English language requirements
All study at the University of Melbourne is conducted in English. Find out how to meet the University's English language requirements, depending on your background.
About English language requirements
You must satisfy the University's English language requirements for the course(s) you apply for. Every course has specific requirements which you can find on the course page. The documentation required will depend on whether or not you have an English-speaking background.
You can apply for a course even if you’re waiting to take an English test or receive study results, but there will be a limited timeframe to meet the requirement. If you receive a conditional offer, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements before your place is confirmed.
How to meet English language requirements
There are several ways you can show evidence of English proficiency, depending on your background and the course you're applying for.
- If you’re from an English-speaking background or have completed education in English, you’ll likely meet the requirement through approved secondary or tertiary study results.
- If you're from a non-English-speaking background, you can meet the requirement by taking an approved English test or completing a foundation or bridging program.
Undergraduate English language requirements Graduate English language requirements
English-speaking background or education
You’ll be assessed as having an English-speaking background if you are a citizen or permanent long-term resident (at least 10 years) who has completed secondary or tertiary education in an English-speaking country recognised by the University.
If you are not from an English-speaking background, you may still qualify if you have completed secondary or tertiary education in a recognised English-speaking country.
Depending on your circumstances, additional eligibility criteria may apply. For details, see the undergraduate and graduate English language requirements pages.
English-speaking countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (excluding Quebec), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated State of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), United States of America.
English language proficiency tests
If you are not from an English-speaking background or have not met the English language requirements through previous study, you can take an English language test to show your proficiency. Please make sure you have read and understood the test requirements, the minimum scores and how to submit your results before you apply.
The University of Melbourne accepts the following English language proficiency tests as evidence of your English level:
- IELTS
- IELTS One Skill Retake1
- TOEFL Internet-based test2
- Pearson Test of English Academic
- Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test
1 IELTS One Skill Retake allows applicants to retake any one component of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking), without having to take a full test. You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible test centre, and you've received your IELTS test score. You must take IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
2 Applicants to the University of Melbourne must submit a TOEFL iBT score report that includes both the overall score and individual band scores on the 0–120 scale. To ensure your result meets our English language requirements and your test is valid for Australian visa purposes, select ‘Taking TOEFL for Australia’ when registering for the test.
- All approved English language proficiency tests must be completed in one sitting, within 24 months of when you plan to start studying with us.
- Your score needs to be achieved from a single test report. 1
- Examiner’s results are not acceptable.
- English language proficiency tests must be taken at a test centre.
- The University does not accept online/at-home versions of any of the approved tests listed above.
- The University will only accept approved English test results conducted in the student's country of citizenship, their last country of education, or their current country of residence or employment, 2, 3.
- You must check the course entry requirements to see the English language test scores required for entry – some courses, particularly graduate programs, have higher standards.
1 IELTS One Skill Retake allows applicants to retake any one component of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking), without having to take a full test. You're eligible for IELTS One Skill Retake when you have completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible test centre, and you've received your IELTS test score. You must take IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
2 Students located for these purposes in China may attend test centres in Hong Kong SAR and Macao for English language test requirements. Your score needs to be achieved from a single test report’.
3 For countries where one of our accepted English language tests is not offered in country, the University will consider an accepted English language test taken in any country that shares a border with the country where the student lives, works and/or studies. For countries where some, but not all, of the accepted English language tests are offered, only the test that is not offered in country can be taken in a bordering country.
The table below outlines the English test score requirements for each University of Melbourne English level.
Every course has a level or specific test requirement which you can find on the course page, or on the undergraduate or graduate English language requirements pages. Some courses may have scores that do not align to the University's English levels due to professional accreditation standards. For specific details, refer to the individual course pages.
