English language requirements for international students

As part of the entry requirements for undergraduate academic programs at the University of Sydney, you must meet the English language requirements set out below. Note that the Australian Government has separate English language requirements for students applying for student visas from some countries. Please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for information on Government English proficiency requirements.

At the bottom of this page you can find information about English courses offered at the University of Sydney.

Demonstrating English language proficiency

Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following methods:

• You have completed the International Baccalaureate provided you have met one of the following criteria:
  ­- Completion of English A1 at Higher or Standard Level;
  ­- Completion of English A2 at Higher or Standard Level;
  ­- Completion of English B at Higher Level with a Grade of 4 or more;
  ­- Completion of English B at Standard Level with a Grade of 5 or more
• You have completed at least one year of full time university study in an English speaking country where the language of instruction (i.e. teaching, assessment and examination) was in English.
• You have achieved the required grades in "English for Academic Purposes" at the University's Centre for English Teaching. The course must have been completed no more than 2 years prior to the commencement of the course you are applying for.
• You have completed a qualification accepted by the University as proof of your proficiency in English as specified in Table 1 below.
• You have achieved the results in an IELTS or TOEFL test according to Table 2 below (results stated in this table are the minimum scores required). English language test scores must be less than 2 years old at the date of course commencement at the University of Sydney. For more information on these tests, please visit the IELTS website or the TOEFL website.

Table 1

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Courses

Table 2

*Higher requirement applies to the:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sport Science), or
- Bachelor of Arts, or
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, or
- Bachelor of Science
combined with the Master of Nursing.
# The Bachelor of Education (Primary) and all combined Bachelor of Education programs require a minimum of 8.0 in Listening and Speaking and a minimum or 7.0 in Reading and Writing.

The Deans of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Sydney College of the Arts may be able to exercise discretion in regards to English Language Requirements in exceptional circumstances.

English courses

If you do not meet the English requirements for your chosen course and you need to improve your standard of English before you commence your degree, English courses are available at the Centre for English Teaching (CET) at the University of Sydney.

Applicants who achieve the required grades in “English for Academic Purposes” at the Centre for English Teaching (CET)at the University of Sydney are not required to provide further evidence of English proficiency. The course must have been completed no more than 2 years prior to the date of application.

About Test Scores

All IELTS requirements refer to the Academic IELTS test. The General IELTS test will not be accepted.

The University of Sydney is an international IELTS testing centre. If you would like to book an IELTS test or to find out more information, please visit the Centre for English Teaching (CET) - IELTS testing centre.