Typical Requirements for International Students

    Friday, 17 July 2020



    For those who want to study abroad and are thinking about universities in Australia, here is all the information you need to know.

    Every year more than 600,000 international students from 194 nationalities choose Australia as a place to study. Why? Australia's universities have international recognition and are well-known for their multicultural environment and beautiful landscapes.

    Due to their international popularity, Australian universities have rigorous enrollment requirements, especially for international students who speak English as a second language.

    If you want to make the most out of your study time in one of the best universities in Australia, you need to meet some entry requirements. There are some differences between the enrollment processes between different universities, but here is what they have in common.

    English language requirements
    All the universities in Australia feature degrees that are taught in English. To ensure your management of the language, some universities may ask you to do a test. This is important as you can prove you can understand the courses’ content. In order to achieve this level, you can take an international exam such as the following requirement that Victoria University requires if you want to enroll in a bachelor’s degree.

    • IELTS (Academic module): Overall score of 6.0 (no band less than 6.0) 
    • TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 67. Section score no less than: 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking 15 in Reading, 21 in writing.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 50-57 (no section scores less than 50)
    • University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169. No individual band less than 169.

    Some Universities offer their own English exam, so don’t worry if you had not taken any of the international exams above. In addition, there might be a difference between what the university asks you and the level of English to get your visa.

    Visa Requirements
    As before, there are some different requirements based on the course you want to study. To get a student visa you will need to:
    • Meet health and character requirements. 
    • Have an electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) certificate. 
    • Demonstrate English proficiency. Prove you have enough funds for airfares, course fees and living costs.
    • Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. This application is to ensure you are not using your visa for anything more than completing a course.
    • Provide evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover. This is a special system Australia has for international students to help them pay any medical and hospital care. You need to purchase it for you and any family member travelling with you before you arrive to Australia and pay it throughout your stay.  
    Academic requirements
    Universities in Australia can have different entry requirements, so you will need to read the website of the chosen university very carefully.

    Undergraduate courses: Australians who gain the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) are entitled to access to a bachelor’s degree. You should search the equivalent in your home country. Some courses have specific prerequisite subjects for international students.  

    Postgraduate courses: if you want to enroll in a master’s degree or a doctorate you must have completed at least one degree. The university also considers research ability and relevant work experience.