• Course search
• Brochures and forms
• Teaching methods
• Offshore courses
•  
• Information for:
• On-campus full degree students
• Off-campus students
• English Language Institute students
• IELTS Test Centre applicants
• Study Abroad students
• Offshore students
•  
• Information about:
• Deakin
• Coming to Australia
• Scholarships
• Pathways to Deakin
• Fees
• Entry requirements and applying
• Student exchange and study abroad
• Our international representatives
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact us

English language requirements

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate

Undergraduate English language requirements

Undergraduate applicants to Deakin University must demonstrate their competence in English by providing certified/notarised documentary evidence of one of the following. Unless otherwise stated, applicants must have satisfied the University’s minimum undergraduate English requirements no more than two years preceding the date of their enrolment at Deakin. Certain courses may require a higher level of English proficiency.

1. An overall band score of 6 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (Academic module) with no individual band score less than 6.
2. A score of 213 or better (essay rating 4.5) in the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL CBT).
3. A score of 79 or better (writing score 21) in the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
4. English is the applicant’s first language and secondary and/or undergraduate studies were conducted in English.
5. A pass in English at year 12 in senior secondary school studies in Australia or in an Australian year 12 program conducted overseas.
6. General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level: a grade of C or better in the General Paper (English).
7. International Baccalaureate: a minimum of 4 in the English A1 or A2 (Higher and Standard level) or a minimum of 5 in English B (Higher level).
8. Satisfactory completion of an equivalent secondary school qualification which is approved for this purpose by the Academic Board and gained a pass in final year English at a level deemed by the Academic Board to be a least equivalent to that required of locally qualified applicants who have completed VCE:
   • Denmark: Studentereksamen with a grade of 8 for English.
   • Germany: Abitur with at least a 3 in English and a minimum of B in all sections of the DAAD language test.
   • Hong Kong: a grade of C or better in the Use of English examination in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination.
   • India:
     • All India Senior School Certificate awarded by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)—English requirement is 60%
     • Indian School Certificate awarded by the India Council for School Examinations (ICSE)—English requirement is 60%
     • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) awarded by State Secondary School Boards—English requirement is 65%
     • Pre-University Examination Certificate awarded by a university after one year of study beyond Secondary School Certificate (SSC—Class X) in an affiliated College—English requirement is 65%.
   • Malaysia:
     • An SPM/English result of A1, A2 or B3 (or O-level equivalent) and completed Pre-University/Foundation studies and a minimum of two semesters in University-equivalent study at a post-secondary institution in Malaysia where English is the language of instruction and assessment with an overall average of 60%
     • An SPM English result of B4, C5 or C6 (or O-level equivalent) and completed Pre-University/Foundation Studies and a minimum of two semesters in University-equivalent study at a post-secondary institution in Malaysia where English is the language of instruction and assessment with an overall average of 60% and achieve at least a pass in a communication studies/English language unit during either Pre-University/Foundation or Diploma studies.
   • The Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with a score of at least 6 (pass) for English.
   • Norway: Vitnemal den Videregaende Skole with a score of at least 4 in English.
   • Sweden: Avgangsbetyg with a score of at least 4 in English A or B, or Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan with at least a VG in English.
     
9. Satisfactory completion of any Australian University Foundation program within Australia where English is the language of instruction and assessment.
10. Satisfactory completion of a non-competency-based post-secondary studies program at Diploma level which is at least one year full time equivalent at an institution within Australia approved for this purpose by the Academic Board and where English is the language of instruction and assessment:
    • All Australian TAFE Institutes
    • All members of the IBT network
    • Monash College
    • Taylors College
11. Satisfactory completion of at least two semesters of study in the English language at an exchange partner institution in an English-speaking country
12. Satisfactory performance in non-competency-based post-secondary studies over at least two years full time or equivalent within the last five years in an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment.
13. Completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 3 program at the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) with a final assessment result of 60% or higher within the last twelve months.
14. Satisfactory completion of the DUELI test of English language competence within the last six months.
15. Other evidence of English language competence deemed acceptable by the Chair of the Academic Board.

Back to top

Postgraduate English language requirements

Postgraduate applicants to Deakin University must demonstrate their competence in English by providing certified/notarised documentary evidence of one of the following. Unless otherwise stated, applicants must have satisfied the University’s minimum postgraduate English requirements no more than two years preceding the date of their enrolment at Deakin. Certain courses may require a higher level of English proficiency.

1. An overall band score of 6.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (Academic module) conducted by the British Council/IDP Education Australia office, provided that no individual band score is less that 6.
2. A score of 237 or better (essay rating 4.5) in the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL CBT).
3. A score of 92 or better (writing score 21) in the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
4. English is the applicant’s first language and secondary and/or undergraduate studies were conducted in English.
5. Satisfactory completion of at least two semesters of full-time study in an Australian undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a tertiary institution in Australia.
6. Satisfactory completion of a post secondary studies program which is at least two years full time or equivalent within the last five years in an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment.
7. A minimum of three years professional practice in English, and satisfactory completion of study in English language leading to certification by the governing body of the profession.
8. Completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 4 program at the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) with a final assessment result of 60% or higher within the last twelve months.
9. Satisfactory completion of the DUELI test of English language competence within the last six months.
10. Other evidence of English language competence deemed acceptable by the Chair of the Academic Board.

Back to top