At UniSC, courses are delivered in English.
Anyone intending to study at UniSC needs to meet the minimum English language requirements for their chosen program. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the means outlined in the three tables below.
UniSC has standard requirements that apply to most of its programs. In a small number of cases there are non-standard, program specific requirements.
English language proficiency for the programs listed in Table 2 may only be met by means of the criteria as set out in Table 2. No other evidence of English proficiency, including online or at home versions of the tests listed, will be considered for these programs.
UniSC's English Language Programs may also help students reach the required level.
Students seeking professional registration upon completion of a UniSC program should review the English language requirements under the relevant registration standard prior to making a decision regarding enrolment to ensure they will be able to meet the standard’s requirements.
- Table 1 - Standard English language requirements
Table 1 specifies the standard requirements that will be accepted for most programs
- Table 2 - Non standard English language requirements
Table 2 specifies the non-standard requirements that apply for specific undergraduate and postgraduate programs including the following:
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Environmental Management
- Bachelor of Medical Science
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Nursing Science
- Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Paramedicine
- Bachelor of Primary Education
- Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Social Work / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
- Master of Information and Communications Technology
- Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership)
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Master of Teaching (Primary)
- Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Table 3 - Country specific qualifications
Table 3 lists country specific qualifications (eg the DAAD certificate) and results that may also meet standard English language requirements.
English Language entry requirements for standard programs
English proficiency test results are regarded as valid for two years from the test date. Where more than one English proficiency test result has been submitted for assessment, UniSC may base its assessment on the most recent test.
These lists are not exhaustive. Other proof of English proficiency may be considered and applications are assessed individually.
Students progressing from the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program to an undergraduate program, will need to demonstrate the English language proficiency required for entry to the relevant undergraduate program as indicated in either Table 1 or 2.
Students progressing from the Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway (PQP) program to a postgraduate program, will need to demonstrate the English language proficiency required for entry to the relevant postgraduate program as indicated in either Table 1 or 2.
| Test or other preparation | Undergraduate (including undergraduate Study Abroad and TPP) | Postgraduate coursework (including PQP, postgraduate Study Abroad and Honours) | Higher Degrees by Research (including Master by Research and Doctoral degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each subtest | Overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest | Overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 76 with minimum score of 18 for writing | Overall score of 85 with minimum score of 21 for writing | Overall score of 85 with minimum score of 21 for writing |
| TOEFL: Paper-based | Overall score of 550 with minimum essay score of 4 | Overall score of 575 with minimum essay score of 4 | Overall score of 575 with minimum essay score of 4 |
| Pearson Test of English |
Overall score of 50 with no subscore less than 50 |
Overall score of 58 with no subscore less than 54 |
Overall score of 58 with no subscore less than 54 |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI)* |
Minimum 1 year full-time tertiary study, or 1 year full-time other post-secondary study, or 2 years full-time secondary study where the language of instruction is English, successfully completed in last 5 years in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America |
Minimum 2 year full-time tertiary study, or 2 year full-time other post-secondary study where the language of instruction is English, successfully completed in the last 5 years in one of the of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America |
Minimum 2 years full-time tertiary (university level) study where the language of instruction is English, successfully completed in the last 5 years in one of the of following countries: |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall score of 169 or above with no less than 162 in each skill |
Overall score of 177 or above with no less than 169 in each skill |
Overall score of 177 or above with no less than 169 in each skill |
| ISLPR (IIAA accredited)- (previously ASLPR) | 3 in all four skill areas | - | - |
| Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) | Successful completion with a minimum GPA of 2.3 | - | - |
| USC's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 | Successful completion | Successful completion | Successful completion |
| USC's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 3 | Successful completion | Successful completion | Successful completion |
*Meeting this requirement is usually sufficient however, the University reserves the right to ask for additional evidence of proficiency in certain instances.
English language entry requirements for non-standard programs
English language proficiency for the programs listed in Table 2 may only be met by means of the criteria in Table 2. No other evidence of English proficiency, including online versions of the tests listed, will be considered for these programs.
