English language requirements

All students must be able to prove that they can meet our English language requirements. Our English language requirements are divided into five bands – from Band A through to Band E. These Bands indicate the level of English required to undertake the course, with Band E representing the highest English skill level required.

You will be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have:

• completed an English language test such as IELTS, Pearson, or Cambridge
  • Applicants who are unable to sit standard tests due to public health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic can complete an online English language test such as IELTS Indicator, OET@Home.
• completed some types of university (tertiary) or high school (secondary) studies
• completed an approved English subject in IB Diploma, Australian Year 12 or other high school qualifications
• lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least five years.

These requirements are different for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. For the most up-to-date English language requirements, please visit the English Language Admission Criteria procedure.

The minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission into each course are defined by four bands (Bands A-D).  Most undergraduate courses are classified at Band A unless specified otherwise in the English Language Proficiency procedure.

You can satisfy the English language requirements for the specified Band in a number of ways such as English test results or completion of an approved English subject in your school studies or an approved Diploma taught in English.

Time limitations apply to the age of the evidence used to demonstrate English language proficiency. In general, English language tests must be completed no more than two years prior to commencement and prior study qualifications must be completed no more than five years prior to commencement, unless otherwise specified.

The minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission into each course are defined by four bands (Bands A-D).  Most postgraduate courses are classified at Band B unless specified otherwise in the English Language Proficiency procedure.

You can satisfy the English language requirements for the specified Band in a number of ways such as English test results or completion of an approved English subject in your school studies or an approved Diploma taught in English.

Time limitations apply to the age of the evidence used to demonstrate English language proficiency. In general, English language tests must be completed no more than two years prior to commencement and prior study qualifications must be completed no more than five years prior to commencement, unless otherwise specified.

If you have lived or worked in an English-speaking country for a minimum of five years you may be able to meet the English language proficiency requirements by demonstrating English-speaking experience.

Deakin's list of recognised English-speaking countries is: Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zambia.

English-speaking experience is assessed on a case-by-case basis and you may be required to provide documents such as a passport, residency or citizenship documentation and supporting statements from qualified references. You may also be required to attend an interview.