Minimum English Language Proficiency for Entry

As English is the language of instruction at the University of Adelaide, proficiency in speaking, listening to, reading and writing English is essential.

All domestic applicants for a Higher Degree by research must provide evidence of their English proficiency before an offer of a place is made.  Evidence of at least one year in the last two years, or two years in the last five years study in English in tertiary education at an Australian university is generally sufficient for this purpose.

Alternatively, applicants may be required to submit the results of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), undertaken within the last two years.  For details regarding the minimum test scores required, please refer to the tables below.

International students without the required level of English will need to satisfactorily complete an intensive program of English language before being admitted to the University of Adelaide. The University can arrange an appropriate English language program, the Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP), in Adelaide, at the English Language Centre.

The PEP provides an alternative entry pathway for prospective students who have received offers to the University of Adelaide conditional upon English proficiency. On successful completion of the PEP, students are granted direct entry into the University.

Students wishing to apply for a scholarship must already meet the University's English language requirements at the time of the scholarship closing dates.  They are not permitted to undertake a Pre-Enrolment English Program.  Students who intend to sit an IELTS or TOEFL must ensure that their results are provided prior to the closing date for scholarship applications.

Students wishing to apply for a University scholarship must provide evidence of minimum English language proficiency before the scholarship closing dates.

For more information about our English requirements, please consult this guide.

Note: Under the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements of the Australian Government immigration regulations, there are separate English language requirements for applications from Assessment Level 3-4 countries. More information Level 3 and Level 4.