English language requirements and support

All studies undertaken under Australia Awards are in English and, for postgraduate studies at an Australian University, a high level of English proficiency is required.

English requirements for Masters Awards: Language proficiency is tested through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), an internationally recognised practical English language assessment used by those seeking international education. Alternatively, candidates requiring evidence of English language proficiency may also use Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results. If you are submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores with your application, they should not be more than one year old at the time you make your application.

To progress through the selection process to the ‘shortlisting’ stage, Masters Award applicants must meet a minimum English proficiency requirement equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 56.5, with no individual band score lower than 6.0. To then be eligible for a Masters Award, candidates must also meet the minimum level of English required by the Australian university they wish to attend..

The countries for which IELTS or TOEFL results are required for entry into an Australian university are subject to change, but currently include (but are not limited to) Francophone and Lusophone countries.  If your country is not on this list, you may still be required to provide an IELTS or TOEFL result as required by the particular university you are applying to or the course that you wish to study.

English language requirements for Australia Awards Africa Short Course Award candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English to participate in the programs. However, the level of competency required is lower than that of Australia Awards Scholarships. Additional English language support may be provided for those candidates who require it.