Can you study in Australia without IELTS?

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If you are seeking to study abroad in English-speaking countries, you probably realise you will need to meet the country’s English language requirement - not just for the course entry but for the student visa as well.

In this article, we will go through the many routes of studying in Australia without the IELTS or at least helping to lower the IELTS requirement needed! <

Studying In Australia - The English Language Requirement

While IELTS is the common entry path to qualifying to study in Australia - there is a multitude of scenarios that allow you to be exempted from the English language requirements that include: <

1. Students who have completed at least 5 years of study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa or the Republic of Ireland. <

2. Citizens and passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland. <

3. Students who have enrolled full-time in school studies as a principal course, postgraduate research or a standalone ELICOS program. <

Apart from the IELTS certification, there are 4 other types of English language test accepted your Australian student visa applications: <

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test <

2. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) <

3. Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicOccupational <

4. Occupational English Test (OET) <

In addition, the test must have been completed no more than 2 years before you make your application. <

The minimum test scores required for your Australian student visa

English Language Test	Minimum Test Score Required	Minimum Test Score (If you have attended at least 10 weeks ELICOS)	Minimum Test Score (If you have attended at least 20 weeks ELICOS)
IELTS	5.5	5.0	4.5
TOEFL (Internet-based test)	46	35	32
CAE	162	154	147
PTE Academic	42	36	30
OET	Pass (A or B)	Pass (A or B)	Pass (A or B)

While the above scores allow you to successfully apply for an Australian student visa, the scores for your desired courses will most likely be higher and should be investigated separately. <

The importance of taking ELICOS

As seen, taking ELICOS will help you lower the score expectations of the rest of your tests.

But first, what is ELICOS?

It stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students and gives you the flexibility to not only study but explore Australia at the same time.

You can get to:

1. Study and learn English at your own pace

2. Learn from quality education providers that are regulated by the Australian Government

3. Apart from Australia, ELICOS is recognised in most parts of the English-speaking world, giving you even more flexibility of education choice

If you want to study in Australia without IELTS, enrolling in a standalone ELICOS program will be your best bet and at IDP, we can help you with that!

Helping you maximise your options to study in Australia

Depending on your circumstances, our education counsellors will be happy to assist you to chart the best path ahead to help you attain your student visa and course entry to your dream university. <

That could be through IELTS help to assist you to get the required application grades or select a suitable ELICOS course that suits your budget and lifestyle choice. <

At IDP, we have been helping students enter their dream course in Australian universities, handling the entire process from course selection and application, to financial preparations and accommodations. <

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