QTAC Information Sheet

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English Language Proficiency

Courses offered through QTAC are conducted in the English language and require students to have proficiency in the English language.  If your first language is not English and you have not previously undertaken either senior schooling or higher study in the English language, you must demonstrate your English language proficiency.  Prospective international students should contact the institution directly for more information on satisfying English language proficiency requirements.

English Language Proficiency Tests (Academic)

As an overall guide, universities and colleges may accept one or all of the following to demonstrate English Language proficiency: 

  • IELTS - International English Language Proficiency Testing System
  • TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign Language
  • ISLPR - International Second Language Proficiency Rating
  • STAT - Special Tertiary Admissions Test

Please refer to the table below for a guide to institution specific requirements.  As policies can change, it is important you contact the admissions office of the institution you wish to apply to, in order to confirm the institution-specific consideration of the available examinations.

Testing Centres - Contact Details

To arrange to sit one of the tests mentioned in this table, please contact the numbers listed below:

  • IELTS (International English Language Proficiency Testing System) - examinations are held at the following centres:  CQUniversity - Rockhampton (07) 4930 9790; International House - Cairns (07) 4031 3466; Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (07) 5581 8340; James Cook University - Townsville (07) 4781 5390; Queensland University of Technology International College (QUTIC) - Kelvin Grove (07) 3138 7321; University of New England (02) 6773 3388; The University of Queensland (07) 3365 6565 and University of the Sunshine Coast (07) 5459 4570.  For more information, visit www.ielts.org
  • ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) - examinations are held at the ISLPR Language Services, Eight Mile Plains - (07) 3423 2505. For more information, visit www.islpr.org
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - for information, visit www.toefl.org
  • STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) - examinations are held at QTAC, please see STAT and How to Register for more information. 

Other Studies or Qualifications

While other studies or qualifications may be satisfactory, it is important that you contact the relevant institution to check if the qualifications that you hold are sufficient for the purpose of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Demonstrating English Language Proficiency - Institutional Policies

Please refer to the following table for a guide to institution requirements.  The table contains information regarding tests and results required for satisfying the English language proficiency requirement as notified to QTAC by institutions.  It is important to contact the admissions office of the institution you wish to apply to for further information about their English language proficiency policies.

Institution

IELTS - Academic Version

ISLPR
(formerly ASLPR)

TOEFL
PBT = Paper Based Test
CBT = Computer Based Test*
IBT = Internet Based Test

STAT
Special Tertiary Admissions Test

Other

Australian Catholic University

 

Master of Teaching, Grad Dip of Ed, Education, Teaching, Psychological Science: overall score of 7.0 (min. of 7.0 in each subtest).

Physiotherapy: overall score of 7.0 (min. of 6.5 in each subtest).

Nursing, Midwifery:
6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).


All other courses:
6.0 or better overall (min. of 6.0 for writing & speaking, min. of 5.5 for listening & reading).

 

Test results valid for two years.

Not satisfactory.

 

Master of Teaching & Grad Dip of Ed, Education, Teaching, Psychological Science: 600 or better with TWE rating of 5.5 (PBT) or 100 or better (min. 25 writing, reading, listening, speaking) (IBT).

Physiotherapy: 600 or better with TWE rating of 5.0 (PBT) or 100 or better (min. 25 writing, reading, listening, speaking) (IBT).

Nursing, Midwifery: 577 or better overall & min. TWE score of 5.0 (PBT) or 90 (min. 25 - writing) (IBT).

All other courses: 550 or better overall & min. TWE score of 4.5 (PBT) or 79 (min. 22 - writing) (IBT).

Test results valid for two years.

 

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - 156 or better in the verbal sub score.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - 155 or better in the verbal sub score.

 

 

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

 

Australian Maritime College

 

6.0 or better overall

(min. of 5.5 in each subtest).

 

Test results valid for two years.

Not satisfactory.

 

550 or better overall & min. TWE score of 4.5 (PBT) or 88 (min. 20 in all sub-scores.


Test results valid for two years.


Not satisfactory.

 

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

Other evidence may be satisfactory; contact AMC.

 

Bond University

 

Medicine, Social Science (Psych), Social Science (Psych) w/Hons, Counselling, Behaviour Management:
7.0 or better overall (min. of 6.5 in each subtest).

Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Forensic Science, Sports Science: 7.0 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest)

All undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (excluding those listed above): 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.5 for writing & min. of 6.0 for all other subtests).

All other courses: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

Test results valid for two years.

 

Not satisfactory.

 

Medicine, Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Sports Science, Social Science (Psych), Social Science (Psych) w/Hons, Counselling, Behaviour Management: 627 or better overall & min. TWE score of 5.0 (PBT) or 108 or better overall (min. 26 - writing) (IBT).

All undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences (excluding those listed above): 570 or better overall & min. TWE score of 5.0 (PBT) or 89 or better overall (min 23 – writing & min. 20 in all other sections) (IBT).

All other courses: 570 or better overall & min. TWE score of 5.0 (PBT) or 89 or better overall (min. 22 - writing & min. 20 in all other sections) (IBT)

Test results valid for two years.

 

Not satisfactory.

 

Other evidence may be satisfactory; contact Bond University Office of Recruitment and Admissions 1800 074 074.

 

CQUniversity

 

Engineering: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

Nursing: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 5.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (min. of 5.0 in each subtest).

 

Not satisfactory.

 

550 or better overall & min. TWE score of 4.5 (PBT) or 213 or better overall & min essay rating of 4.5 (CBT) or 79 or better overall (min. of 22 - writing) (IBT).

Overall score of 155 or better & must be 18 on or before 31 December in year of tertiary application.

 

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

Christian Heritage College

 

6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

 

Test results valid for two years.

Not satisfactory.

 

575 or better overall (PBT) or 90 or better overall with no subscore lower than 20 (IBT).

Test results valid for two years.

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - 156 or better in the verbal sub score.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - 155 or better in the verbal sub score.

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 3.75 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

Endeavour College of Natural Health

not applicable.

Griffith University

 

All Education programs: 7.0 or better overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest).

Criminology and Criminal Justice (including all combined degrees), Law (including all combined degrees), Medical Science, Nursing programs, Midwifery, Nutrition & Dietetics, all Oral Health programs & Pharmaceutical Science: 7.0 or better overall (min. 6.5 in each subtest).

Aviation: 6.5 or better overall (min. 6.5 listening, 7.0 speaking, 5.5 others).


All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (min. 5.5 in each subtest).

 

 

Test results are only valid for two years.

All Education programs: not satisfactory.

Aviation, Criminology and Criminal Justice (including all combined degrees), Law (including all combined degrees), Medical Science, Nursing programs, Midwifery, Nutrition & Dietetics, all Oral Health programs & Pharmaceutical Science: 3+ or better in each skill.

All other courses: 3 or better in each skill.

 

 

 

Test results are only valid for two years.

All Education, Nursing programs & Midwifery: not satisfactory.

Criminology and Criminal Justice (including all combined degrees), Law (including all combined degrees), Medical Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, all Oral Health programs & Pharmaceutical Science: 580 or better overall (PBT) or 237 or better overall (CBT) or 92 with reading 19, listening 19, a min. of 22 writing (IBT).

Aviation: 580 or better overall (PBT) or 237 or better overall (CBT)

or 92 with min. of 22 writing and no other scorer less than 19 (IBT).


All other courses: 550 or better overall (PBT) or 213 or better overall (CBT) or 79 with min. writing score of 22 and no other score less than 19 (IBT).

Test results are only valid for two years.

Not satisfactory.

 

A min. of one year of successful degree study (GPA of at least 4.00) where the language of instruction was English.

Completed AQF Diploma or successful completion of at least one year full-time study at RATE Associate Diploma or RATE Diploma (not satisfactory for education programs).

 

James Cook University

 

Education, Medicine, Veterinary Science: 7.0 or better overall (min. of 7.0 in each subtest)

Speech Pathology:

7.0 or better overall (min. writing - 6.0, min. speaking - 8.0 & min. reading & listening - 7.0)

Law, Nursing Science (pre & post registration), Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology,Sport & Exercise Science: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (min. of 5.5 in each subtest).

Not satisfactory.

 

Education, Medicine, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science: 577 or better overall & a min. TWE score of 5.5 (PBT) (627 or better overall for Medicine) or 233 or better overall with min. essay rating - 5.5 (CBT) or 91,min of 23 in written band (IBT).

Law, Nursing Science (pre & post registration), Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Sport & Exercise Science: 570 or better overall with a min. TWE score of 4.5 (PBT) or 230 or better overall with a min. essay rating of 4.5 (CBT) or 88, min. writing score of 21 (IBT).

All other courses: 550 or better overall & min. TWE score of 4.0 (PBT) or 213 or better overall with a min. essay rating of 4.0 (CBT) and 79 with a min. writing score of 19 (IBT).

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - 154 or better in the verbal sub score and must be 18 by 1 February for Semester 1 entry or 1 July for Semester 2 entry.

 

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - 152 or better in the verbal sub score and must be 18 by 1 February for Semester 1 entry or 1 July for Semester 2 entry.

 

 

Successful completion of an AQF Cert III or IV or JCU's Tertiary Access program (HuTAC). These are not satisfactory for Medicine/Surgery, Dental Surgery, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science & Pharmacy)

A minimum of one semester full-time equivalent tertiary study (diploma or higher) (GPA of 4 or above) where the medium of instruction was English.

Qantm College

 

Bachelor programs: 6.0 or better overall (minimum of 5.5 in each subtest).

