Minimum IELTS Score for Australia in 2025
Before you pack your sunnies and surfboard, there’s one thing standing between you and your Aussie education: your IELTS score.
And guess what? Australian universities are pretty flexible with that.
While most programs require an overall band score between 7.0 and 6.5 worldwide, you’ll be surprised that some diploma and foundation programs even accept between 5.5 and 6.5
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the minimum IELTS requirements by course level and provide bonus tips to boost your chances of landing your dream admit.
So, let’s crack this down before your future says, “Oi, mate! What’s the holdup?”
Minimum IELTS Score for Australia: Study, Work, and PR
According to The PIE, approximately 68,600 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions in 2024, down from 78,100 in 2023, which indicates a 12% decline. Despite this dip, there is an expectation that 170,000+ Indian students will pursue higher education in Australia by 2025.
So both opportunities and competition are immense!
If you are also planning to be a part of this number, understanding the IELTS requirement is crucial. There are different criteria for anyone aiming to study, work, or obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia, and we must tap into these before anything else.
IELTS Academic: Required for university admissions.
IELTS General Training: Often used for work and PR visa applications.
To discuss further, here's the breakdown of IELTS requirement for Study, Work and PR:
IELTS Requirements for Australian Student Visas
To secure an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), these are minimum IELTS score requirements you will need to consider:
Study Level |
Minimum IELTS Score Requirement |
---|---|
Diploma & Certificate Courses |
Overall 5.5 (No band less than 5.0) |
Undergraduate Degrees |
Overall 6.0 (No band less than 5.5) |
Postgraduate Degrees |
Overall 6.5 (No band less than 6.0) |
Research & PhD |
Overall 7.0 (No band less than 6.5) |
IELTS Requirements for Australian Permanent Residency (PR)
Australia provides multiple PR pathways, such as family-stream, work-stream, and investor-stream visas. For skilled professionals, the points-based system is the most common route, and your IELTS score contributes directly to your total points. To be eligible for PR, you must score a minimum of 65 points in the system.
Here are the IELTS requirements for key PR visa subclasses:
Visa Subclass |
Minimum IELTS Requirement |
---|---|
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) |
6.0 in each band |
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) |
6.0 in each band |
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) |
6.0 in each band |
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) |
Overall 6.5 (Minimum 5.5 in each band) |
IELTS Score vs Points for PR Applications:
IELTS Band Score |
Points Awarded |
---|---|
Competent (6.0+) |
0 points |
Proficient (7.0+) |
10 points |
Superior (8.0+) |
20 points |
IELTS Requirements for Australian Work Visas
Securing an Australian work visa may require you to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS. The score requirements vary by visa subclass and occupation type. Here's what you need to know:
Work Visa Type |
Visa Subclass |
Minimum IELTS Requirement |
---|---|---|
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa |
Subclass 482 |
Overall 5.0 (Minimum 4.5 in each band) |
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa |
Subclass 186 |
Minimum 6.0 in each band |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa |
Subclass 494 |
Minimum 6.0 in each band |
IELTS Score Requirements for Australian Universities
While many Australian universities require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 for postgraduate programs and 6.0 for undergraduate programs, some institutions accept students with scores as low as 5.5 in one of the IELTS sections.
