime & Criminal Justice
B Social Work (Hons)/B Laws
B Social Work (Hons)/B Social Sciences
 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institution.Gained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

 

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS7 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded
 
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)No minimum grade required. English medium is assumed and ELP is met. 
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE185 (min. 185 in each subtest)
 
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE 
 
185 (min. 185 in each subtest)
 
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPMA in Literature (920)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE5 in English Language or Literature in EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced DiplomaOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing componentOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
UNSW Foundation YearCompletion of program with a minimum grade of B in Academic English 
International Foundation YearSuccessful completion of an International Foundation Year with a minimum grade of B or 80% in English from one of the following universities: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia
 
Please note that ANU Foundation students need to complete Advanced Academic English and UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
OtherContact the UNSW Admissions Office if you have completed assessable overseas senior secondary studies from/in a non-English speaking country, but completed all schooling up to and including Year 10 in Australia

Further information on UNSW English language proficiency requirements
 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institution.Gained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 90 (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening & speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic64 overall (min. 54 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 4 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 5 in IB English A at Standard Level or Grade 7 in IB English B at Higher Level

Diploma must be awarded
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)No minimum grade required. English medium is assumed and ELP is met. 
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE176 (min. 169 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE180 (min. 180 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPMC pass in 920 EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE4 in English language or Literature in EnglishOnly results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma 
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component 
UNSW Foundation YearCompletion of program with a minimum grade of C+ in Academic English 
International Foundation YearSuccessful completion of an International Foundation Year with a minimum grade of C+ or 70% in English from one of the following universities: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western AustraliaPlease note that ANU Foundation students need to complete Advanced 
Academic English and UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
Other

Contact the UNSW Admissions Office if you have completed assessable overseas senior secondary studies from/in a non-English speaking country, but completed all schooling up to and including Year 10 in Australia

Further information on UNSW English language proficiency requirements

 

International Year 12s

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Specific courses in this group

B Actuarial Studies
B Applied Exercise Science/M Clinical Exercise Physiology 
B Commerce 
B Commerce (International) 
B Commerce/B Adv Maths (Hons) 
B Economics 
B Econ/B Adv Maths (Hons) 
B Economics/B Adv Sc (Hons)
B Engineering (Hons)/B Commerce
B Exercise Science/M Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology 
B Information Systems
B Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (including double degree)
B Pharmaceutical Medicine/M Pharmacy 
Double Actuarial Studies (all courses)
Double Commerce (all courses)
Double Economics (all courses)
Double Law (all courses) including Double Law (426000), B Psych (Hons)/B Laws (426060) and B Actuarial Studies/B Laws (426080)
 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, listening & speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS7.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic65 overall (min. 54 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

Diploma must be obtained within 2 years of the course start date

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)

OR


If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded and obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE185 (min. 169 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE185 (min. 180 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

B Education (Secondary): Internet-based score: 94 (min. 25 in writing, 23 in reading, 27 in listening, 24 in speaking)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): Internet-based score: 102 overall (min. 27 in writing, 24 in reading, 28 in listening, 26 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS B Education (Secondary): 7.0 overall (min. 6.5 in writing and reading, 7.5 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 7.5 overall (min 7.0 in writing and reading, 8.0 in speaking and listening)
Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic B Education (Secondary): 65 overall (min. 58 in writing and reading, 73 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 73 overall (min. 65 in writing and reading, 79 in speaking and listening)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International BaccalaureateDiploma must be obtained within 2 years of the course start date

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded and obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE B Education (Secondary): 185 (min. 176 in writing and reading, 191 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE

B Education (Secondary): 185 (min. 180 in writing and reading, 191 in speaking and listening)

B Education (Primary)(Honours): 191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)

Only 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: 94 overall (min. 27 in writing, 24 in reading and listening, 23 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

IELTS

7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)

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

PTE Academic

65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

International Baccalaureate

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 4 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 5 in IB English A at Standard Level or Grade 7 in IB English B at Higher Level

Diploma must be awarded

C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

Not accepted

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE

Not accepted

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Specific courses in this group

B Social Work (Hons)/B Arts
B Social Work (Hons)/B Crime & Criminal Justice
B Social Work (Hons)/B Laws
B Social Work (Hons)/B Social Sciences

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 24 in listening and reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 7 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest) Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International BaccalaureateDiploma must be obtained within 2 years of the course start date

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)


OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 5 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 6 in IB English A at Standard Level

Diploma must be awarded and obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE 185 (min. 185 in each subtest) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE

185 (min. 185 in each subtest)

Only 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: 90 (min. 23 writing, 22 reading, listening and speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 64 overall (min. 54 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International BaccalaureateDiploma must be obtained within 2 years of the course start date

If English is the main language of instruction: ELP is met, no minimum grade required (find an IB World School)

OR

If English is not the main language of instruction: Grade 4 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 5 in IB English A at Standard Level or Grade 7 in IB English B at Higher Level

Diploma must be awarded and obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

176 (min. 169 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE

180 (min. 180 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Postgraduate

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Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Educational Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institutionGained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 90 overall (min. 23 writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma 
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
Tertiary studySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Educational Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institutionGained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 25 writing, 23 in reading, listening and speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS7.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)Only academic results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic65 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE185 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE185 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
Australian TAFE and private provider studiesCompleted AQF Diploma or Advanced Diploma 
UNSW University English Entry Course (UNSW UEEC)Successful completion with a minimum overall grade of B and a minimum grade of C in the writing component 

Test/QualificationMinimum result requiredConditions
TertiarySuccessfully completed a minimum of one year of full-time study at AQF Bachelor level from a recognised university in an English-speaking country or other tertiary educational institution listed in the World Higher Educational Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of institutionGained within 2 years of the course start date
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 102 overall (min. 27 in writing, 24 in reading, 28 in listening, 26 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS7.5 overall (min. 7.0 in writing and reading, 8.0 in speaking and listening)Only academic results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic73 overall (min. 65 in writing and reading, 79 in speaking and listening)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE191 overall (min. 185 in writing and reading, 200 in speaking and listening)Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

General information for UNSW Sydney

Location

Future Students Office

UNSW Sydney NSW 2052

View all campus locations

Phone

1300 UNI NSW (1300 864 679)

or +61 2 9385 1844 (international)

View all contact details

Important dates

Academic calendar

Entry schemes via UAC

Educational Access Schemes

Financial assistance

Equity Scholarships

Other scholarships & schemes