IELTS Band Score Requirement for Studying in Australia in 2025

Achieving the right IELTS score for Australia is a key step for over 500,000 international students who enroll in Australian universities each year. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the minimum IELTS score required for Australia student visas starts at 5.5 in each band, but most universities expect higher scores to ensure students can succeed academically.

Research shows that top Australian universities generally require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 to 7.0, depending on the course and degree level. For example, bachelor’s programs usually ask for a minimum of 6.0, while postgraduate courses demand at least 6.5. Meeting these requirements not only helps with admission but also with visa approval, as English proficiency is a core visa condition.

This guide explains the detailed IELTS score required for Australia, including university-specific and course-wise band requirements. Understanding these scores improves your chances of admission, visa success, and better career opportunities in Australia.

Key Highlights: 

Exam	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Conducted By	IDP Education (In India)
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes
Test Fee	INR 17,000
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based & Paper-Based
Results	Available within 3–5 days (Computer-Based) / 13 days (Paper-Based)
Validity	2 years

Read:  IELTS Academic vs General IELTS

What is a Good IELTS Score? 

A strong IELTS score for Australia enhances your chances of securing admission to top universities. While the minimum IELTS score required for Australia varies by institution and course, a band score of 7.0 or higher is generally considered competitive for leading universities. However, meeting the minimum IELTS requirement does not guarantee admission; a higher score strengthens your application.

For undergraduate (UG) programs, most universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 6.0. For postgraduate (PG) courses, the standard requirement is typically 6.5, ensuring proficiency across all sections. 

Some universities may accept students with a band score of 5.5 in individual sections, though admission policies vary. The following sections will provide more details on university-specific IELTS requirements for studying in Australia.

Read on: Section Wise IELTS Exam Pattern | IELTS Test Format

IELTS Score Requirement by Top Australian Universities

The IELTS band score for top Australian universities is given below, covering both bachelor's and master's degree programs. Meeting the IELTS score for Australia is essential for admission, and the IELTS score required for Australia varies across institutions. 

The following table includes the IELTS score requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at top Australian universities, along with their QS World University Rankings 2025:

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2025	IELTS Requirement: UG Courses	IELTS Requirement: PG Courses
University of Melbourne	13	6.5	7.0
University of Sydney	18	6.5	7.0
University of New South Wales UNSW	19	7.0	7.0
Australian National University (ANU)	30	6.5	7.0
Monash University	37	6.5	6.5
University of Queensland (UQ)	=40	6.5	7.0
University of Western Australia (UWA)	77	6.5	7.0
University of Adelaide	=82	6.5	7.0
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	88	6.5	6.5
Victoria University	741-750	6.0	6.5

Please note that these rankings and IELTS requirements are subject to change. For the most current information, it's advisable to consult the official university websites.

IELTS Requirements for Different Degree Levels in Australia

The table below outlines the IELTS score for Australia across various degree levels, ensuring that international students meet the necessary English proficiency criteria for admission.

Study Level	Australia IELTS Band Requirement
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) - Arts	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) - Business	Overall 6.0
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) - Engineering	Overall 6.0
Certificates & Diplomas - Arts	Overall 5.5, with no band less than 5.0
Certificates & Diplomas - Business	Overall 5.5, with no band less than 5.0
Certificates & Diplomas - Engineering	Overall 5.5, with no band less than 5.0
Postgraduate (Master’s) - Arts	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Postgraduate (Master’s) - Business	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Postgraduate (Master’s) - Engineering	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Graduate Certificate & Diploma - Arts	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Graduate Certificate & Diploma - Business	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
Graduate Certificate & Diploma - Engineering	Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0

These IELTS score requirements for studying in Australia serve as a general guideline, but specific universities and courses may have different criteria which will be covered later in this blog. 

IELTS Score Requirements for Various Courses in Australia

International students planning to study in Australia must meet specific IELTS requirements based on their chosen courses. Below is a breakdown of IELTS scores for Australia across various disciplines, helping applicants understand the required IELTS score required for Australia for top universities.

Business & Management Courses

University	Course Name	IELTS Band Requirement
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM)	MBA	7.0
Melbourne Business School (MBS)	Full-Time MBA	7.0
UQ Business School	Master of Business Administration	6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-band (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
Sydney Business School	Global Executive MBA	7.0
Monash Business School	Master of Business Administration	at least 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
UWA Business School	Master of Applied Finance	at least 6.6 with no band less than 6.0

Check out top MBA colleges in Australia and find the best programs that suit your career goals.