Please note: If you applied or received an offer before 17 November 2025, refer to 2025 English language requirements.
| UoM English level | IELTS (Academic English only) | TOEFL Internet-based test | Pearson Test of English Academic | Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | LanguagCert Academic | Michigan English Test (MET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 6.5 Overall, with at least 6.0 Writing 6.0 Speaking 6.0 Reading 6.0 Listening | 81 Overall, with at least 19 Writing 19 Speaking 16 Reading 16 Listening | 64 Overall, with at least 60 Writing 60 Speaking 60 Reading 60 Listening | 169 Overall, with at least 170 Writing 179 Speaking 163 Reading 163 Listening | 67 Overall, with at least 64 Writing 70 Speaking 60 Reading 57 Listening | 58 Overall, with at least 57 Writing 48 Speaking 55 Reading 56 Listening |
| Level 1a | 6.5 Overall, with at least 6.5 Writing 6.0 Speaking 6.0 Reading 6.0 Listening | 81 Overall, with at least 23 Writing 19 Speaking 16 Reading 16 Listening | 64 Overall, with at least 65 Writing 60 Speaking 60 Reading 60 Listening | 169 Overall, with at least 180 Writing 179 Speaking 163 Reading 163 Listening | 67 Overall, with at least 71 Writing 70 Speaking 60 Reading 57 Listening | 58 Overall, with at least 64 Writing 48 Speaking 55 Reading 56 Listening |
| Level 1b | 6.5 Overall, with at least 6.5 Writing 6.5 Speaking 6.5 Reading 6.5 Listening | 81 Overall, with at least 23 Writing 22 Speaking 19 Reading 19 Listening | 64 Overall, with at least 65 Writing 66 Speaking 64 Reading 64 Listening | 169 Overall, with at least 180 Writing 187 Speaking 168 Reading 168 Listening | 67 Overall, with at least 71 Writing 76 Speaking 65 Reading 62 Listening | 58 Overall, with at least 64 Writing 53 Speaking 59 Reading 59 Listening |
| Level 2 | 7.0 Overall, with at least 6.5 Writing 6.5 Speaking 6.5 Reading 6.5 Listening | 91 Overall, with at least 23 Writing 22 Speaking 19 Reading 19 Listening | 72 Overall, with at least 65 Writing 66 Speaking 64 Reading 64 Listening | 178 Overall, with at least 180 Writing 187 Speaking 168 Reading 168 Listening | 73 Overall, with at least 71 Writing 76 Speaking 65 Reading 62 Listening | 62 Overall, with at least 64 Writing 53 Speaking 59 Reading 59 Listening |
| Level 2a | 7.0 Overall, with at least 7.0 Writing 6.5 Speaking 6.5 Reading 6.5 Listening | 91 Overall, with at least 26 Writing 22 Speaking 19 Reading 19 Listening | 72 Overall, with at least 75 Writing 66 Speaking 64 Reading 64 Listening | 178 Overall, with at least 193 Writing 187 Speaking 168 Reading 168 Listening | 73 Overall, with at least 78 Writing 76 Speaking 65 Reading 62 Listening | 62 Overall, with at least 74 Writing 53 Speaking 59 Reading 59 Listening |
| Level 2b | 7.0 Overall, with at least 7.0 Writing 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Reading 7.0 Listening | 91 Overall, with at least 26 Writing 24 Speaking 22 Reading 22 Listening | 72 Overall, with at least 75 Writing 76 Speaking 72 Reading 72 Listening | 178 Overall, with at least 193 Writing 194 Speaking 179 Reading 175 Listening | 73 Overall, with at least 78 Writing 82 Speaking 71 Reading 67 Listening | 62 Overall, with at least 74 Writing 59 Speaking 63 Reading 61 Listening |
| Level 3 | 7.5 Overall, with at least 7.0 Writing 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Reading 7.0 Listening | 100 Overall, with at least 26 Writing 24 Speaking 22 Reading 22 Listening | 78 Overall, with at least 75 Writing 76 Speaking 72 Reading 72 Listening | 187 Overall, with at least 193 Writing 194 Speaking 179 Reading 175 Listening | 81 Overall, with at least 78 Writing 82 Speaking 71 Reading 67 Listening | 67 Overall, with at least 74 Writing 59 Speaking 63 Reading 61 Listening |
You’ll need to provide your results as part of your course application. Follow the steps below to make sure your results are received and verified correctly.
Before you take your test
To make sure your results reach the University quickly and accurately, follow the instructions below when registering or sitting your test:
- TOEFL: Use institution code 0974 to have your scores sent directly to the University of Melbourne.
