According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of full-fee-paying overseas students rose by 36.6% from 2022, reaching a total of 21,124 students.
Australia offers top-notch university education – with lots of flexibility and advantages for genuine candidates.
It houses a vibrant and multicultural setting attracting students from across the globe.
Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or a master’s program, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including specific exams.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top exams to study in Australia for undergraduates and postgraduates.
So, let’s discover what it takes to make your Australian study dream a reality.
What exams are required to study in Australia
To study in Australia, students are required to take two types of entrance exams to get into their desired universities.
One is English proficiency tests to assess their language skills, while the other assesses their knowledge in their field of study.
Let’s classify the exams below for your better understanding.
English language proficiency exams to study in Australia
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English)
- Duolingo English Test
Undergraduate exams to study in Australia
- UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test)
- STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test)
- ISAT (International Student Admissions Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- ACT(American College Testing)
Postgraduate exams to study in Australia
- GMAT(Graduate Management Admission Test)
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
So, to qualify and get into the university of your choice, you must take the exams mentioned above.
Exam fees can be paid through online fund transfers or debit/credit cards, but be aware of potential extra charges for late registration.
List of all the important exams required to study in Australia
You require an “Australian substantive visa” to work or study in Australia.
A substantive visa is a type of visa that the Australian government grants to individuals who wish to visit or stay in the country for a specific purpose.
You can’t apply for a student visa if you do not hold an eligible substantive visa.
Hence, ensuring you have all the necessary visas before starting your academic adventure in Australia is important.
Next, Australian entrance exams for undergrads and grads include English proficiency and subject-specific exams.
You may need to prove that your English language skills meet the requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) or an educational institution.
The tables below show the English language test providers and the minimum overall band scores you must achieve to meet the student visa English language requirement.
| English Language Test | Standard Program Minimum Score | 10-Week Program Minimum Score | 20-Week Program Minimum Score |
| IELTS | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based, pre-2023) | 64 | 46 | 35 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced | 169 | 162 | 154 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 42 | 36 |
| Occupational English Test | B in each component | B for each part | B for each section |
Let’s decode the exams one by one.
Language proficiency exam
IELTS
IELTS is accepted by the Australian immigration service, professional associations, schools, and colleges.
To meet the study in Australia IELTS requirements, international students typically need a minimum score of 6.5. Some universities also accept applications with a 5.5 score.
| Section | Total Time | Minimum Score Required | Note |
| Listening, speaking, reading, writing | 2 hours 45 minutes | 6.5 | Some universities accept a score of 5.5 |
TOEFL
The “Test of English as a Foreign Language” is another name for the TOEFL.
It contains four sections—reading, speaking, listening, and writing—and is accepted by Australian colleges. It is a lot like the IELTS exam.
Nevertheless, this exam requires four hours and twenty minutes, which is a lot longer than the IELTS.
However, as institutions are more likely to accept applications from applicants in this range, you should aim to score between 60 and 90.
| Exam | Sections | Total Time | Minimum Score Required |
| TOEFL | Reading, Speaking, Listening, Writing | 3 hours | 46 |
PTE Academic
The language exam is an alternative to IELTS. If you’re wondering “how to study in Australia without IELTS” then the PTE exam is the way to go.
It is recognized by all Australian universities.
The minimum score to apply to universities is 42; however, different Australian colleges have different requirements, therefore some also accept applicants with a 5.5 score.
| Test | Sections | Total Time | Minimum Score Required |
| Pearson Test of English Academic | Reading, Speaking, Listening, Writing | 3 hours | 42 |
CAE
Certificate in Advanced English is what CAE stands for.
There are four sections on this test: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
Three hours and fifty-five minutes are allotted to each student for the test.
For this exam, a minimum test score of 162 is required.
| Test | Sections | Total Time | Minimum Score required |
| CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) | Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking | 3 hours | 162 |
Language proficiency without IELTS
While IELTS is widely accepted, you might wonder, “Can I study in Australia without IELTS?”
Well, yes, you can.
For students from certain developing countries, like those wanting to study in Australia from Bangladesh without IELTS, there are ways, such as enrolling in ELICOS and other university-specific English programs.
Let us understand the few exceptions below:
- IELTS assessment is optional for international students who already have English-based education in Australia.
- Those who have worked in a company environment in Australia, minimum for at least two years.
- A certificate from the CBSE or AISSCE with a minimum grade of 65% may also be shown.
- Students who have bright academic records and have taken a language proficiency course before beginning their normal degree.
- Most Australian colleges accept TOEFL, PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores, and Cambridge Advanced over IELTs.
Exams to study undergraduate programs in Australia
Students who pursue an Australian Bachelor’s degree save up to 25% in their educational expenses.
With many scholarships and financial aid, most students from developing countries prefer joining undergraduate courses in Australia based on the stream of education they want to opt for.
UMAT
For international students wishing to pursue advanced studies in health sciences, medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, and optometry, the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) is a popular choice.
Administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research, this exam tests the aptitude of the students and their basic knowledge to get started in medical studies.
| Duration of Exam | 3 hours |
| Sections | It has 4 sections. |
| Fees | $240 (GST inclusive) |
| Validity | 1 year |
LSAT
The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is a test given by students willing to pursue law in their higher education. Mostly this entrance exam is required for students aiming for Graduate study in law schools.