All other programs: 5.5 or better overall (minimum of 5.0 in each subtest).

3 or better in all four skills.

 

530 or better overall (PBT), or 200 or better overall (CBT) or 73 or better overall (IBT).

 

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 158 or 156 or better in the verbal sub score.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 160 or 155 or better in the verbal sub score.

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

Other evidence may be acceptable; contact Qantm College 1300 136 933

 

Qld Institute of Business and Technology

 

5.5 or better overall (min. of 5.0 in each subtest).

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

2+ or better overall (min. 2+ (2.50) in each subtest).

 

525 or better overall (PBT), or 195 or better overall (CBT) or 69 or better overall (IBT).

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 156 or better.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 152 or better.

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) in an English speaking country where the language of instruction was English.

Other evidence may be satisfactory; contact QIBT Admissions (07) 3735 6900.

 

Qld University of Technology

 

For single degree courses in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering: 6.0 or better overall (minimum of 6.0 in each subtest).

Graduate Diplomas in Education, B Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) – Medical Imaging Technology, B Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) – Radiotherapy Technology, B Pharmacy: 7.0 or better overall (min. of 7.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.5 or better overall (minimum of 6.0 in each subtest).


Test results are only valid for two years.

 

Not satisfactory.

 

For single degree courses in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering: 550 or better overall (PBT) or 80 or better overall (min. score of 20 in each subtest) (IBT).

Graduate Diplomas in Education, B Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) – Medical Imaging Technology, B Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) – Radiotherapy Technology, B Pharmacy: 600 or better overall (PBT) or 100 or better overall (min. score of 24 in each subtest. (IBT).


All other courses: 575 or better overall (PBT) or 90 or better overall (minimum score of 20 in each subtest) (IBT).

Test results are only valid for two years

Not satisfactory.

 

At lease one year of successful (minimum GPA 4 on a 7 point scale) tertiary study where the medium of instruction was English.

A Sound Achievement or higher in Qld Year 12 English or interstate equivalent.

A pass in an English language subject from an overseas program considered comparable to Australian Year 12 where the medium of instruction was English.

For further information contact QUT Admissions on (07) 3138 2000

 

 

 

Southbank Institute of Technology
(dual programs offered with universities may require higher levels of proficiency. Contact Southbank Institute.

5.5 or better overall (minimum of 5.0 in each subtest).

Test results are only valid for two years.

3 or better in all four skills.


Test results are only valid for two years.

530 or better overall (PBT) or 73 or better (IBT).

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

152 or better in the verbal sub score.

 

 

Cert IV in Spoken and Written English.

Successful completion of Cert IV in Spoken and Written English - Further Education.

Other evidence may be satisfactory; contact the Tertiary Placement and Performance Unit (07) 3259 4586.

Southern Cross University

 

Education (including dual degrees):

7.5 or better overall (minimum of 8.0 in speaking & listening and 7.0 in reading and writing)

All other courses:

6.0 or better overall (minimum of 5.5 in each subtest).

Education (including dual degrees): 4.0 or better in all four skills.

All other courses: 3.0 or better in all four skills.

 

550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (PBT) or 213 or better overall & a minimum Essay Rating of 4.5 (CBT) or 79 or better overall with a min. writing score of 22 (IBT).

 

Not satisfactory.

 

A min. of one year of successful tertiary study (GPA of 4 or above) where the language of instruction was English.

Completed AQF Cert IV (including English for Academic Purposes) or at least one year full-time study at AQF Diploma or Adv Diploma level.

 

TAFE Queensland

(dual programs offered with universities may require higher levels of proficiency. Contact TAFE Queensland.

 

5.5 or better overall (minimum of 5.0 in each subtest).

Test results are only valid for two years.

3 or better in all four skills.


Test results are only valid for two years.

530 or better overall (PBT) or 73 or better (IBT).

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

152 or better in the verbal sub score.

 

 

Cert IV in Spoken and Written English.

Successful completion of Cert IV in Spoken and Written English - Further Education.

Other evidence may be satisfactory; contact the Tertiary Placement and Performance Unit (07) 3259 4586.

 

The University of Queensland

 

Laws and all law dual programs: 7.0 overall + min. spoken score - 7.0 + min. written score - 7.0.

MBBS (Provisional Entry for School-Leavers), Nursing and Midwifery programs, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dental Science, Graduate Diplomas of Education: 7.0 overall + min. score of 7.0 in all sub bands.


Speech Pathology:
7.0 overall + min. spoken score - 8.0 + min. score of 7.0 in all other sub bands.

Veterinary Science: 7.0 overall + min. spoken score – 7.0 + min. written score – 6.0.

All programs (inc dual programs administered by Faculty of Business. Economics & Law (except Laws & law dual programs): 6.5 overall + min. spoken score - 6.0 + min. written score - 6.0.