English proficiency test results are regarded as valid for two years from the test date, unless otherwise specified for the relevant program.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
| IELTS (Academic) |
Overall score of 7.0 with minimum of 7.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) |
LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary study or at least three years of Bachelor or Master level study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America and South Africa. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry
| IELTS (Academic) |
Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| TOEFL |
TOEFL iBT - overall score of 98, with 27 for writing, 24 for listening and reading, and 23 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English |
Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 65 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) |
An overall pass with no subscore less than B |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) |
Applicants must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for primary/secondary school studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. Post-secondary study will not be considered from any country. |
Bachelor of Midwifery*
* Program not available to international students on a Student visa
| IELTS (Academic) |
Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| TOEFL |
TOEFL iBT - overall score of 98, with 27 for writing, 24 for listening and reading, and 23 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English |
Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 65 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) |
An overall pass with no subscore less than B |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) |
Applicants must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for primary/secondary school studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. Post-secondary study will not be considered from any country. |
Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours)*, Bachelor of Paramedicine*, Bachelor of Medical Science*
* Program not available to international students on a Student visa
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper-based — overall score of 600 with minimum essay score of 5 iBT — overall score of 96 with minimum score of 24 for writing and 23 in all other sections |
| Pearson Test of English | Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 58 |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall score of 186 or above with no less than 177 in each skill |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Environmental Management, Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading and listening |
|---|---|
| TOEFL |
Paper-based — overall score of 600-617 with minimum essay score of 5.0 iBT — overall score of 100 with minimum score of 25 for writing and speaking and 23 in all other sections |
| Pearson Test of English | Overall score of 65 with minimum of 65 in writing and speaking and 58 in all other subtests |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall score of 186 with no less than 186 in speaking and writing, and no less than 177 in the other skills |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Primary Education, Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.5 with minimum 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in reading and writing |
|---|---|
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Master of Teaching (Primary), Master of Teaching (Secondary)
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.5 with minimum 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 all other subtests |
|---|---|
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LOI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least three years of tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United States of America. LOI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership), Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical)
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 7.0 with minimum of 7.0 in all other subtests |
|---|---|
| TOEFL |
Paper based - overall score of 785 with a writing score of 5.5 iBT - overall score of 105 with no subscore less than 25 |
| Pearson Test of English | Overall 65 with no subscore less than 65 |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall 185 or above with no less than 185 in each skill |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
Master of Information and Communications Technology, Master of Professional Accounting
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.0 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper-based — overall score of 550 with minimum essay score of 4 iBT — overall score of 76 with minimum score of 21 |
| Pearson Test of English |
Overall score of 50 with no subscore less than 50 |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall score of 169 with no less than 169 in each skill |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
| English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 | Successful completion of EAP 2 with a minimum overall score of 70% |
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper-based — overall score of 575 with minimum essay score of 4 iBT — overall score of 85 with minimum score of 21 for writing and 20 in all other sections |
| Pearson Test of English |
Overall score of 58 with no subscore less than 54 |
|
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021 |
Overall score of 177 or above with no less than 169 in each skill |
| Language of Instruction English (LOI) | LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. |
| English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 | Successful completion of EAP 2 with a minimum overall score of 70% |
Country specific qualifications
The qualifications and results listed should be used as a guide only and are an indication of minimum English language proficiency requirements. UniSC reserves the right to request additional proof of meeting English language requirements. If your qualification is not listed, or you would like to find out more information about whether or not your qualification could be used to meet English language requirements contact:
- International applicants: international@usc.edu.au
- Domestic applicants: information@usc.edu.au
Qualifications listed below, that are the equivalent to Australian Year 12, must be completed within the last five years, unless otherwise specified.
Tests listed below must have been completed within the last two years, unless otherwise specified.