Engineering & Technology Courses

University	Course Name	IELTS Band Requirement
University of Melbourne	Master of Engineering (Mechanical)	6.5
University of Sydney	Master of Engineering (Mechanical)	6.5
RMIT University	Master of Engineering (International Automotive Engineering)	6.5
Monash University	Master of Advanced Engineering	7.0
Deakin University	MArch	6.5

Take some time to explore  about top universities for a Master's in mechanical engineering in Australia

Healthcare & Medical Courses

University	Course Name	IELTS Band Requirement
University of Sydney	Master of Physiotherapy	7.0
RMIT University	Bachelor of Nursing	6.5
Monash University	Masters of Nursing	at least 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5
The Australian National University	Masters of Nursing	7.0
Deakin University	Master of Public Health	6.5

Read about the top medical courses in Australia and explore career opportunities in healthcare.

Data Science & Analytics Courses

University	Course Name	IELTS Band Requirement
University of Melbourne	Master of Science (Computer Science)	6.5
University of Sydney	Master of Data Science	6.5
RMIT University	Master of Data Science	6.5
Monash University	Master of Data Science	7.0
Deakin University	Master of Data Science	6.5

Explore further in detail about top colleges for Masters in Data Science in Australia

Architecture & Design Courses

University	Course Name	IELTS Band Requirement
The University of Melbourne	Master of Architecture	6.5
University of Sydney	Master of Architectural Science	7.0
RMIT University	Bachelor of Architectural Design	at least 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0
Queensland University of Technology	Master of Architecture	6.5
The University of New South Wales	Bachelor of Interior Architecture	6.5

People Also Read : Masters of Architecture in Australia – Everything One Needs to Know!

Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Student Visas

To study in Australia, international students must meet the IELTS score requirements for an Australian student visa, as set by the Department of Home Affairs. The table below outlines the minimum IELTS score required for Australia based on different study levels.

Study Level	Overall IELTS Band Requirement	Minimum Score in Each Section
Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree)	6.0	5.5
Postgraduate (Master's & PhD)	6.5	6.0
Diplomas & Certificates	5.5	5.0
Foundation & Pathway Programs	5.0	4.5
Vocational Education & Training (VET)	5.5	5.0

Students applying for an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) must ensure they meet these IELTS score requirements for Australia, as English language proficiency is a key eligibility criterion. However, certain courses and universities may have higher IELTS score requirements, so applicants should always check with their respective institutions.

How to Send IELTS Scores to Australian Universities

There are two ways to send your IELTS score for Australia: by post or electronically.

• Postal Submission: If a university requires an original copy (not a photocopy), enter the university’s address in the IELTS test taker portal within two years of your test. The IELTS center will send it directly.
  1. Free Submission: You can send up to five copies free of charge from the IELTS center.
  2. Additional Copies: If you need to send scores to more universities, it costs INR 250 per institution.
• Electronic Submission: Some universities accept electronic IELTS scores.
  1. The IELTS center provides up to ten free e-copies if the university allows electronic downloads.
  2. If you took the IELTS Online, you can download an e-TRF from the test taker site and email it to universities.
  3. e-TRFs are valid for two years with no limit on how many times you can share them.
• Submitting PDFs (if accepted by universities):
  1. Scan and save your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) as a PDF.
  2. Log in to the university’s admissions portal.
  3. Go to the admissions requirements section.
  4. Follow the instructions to submit IELTS results.
  5. Upload the PDF and submit.

Make sure to check each university’s specific IELTS score required for Australia to ensure a smooth application process!

Further Read : How to Download IELTS Scorecard

How to Improve Your IELTS Score? 

Here are some effective tips to boost your IELTS score for Australia:

Some effective tips to boost your IELTS score for Australia

• Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – to improve accuracy and speed.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words daily and practice using them in sentences to enhance your writing and speaking skills.
• Improve Your Listening Skills: Listen to podcasts, news, and English conversations to grasp different accents and tones.
• Practice Reading Comprehension: Read newspapers, articles, and academic texts to improve your skimming and scanning techniques.
• Enhance Writing Skills: Practice writing essays and reports within a time limit to improve clarity, coherence, and grammar.
• Boost Speaking Confidence: Engage in daily conversations in English and record yourself to analyze fluency and pronunciation.
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt full-length IELTS practice tests to assess your progress and work on weak areas.
• Time Management: Learn to allocate time effectively for each section to avoid rushing through answers.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider IELTS coaching or online courses for structured preparation.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Reduce stress by practicing deep breathing and believing in your preparation.

By following these tips, you can achieve the IELTS score required for Australia and improve your chances of university admission!

Read on: How to Prepare for Computer-Based IELTS | IELTS Slot Booking

Conclusion

Meeting the IELTS score required for Australia is a crucial step toward your study abroad dreams. Whether you’re applying for a student visa or university admission, having the right IELTS band scores shows you’re ready to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. Remember, different courses and universities may ask for different scores, so always check the specific requirements for your program.

With focused preparation and the right resources, you can improve your English skills and achieve the IELTS score for Australia that opens doors to new opportunities. Stay confident, keep practicing, and take each step with determination. Your hard work will pay off, and soon you’ll be one step closer to starting your journey in Australia.