Associate Degrees: 5.5 overall.


All other programs: 6.5 or better overall, min. written score - 6.0.

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

Not satisfactory.

 

570 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 5.0 (PBT) or an overall score of 90 with a minimum of 21 in the written band. (IBT)


PBT tests are not satisfactory for entry to dental science, nursing & midwifery programs, occupational therapy, oral health, physiotherapy, pharmacy, speech pathology, veterinary science, and graduate diplomas in education.

IBT tests are also generally not satisfactory for these programs (except for the graduate diplomas in education which require min. score of 21 in all sub bands). Please contact UQ Admissions for clarification.

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 154 or better for applicants 18 years and over by 1 February for Semester 1 entry and 1 July for Semester 2 entry.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 - Overall score of 152 or better for applicants 18 years and over by 1 February for Semester 1 entry and 1 July for Semester 2 entry.


Not satisfactory for entry to dental science, laws (& all law dual programs), nursing & midwifery programs, occupational therapy, oral health, pharmacy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, veterinary science, and graduate diplomas in education.

STAT Test results are only valid for two years.

A minimum of two years of successful tertiary study (diploma or higher) where the medium of instruction was English.

For entry to laws, tertiary study cannot be in a scientific, medical or engineering field.

For associate degrees one year of successful tertiary study (diploma or higher) where the medium of instruction was English.

A Sound Achievement or higher in Qld Year 12 English or interstate equivalent.


A pass in an English language subject from an overseas program considered comparable to Australian year 12 where the medium instruction is English such as British GCE A levels. Contact UQ Admissions for further information.

 

University of New England

 

Education: 7.5 or better overall (min. of 8.0 speaking & listening and 7.0 in reading & writing).

Pharmacy: 7.0 or better overall (minimum of 7.0 for speaking and 6.0 for writing).

Law and Nursing: 6.5 or better overall (minimum of 6.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (minimum of 5.5 in each subtest).

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

Not satisfactory.

 

Law and Nursing: 91 overall with no less than 22 in the written band and no less than 20 in listening, speaking and reading (IBT).

Education & Pharmacy: not satisfactory.

All other courses: 79 or better overall with no less than 22 in the written band (IBT).

Test results are only valid for two years.

Education, Law, Nursing & Pharmacy: not satisfactory.

All other courses: 155 or better overall

Test results are only valid for two years.

 

At least one full-time study at secondary, post secondary or tertiary level where the language of instruction was English.

University of Southern Queensland

 

Education, Nursing & Law: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (minimum of 5.5 in each subtest).

 

Test results are only valid for two years.

Education, Nursing & Law: not satisfactory.

 

All other courses:3+ or better in all four skills.

 

Education, Nursing & Law: 570 or better overall with min. TWE of 5 (PBT) or 230 or better overall with min. essay writing of 5 (CBT) or 90 or better overall with min. 20 in all bands (IBT).

All other courses: 550 or better overall with min. TWE of 4.5 (PBT) or 213 or better overall with min. essay writing of 4.5 (CBT) or 80 or better overall with min. 19 in all bands (IBT).

Paper based test results are only valid for two years.

 

Sittings prior to 22 April 2010 -156 or better in the verbal sub score.

Sittings from 22 April 2010 -155 or better in the verbal sub score.

A minimum of two years of successful tertiary, secondary, post secondary or equivalent study where the language of instruction was English. (Not acceptable for B Nursing).

University of the Sunshine Coast

 

Graduate Diploma in Education, B Nursing Science & B Nursing Science (Graduate Entry): 7.0 or better overall (min. of 7.0 in each subtest).


Undergraduate Education programs: 6.5 or better overall (min. of 6.0 in each subtest).

All other courses: 6.0 or better overall (min. of 5.5 in each subtest).

Education & Nursing programs: not satisfactory.

All other courses:3+ or better in all four skills.

Education & Nursing programs: not satisfactory.

All other courses: 550 or better overall & min. TWE score of 4.0 (PBT) or 213 or better overall, with a min. essay rating of 4.0 (CBT) or 80 or better overall with min. writing score of 19 (IBT).

 

Not satisfactory.

 

 

 

Successful completion in last five years of two years full-time secondary study, one year full-time tertiary study or two year full-time of other post-secondary study where the language of instruction was English. (May not be acceptable for nursing & education programs contact USC).

* As Computer-Based TOEFL (CBT) was discontinued over 2 years ago for those institutions that have a test validity date of 2 years the CBT is no longer valid.

 

KEY  

IELTS  

International English Language Testing System

ASLPR  

Australian Second Language Proficiency Rating

ISLPR  

International Second Language Proficiency Rating

TOEFL  

Test of English as a Foreign Language
(PBT - paper based test; CBT- computer based test)
(IBT - Internet based test)

STAT  

Special Tertiary Admissions Test

last updated 9 July 2010


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