- Other approved tests: Ask your test centre to send your results to the University or upload them yourself via the application portal following the process below.
When you are applying
Follow these steps to provide your English language test results as part of your course application:
- Select how you’ll meet the requirement
On your course application form, choose English language test as the way you’ll meet the English language requirement, then select the specific test you’ve taken or intending to take.
- Upload your results (if available)
If you’ve already completed your test, upload your official results to your application by following the document upload instructions. The University will verify your score directly with the testing body using the verification details you provide.
- Provide verification details
Include your verification information – such as your applicant number, verification code or candidature number – when submitting your application. These details are usually listed on your official test result document.
- If you haven’t received your results yet
You can still submit your course application and upload your English test results later through the application portal once you have them.
Other ways to satisfy English requirements
A foundation program is an academic pathway that helps international students develop the English language and study skills needed to meet the University’s undergraduate entry requirements.
Learn more about accepted foundation programs, including Trinity College Foundation Studies, and the scores required on the undergraduate English language requirements page.
University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP)
Hawthorn-Melbourne, one of Australia’s oldest and largest English language centres, is endorsed by the University as the sole external provider of the University of Melbourne’s English language bridging programs:
- University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP)
- University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program Preparation (UMELBP Prep)
These programs provide a direct English language pathway for international students to many of our undergraduate courses. Visit the Hawthorn English website, to check whether the course you’re interested in at Melbourne accepts UMELBP Prep or the UMELBP as an entry point and for full details regarding entry requirements.
Please note that these English language bridging programs are not available to domestic students.
Academic English language programs
Hawthorn-Melbourne offers academic English language programs that can help you satisfy our English language requirement. These programs include:
- IELTS Preparation Program
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
- Intensive Academic Preparation (IAP) Program
- Packaged offers for visa applications
Learn more about Academic English programs
Packaged offers
Packaged offers reduce the time and costs involved in applying for visas. They're available if you have an offer from the University that is conditional only on meeting the English language requirements.
This packaged offer enables you to obtain a single visa, if you do an English language course at Hawthorn-Melbourne followed by a University of Melbourne course.
The packaged offer requires you to complete a 10 or 20-week course at Hawthorn-Melbourne (depending on your IELTS score) before commencing your undergraduate degree.
You're eligible for a packaged offer if you:
- Apply through an authorised University overseas representative
- Have an offer for a place at the University of Melbourne that is conditional only on satisfying the University’s English language requirements
- Have achieved an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 and enrol in a 20-week English course at Hawthorn-Melbourne or have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 and enrol in a 10-week English course at Hawthorn-Melbourne.
Exchange and study abroad English requirements
If you’re applying for an exchange and study abroad program, the English language requirement may differ from the course requirements. For more information, visit Exchange and study abroad.
English language requirements FAQs
If our admissions team has any doubt about your English language proficiency, you may be required to sit an approved English language test to meet our English language requirement.
If you apply to defer, your method of satisfying the English language requirement will need to be reviewed. The method you've chosen to satisfy the English language requirement may expire before your new commencement date – if this is the case, a new conditional offer for the updated intake will be issued.
English language score requirements can vary from course to course. You’ll find the exact English language requirements, including test scores needed on each course page under ‘entry requirements’. Find a course.
If you’re from an approved English-speaking country or have completed recent study in English, you may already meet the University’s English language requirement and won’t need to take a test. Check the list of accepted countries and qualifications on this page to confirm whether this applies to you.
If your English test score doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, you can still qualify for study through an approved foundation or English language bridging program. These pathways help you strengthen your English and academic skills before starting your degree.
A foundation program is a longer academic preparation course that develops your English and study skills ready for undergraduate entry, while a bridging program is a shorter course focused specifically on improving English language proficiency for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Both can help international students meet the University’s entry requirements.
English language test results are generally valid for two years from the date of the test. You’ll need to make sure your results are still valid when you apply for your course.
Yes. While the University has an overall English language standard, some courses – particularly graduate programs – may require higher test scores. Always check the specific course page for the most accurate information.