Below is a table highlighting several Australian universities, their QS World University Rankings for 2025, and their minimum IELTS score requirements:
University |
QS World Ranking 2025 |
UG IELTS Requirement |
PG IELTS Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
The University of Melbourne |
13 |
6.5–7.0 |
7.0 |
The University of Sydney |
18 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
UNSW Sydney |
19 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Australian National University |
30 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Monash University |
37 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
The University of Queensland |
40 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
The University of Western Australia |
77 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
The University of Adelaide |
82 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
University of Technology Sydney |
88 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
RMIT University |
123 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Macquarie University |
133 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
University of Wollongong |
167 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Deakin University |
197 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Queensland University of Technology |
213 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
La Trobe University |
217 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Griffith University |
255 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
Swinburne University of Technology |
291 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Flinders University |
336 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Western Sydney University |
384 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
University of Southern Queensland |
396 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
University of Canberra |
403 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Murdoch University |
436 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
James Cook University |
445 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Central Queensland University |
495 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Edith Cowan University |
516 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Southern Cross University |
576 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Bond University |
587 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
Charles Darwin University |
621-630 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Victoria University |
741–750 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Charles Sturt University |
851-900 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Australian Catholic University |
901–950 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
University of the Sunshine Coast |
1001–1200 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Federation University Australia |
Not Ranked |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Torrens University Australia |
Not Ranked |
6.0 |
6.5 |
Minimum IELTS Scores for Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs
If compared to bachelor's programs, the bar is set a bit higher for postgraduate or master’s programs as far as the IELTS requirement is concerned. In fact, competitive courses, such as Medicine, Law, and Education, often demand a score of 7.0 or above.
In some cases, universities may waive the IELTS requirement if you've completed previous studies in an English-speaking environment, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the university’s official admissions page for accurate, program-specific details.
Here's an average estimate of the minimum IELTS score you will require for each program:
Program Level |
Overall IELTS Score |
Minimum Band Requirement |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s (UG) |
6.0 – 6.5 |
No band less than 5.5 |
Master’s (PG) |
6.5 – 7.0 |
No band less than 6.0 |
How to Meet IELTS Score Requirements for Admissions?
Reaching your target IELTS score might seem daunting at first, but with the right strategy, it’s totally doable.
The key is to start early!
Ideally, give yourself at least 3 to 4 months so you’re not rushing through your prep.
During preparation, make sure you give equal importance to all four sections since each one carries its own weight and drastically affects your overall score.
Practice tests can be your best friend during this journey. They help you get familiar with the test format and teach you how to manage your time without panic.
And hey, it’s not just about grinding! It’s about smart, consistent effort.
So, take breaks, track your progress, and build confidence with steady practice.
How to Improve Your IELTS Score for Australia?
Before you dive headfirst into grammar books or listening exercises, let’s take a deep breath and walk through a few tried-and-true tips that’ll genuinely make a difference.
Heres are some practical, test-day-ready strategies that'll genuinely help you stay sharp and confident!
-
Understand the test format inside out
Before anything else, know what each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) demands so there are no surprises on test day. -
Set a clear goal
Find out the minimum IELTS score required for your university, job, or visa—and aim a little higher to play it safe. -
Practice under real conditions
Time yourself. Simulate actual exam settings when taking practice tests. It helps build speed, stamina, and accuracy. -
Expand your vocabulary naturally
Read news articles, watch English shows, or listen to podcasts. The more you expose yourself to the language, the better your vocabulary and comprehension. -
Speak English out loud every day
Even if it’s just you and your mirror, practice speaking clearly and confidently. Record yourself and listen for improvements. -
Don't skip writing practice
Writing essays or reports? Stick to the topic, stay within the word limit, and review grammar, punctuation, and structure. -
Stay mindful of common mistakes
Many candidates lose marks for avoidable errors—like not following instructions, writing off-topic, or mismanaging time. -
Review your answers
Always double-check your responses in the Listening and Reading sections if time allows. Sometimes, the smallest corrections boost your score. -
Stay calm and composed
It’s a language test, not a test of your intelligence. Stay focused, take deep breaths, and trust your prep.
From the Desk of Yocket
Before you hit “APPLY” on that dream Australian university or visa application, take a moment to double-check the IELTS requirements for your course or visa type. Whether it's a diploma, undergrad, postgrad, or PR, each level has its rules and benchmarks to consider.
And trust us, a few extra points on your IELTS can open big doors, better scholarships, and smoother visa approvals.
Oh and if you need help in preparation? Yocket Prep makes IELTS easier with expert-led classes, mock tests, and tailored strategies designed to help you stay ahead and keep your application worries at bay.