English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Adelaide. Therefore, you will need to be proficient in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English.

Demonstrating the required level of English language proficiency is a minimum requirement and your application will not be accepted if you do not meet this criteria. You can learn more and determine your eligibility at the links below. If you are a permanent resident, refer to “I am a domestic applicant”.

The University will not require English evidence for any applicant who is a citizen and holds a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The University will not require English evidence for any applicant who has satisfactorily completed study at a Bachelor degree level or above from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (English speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States for 1) at least one of the last two years preceding the date of commencement or 2) at least two of the last five years preceding the date of commencement.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency in the form of an English test that has been taken within the two years preceding the date of commencement.

The University accepts the following test types:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet Based Test
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic
  • C1 Advanced (formerly CAE - Cambridge English: Advanced)

Applicants wishing to enrol in the Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP) are required to meet the English requirements for Higher Degree by Research outlined at https://www.adelaide.edu.au/elc/our-courses/pre-enrolment-english-program-pep/how-many-weeks-of-pep-do-i-need/academic-english. Applicants who meet the English requirement by successfully completing the PEP are ineligible to be considered for a University scholarship.

Generally, if English is your first language, you are not required to provide further evidence of English language proficiency.

If English is not your first language, further evidence of English language proficiency will be required. You can provide evidence of the following:

  • Completion of tertiary studies at an institution where English is the medium of instruction, for a period of two years in the last five years or one year in the last two years
  • A satisfactory English test that has been taken within the two years preceding the date of commencement
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet Based Test
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic
  • C1 Advanced (formerly CAE - Cambridge English: Advanced)

All other English evidence will only be considered for eligibility upon the assessment of a submitted application and on a case-by-case basis. Unless you meet the above criteria, a valid test English result will be required at the time of submitting your application in order to avoid your application being withdrawn or deemed incomplete on a scholarship deadline.