| Test or other preparation |
Undergraduate (including undergraduate Study Abroad) |
Postgraduate coursework (including Honours and postgraduate Study Abroad) | Higher Degrees by Research (including Master by Research and Doctoral degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Austrian Maturity Certificate (Reifexeugnis/ Reifeprufungszeugnis / Matura /Maturazeugnis) |
GPA of 2 in English from the last three years of Austrian High School Diploma (completed in the last seven years) | GPA of 2 in English from the last three years of Austrian High School Diploma (completed in the last seven years) | NA |
|
Canada (Quebec) Ministerial Examination of College English Exam |
Minimum grade of B in all three criteria (Comprehension and Insight; Organisation of Response; Expression) | Minimum grade of B in all three criteria (Comprehension and Insight; Organisation of Response; Expression) | NA |
|
DAAD English language certificate |
Minimum B2 (4 stars) in all areas | Minimum grade of C1 (5 stars) in all areas | Minimum grade of C1 (5 stars) in all areas |
| Danish Upper Secondary School
(Studentereksamen) |
Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade of 10 in English B |
Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade of 10 in English B | Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade of 10 in English B |
|
Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency |
Grade of Pre‐1 | NA | NA |
|
Finnish High School |
Grade of 8 or better in English (13 point scale), 7 or better (9 point scale) or 4 or better (7 point scale) | NA | NA |
|
GCE Advanced level (A levels) *Awarded by an examining body registered with Ofqual |
Minimum grade of C in English | Minimum grade of C in English | Minimum grade of B in English |
|
German Senior High School Diploma (Abitur) |
Grade of 5 or better (15 point scale) in English in at least one of the three years of Senior High School (completed in the last seven years) | Grade of 5 or better (15 point scale) in English in at least one of the three years of Senior High School (completed in the last seven years) | NA |
|
Hong Kong Year 12 |
Minimum level of 3 for English | NA | NA |
|
Iceland Studentsprof |
Grade of 5.2 in English (on a 10 point scale) in the Icelandic Studentsprof from Gymnasium |
Grade of 5.2 in English (on a 10 point scale) in the Icelandic Studentsprof from Gymnasium |
NA |
|
International Baccalaureate |
English B – Higher level minimum grade 5, English A1 or A2 ‐ Higher/standard levels minimum grade 4, completed within the last two years |
English B ‐ Higher level minimum grade 5, English A1 or A2 ‐Higher/standard levels minimum grade 4, completed within the last two years |
NA |
|
Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) |
Grade of C+ in English |
NA |
NA |
|
Malaysia ‐ STPM, SPM, Cambridge English Language 1119 |
STPM ‐ Minimum grade of C in English in Literature SPM ‐ B pass in English Cambridge English Language 1119 ‐ Grade of C6 |
NA |
NA |
|
Netherlands – HAVO or VWO |
HAVO – a grade of 7 or better in English VWO – a grade of 6 or better in English |
HAVO ‐ a grade of 7 or better in English VWO – a grade of 6 or better in English |
HAVO ‐ a grade of 7 better in English VWO ‐ a grade of 6 or better in English |
|
Norwegian Upper Secondary School |
A grade of 4 or better in English in at least one of the three years of Upper Secondary School (completed in the last seven years) |
A grade of 4 or better in English in at least one of the three years of Upper Secondary School (completed in the last seven years) |
A grade of 4 or better in English in at least one of the three years of Upper Secondary School (completed in the last seven years) |
|
Papua New Guinea Upper Secondary School Certificate |
Successful completion of senior secondary studies |
NA |
NA |
|
South Africa ‐ National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate |
National Senior Certificate ‐ Grade of 5 in English Senior Certificate ‐ Matriculation endorsement and grade of C in English |
National Senior Certificate ‐ Grade of 5 in English Senior Certificate ‐ Matriculation endorsement and grade of C in English |
NA |
|
Swedish Upper Secondary School |
A grade of VG or MVG in final year English or Grade C or better in English 6 or English 7 (completed in the last seven years) |
A grade of VG or MVG in final year English or Grade C or better in English 6 or English 7 (completed in the last seven years) |
A grade of MVG in final year English (completed in the last seven years) |
English language proficiency requirements to apply for a Student visa
UniSC’s published entry requirements may differ from the English language proficiency required by the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) to be eligible for a Student visa. You can review the requirements here. If you will be required to provide proof of English language proficiency as part of your Student visa application, but you meet UniSC’s requirements, UniSC reserves the right to issue you a Conditional offer for your UniSC program based on your being able to demonstrate that you meet DOHA’s English language proficiency requirements.
English language proficiency requirements to apply for registration with a professional body
Registration with some professional bodies, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and qualifications recognition bodies, such as the Australian Institute for Teaching and Schools Leadership (AITSL), may have specific English proficiency requirements.
These requirements are separate from the English requirements for admission to the University, and may be more demanding than the University's entry requirements.
Check the information about registration with professional bodies provided on the program information pages of our website, or visit the website of the professional body of which you hope to gain membership.
Further information
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge Assessment (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency)
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021