This entrance exam is conducted in the traditional paper-and-pencil mode as well as through a computer. It has three sections containing reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and Analytical reasoning.
You can apply to law schools with these scores, GPA, credential assembly service application, letter of recommendation, internship certificate (if any), and personal statement. Law schools will analyze your document and give admissions accordingly.
| LSAT Test Dates | 7 times/year |
| LSAT Length | 3 hours, 30 minutes |
| LSAT Sections | It has 4 sections. |
| LSAT Cost | $200 |
| LSAT Score Range | 120–180 |
| LSAT Average Score | 151 |
ISAT
The ISAT, a computerized test lasting three hours and featuring multiple-choice questions, is aimed at international students aspiring to pursue degrees in medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy at universities.
Additionally, certain programs require ISAT scores from applicants belonging to specific groups. The test is open to individuals up to 26 years old.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is an evidence-based exam that will evaluate your reading, writing, and basic mathematics knowledge. The tests focus on a student’s analytical and problem-solving ability. Also, the exam is a testimony to whether a student has the critical thinking skills to study in Australian culture.
The SAT exam is also an important supporting document for students applying through a non-school leaver entrance pathway in the colleges of Australia.
ACT
Undergraduate applicants in the US and Canada must pass the ACT American College Test, a standardized exam, in order to be considered for admission. It evaluates the writing, mathematical, verbal, and scientific skills of applicants. A computer-based version of the ACT will take the place of the current paper-based form.
Exams for Australian Postgraduate Courses
GMAT
Securing a place in top-tier colleges is challenging. That’s where an exam like GMAT helps.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) helps universities admit high-caliber students into prestigious business studies programs.
The fee for this exam is USD 250.00.
Most of the Australian business schools accept GMAT scores as a part of their admissions guidelines.
| Exam Section | Questions Count | Types of Questions | Points Span | Section Duration |
| Essay Writing Review | 1 Topic | Argument Evaluation | 0 to 6 | 30 mins |
| Analytical Reasoning | 12 Items | Assessment of various data sources, graphical analysis | 1 to 8 | 30 mins |
| Math Skills | 37 Items | Problem-solving, Data Analysis | 0 to 60 | 75 mins |
| Reading & Reasoning | 41 Items | Comprehension, Evaluative Reasoning, Text Correction | 0 to 60 | 75 mins |
| Total Duration of Exam | 3 hrs 30 minswy |
MCAT
The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed and is in charge of the Medical College Admission Test, a standardized examination consisting of multiple-choice questions that help with medical school admissions.
Three sections comprise the test:
- The biological and biochemical bases of living organisms.
- Basic principles of biological systems: both physical and chemical.
- Critical analysis and reasoning skills in the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.
Top courses and universities to study in Australia
Australia’s higher education system boasts a similar model to the British system, offering a range of technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate qualifications through Colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and universities.
The country boasts over 1,100 higher education institutions, with 40 public universities, seven of which are among the top 100 universities globally.
Moreover, you can study master’s in Australia without IELTS with the advantage of practical orientation and vocational training.
These courses are meant to help students get ready for the workforce or to get started on a path toward higher education.
On the other hand, universities offer general bachelor’s degrees spanning three years, with the option to pursue an additional fourth year, known as ‘Honours,’ for students who have achieved sufficient academic merit.
Best courses to study in Australia
| Courses | |
| 1 | Masters of Engineering |
| 2 | Masters of Business Analytics |
| 3 | Masters of Business Administration |
| 4 | Masters of Accountancy |
| 5 | Masters of Architecture |
| 6 | Masters of Computer Science and Information Technology |
| 7 | Masters of Psychology |
Australian universities occupy top places in the top 100 of the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Below are a few universities that have been ranked at an all-time high.
Best Universities as per QS ranking in Australia
| QS Ranking of Australian Universities | |||
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) |
| 1 | The Australian National University | 34 | 30 |
| 2 | The University of Melbourne | 14 | 33 |
| 3 | The University of Sydney | 19 | 41 |
| 4 | The University of New South Wales | 19 | 45 |
| 5 | The University of Queensland | 43 | 50 |
Many Australian universities accept students without IELTS, including:
- University of Queensland
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Bond University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of Adelaide
- University of South Australia
- Macquarie University
- Victoria University
- Australian National University
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Why choose Australia as a country for your higher studies?
- Australia is home to 6 of the world’s top 100 universities and offers a wide range of courses, across 1,100 institutions.
- Degrees from Australian universities are valued worldwide, thanks to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which ensures high standards.
- Students can work part-time while pursuing their education with a subclass 500 visa, and after they graduate, they can apply for a subclass 485 visa to continue working in Australia.
- Home to people from over 200 countries, Australia offers a multicultural experience with a significant Indian student community.
- Australia is known for its research contributions, with 15 Nobel laureates and excellent support for student research projects.
FAQs
There are entrance exams for students to get admission to Australian Universities.
Generally, most Australian universities accept a minimum score of 42 for this particular exam. You’ll have to visit their sites to know more details as scores may vary among universities.
Yes, there are exemptions for the IELTS exam in Australia. But other conditions must be fulfilled like having alternate documents that will serve as proof of their English language skills.
The minimum score of IELTS is 6.5 overall for postgraduate and 6.0 for undergraduate.
One of the hardest academic tests in Australia and the UK is the GAMSAT, or “Graduate Medical School Admissions Test.
