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English language requirements

English proficiency tests

All UniSQ program entry requirements list an IELTS English score as a prerequisite. If you have another English language proficiency score, please consult the table below for equivalent comparisons. The full list of approved tests and scores, is available on our English language proficiency test requirements schedule.

English Language Proficiency tests should not be older than two years upon application.

Approved test 

Category 1
(IELTS (Academic 5.5 no component lower than 5) 

Category 2
(IELTS (Academic 6.0 no component lower than 5.5) 
Category 3
(IELTS (Academic 6.5 no component lower than 6) 
Category 4
(IELTS (Academic 7.0 no component lower than 7.0) 
Category 5
(IELTS (Academic 7.5 no component lower than 7.0; no less than 8.0 in speaking and listening) 
TOEFL (paper based)  525 (or better)
(with a minimum Test of Written English Score of TWE 4.5) 
550 (or better)
(with a minimum Test of Written English Score of TWE 4.5) 
570
(with a minimum Test of Written English score TWE 5) 
600
(with a minimum Test of Written English score of TWE 5) 
Not accepted because of teacher registration requirements in Queensland 
TOEFL (electronic or computer based)  213 (or better)
(with essay rating of at least 4.5) 
213 (or better)
(with essay rating of at least 4.5) 
230
(with an essay rating of at least 5) 
250
(with an essay rating of at least 5) 
Pearson (PTE Academic)  50 (or better)
(with no communicative score less than 50) 
50 (or better)
(with no communicative score less than 50) 
58 (or better)
(with no communicative score less than 58) 
65
(with no communicative score less than 65) 

Please note that the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs will also consider satisfactory command of the English language when assessing onshore visa applications.

Interim Alternative English proficiency tests

Due to the current evolving COVID-19 measures in China, some of UniSQ’s approved English testing centres have been closed or are inaccessible at the current time. During this interim period, we will accept the following language proficiency tests for entry into a UniSQ program.

Prospective international students residing in China are able to utilise the Duolingo and PTE Academic proctored online tests to meet UniSQ's English language proficiency requirements.

It is anticipated that we will revert to standard English language proficiency requirements as test centres reopen.

For the programs in Category 2

Test Score
Duolingo English Test Score of 100
PTE Academic Online Overall score 50, no score less than 50

For the programs in Category 3

Test Score
Duolingo English Test Score of 110
PTE Academic Online Overall score 58, no score less than 58

English exemptions

If you have completed previous studies taught in English or are from a country that speaks English you may be eligible for an English exemption. To see if your previous studies taught in English qualify you for English exemption, please review the alternative English language proficiency requirements.  

Applicants that have been employed in Australia, practice an approved accredited profession, or have studied a previous AQF level 5 qualification should review our recognition of other prior English language studies and employment and professional accreditation requirements