English language requirements
Learn about Deakin’s English language requirements for domestic and international applicants, including the different ways you can meet the requirements for your course.
Check the English language requirements for your course
English language requirements apply to both domestic and international applicants and may vary depending on your course and circumstances. Some courses have higher requirements than the University minimum. Check the entry requirements on your course page to find out what applies to you.
Domestic applicants
If you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or permanent humanitarian visa holder, check the English language requirements on your domestic course page. You may be able to demonstrate your English proficiency through previous secondary or tertiary study, or other recognised evidence.
International applicants
If you're an international applicant, check the English language requirements on your international course page. You may be able to demonstrate your English proficiency through previous study, an accepted English language test or other recognised evidence.
How to meet Deakin's English language requirements
To study at Deakin, you'll need English language skills that allow you to participate fully in your course, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you're an international student applying for a student visa, you'll also need to meet the English language requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These may differ from Deakin's admission requirements.
What are the minimum English language requirements?
Deakin's English language requirements are aligned with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There are several ways to demonstrate your English language proficiency, depending on your course, level of study and the evidence you provide. You can find the full admission criteria in the Deakin Policy Library.
Explore the minimum requirements below to understand how you may be able to meet them. Expand each section to view tables outlining the relevant English language requirements, accepted qualifications and equivalent scores.
English language proficiency tests
Deakin accepts the following English language proficiency tests for admission:
- IELTS (Academic)
- Internet-based TOEFL
- Pearson Test of English (Academic)
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
- STAT Written English
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Occupational English Test (OET).
You must complete your test no more than two years before starting your course at Deakin, unless otherwise specified. If your course leads to professional accreditation, you should also check that your test and results meet the relevant professional body's requirements. These may differ from Deakin's admission requirements.
Minimum English language test scores
The table below shows the most common English language entry requirements and equivalent test scores. These are a general guide only. Some courses have higher requirements, so always check your chosen course page.
| IELTS 5.5 | IELTS 6.0 | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 7.0 | IELTS 7.0 | IELTS 8.0 | |
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall 5.5 with no band less than 5.5 | Overall 6.0 with no band less than 6.0 | Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 | Overall 7.0 with no band less than 6.5 | Overall 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 | Overall 8.0 with no band less than 8.0 |
| TOEFL iBT (0–120) | Overall 51 with no band less than 17 | Overall 69 Minimum of 21 in writing; 17 in reading and listening, and 18 in speaking | Overall 79 Minimum of 21 in writing; 18 in reading, listening and speaking | Overall 94 with no band less than 21 | Overall 94 with no band less than 27 | Overall 108 with no band less than 30 |
| TOEFL iBT (1–6) | Overall 3.5 with no band less than 3.5 | Overall 4.0 Minimum of 4.5 in writing, 4.0 in reading, listening and speaking | Overall 4.5 with no band less than 4.5 | Overall 5.0 with no band less than 4.5 | Overall 5.0 Minimum of 5.5 in writing, 5.0 in reading, listening and speaking | Overall 5.5 with no band less than 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 43 with no band less than 43 | Overall 52 with no band less than 52 | Overall 60 with no band less than 52 | Overall 66 with no band less than 60 | Overall 66 with no band less than 66 | Overall 79 with no band less than 79 |
| Language Cert Academic (Overall) | Overall 54 Listening 49, reading 54, writing 56, speaking 62 | Overall 65 with no band less than 60 | Overall 70 with no band less than 65 | Overall 73 with no band less than 70 | Overall 75 with no band less than 70 | Overall 85 with no band less than 80 |
| MET (Overall) | 49 with no band less than 49 | 55 with no band less than 50 | 60 with no band less than 55 | 65 with no band less than 55 | 65 with no band less than 60 | 72 with no band less than 71 |
| C2 Proficiency (Cambridge) | 162 with no band less than 162 | 169 with no band less than 169 | 176 with no band less than 169 | 180 with no band less than 176 | 185 with no band less than 185 | 200 with no band less than 200 |
| C1 Advanced (Cambridge) (CAE) | 162 with no band less than 162 | 169 with no band less than 169 | 176 with no band less than 169 | 180 with no band less than 176 | 185 with no skill below 185 | N/A |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Overall C | Overall C | Overall C+ | Overall B | Overall B | Overall A |
| DUELI Test | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| STAT Written English | N/A | Overall 140 | Overall 145 | Overall 150 | N/A | N/A |
English language programs, foundation and pathways
You may be able to use a completed foundation, English language or pathway program to meet Deakin's English language requirements.
The table below outlines recognised programs and their indicative IELTS-equivalent scores. These are provided as a guide and do not apply to postgraduate courses.
|
IELTS (Academic) Overall 5.5 (no band less than 5.5) |
IELTS (Academic) Overall 6.0 (no band less than 6.0) |
IELTS (Academic) Overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
IELTS (Academic) Overall 7.0 (no band less than 6.5) |
IELTS (Academic) Overall 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) | |
| Deakin University English Language Institute (program) | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 2: 60% | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 3: 60% | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 4: 60% | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 4: 70% | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 4: 75% |
| Australian University Foundation Program | Recognised Australian enabling program, including but not limited to Fee-Free Uni Ready aligned programs. | 60% in English subjects | 60% in English subjects | 60% in English subjects | 73% in English subjects |
| Deakin College (for UG courses only) | Foundation program or diploma | Foundation program or diploma | Foundation program or diploma | Foundation program or diploma |
Have you completed schooling in a recognised English-speaking country?
You may be able to meet Deakin's English language requirements through previous schooling in a recognised English-speaking country. The requirements differ for domestic and international students.
Domestic students
If you're a domestic student and completed your final two years of senior secondary schooling in English in a Deakin-recognised English-speaking country, you may meet the minimum English language requirements. Check the qualification requirements below and your chosen course page to confirm your eligibility.
International students
If you're an international student, you must have completed schooling in a Deakin-recognised English-speaking country and meet all of the following requirements:
- Completed at least six years of primary and/or secondary education delivered and assessed entirely in English.
- Successfully completed at least two years at secondary or senior secondary level, or the overseas equivalent.
- Completed all relevant study in English, including teaching and assessment.
Check the qualification requirements below and your chosen course page for any additional English language requirements.
Recognised English-speaking countries
If you've studied, lived or worked in a country recognised by Deakin as English-speaking, you may be able to meet the English language requirements without completing a formal English language test.
The table below lists the countries Deakin recognises for the purpose of assessing English language proficiency.
Antigua and Barbuda | Guyana | New Zealand | St Kitts and Nevis |
Australia | Ireland | Nigeria | St Lucia |
Bahamas | Jamaica | Papua New Guinea | Tanzania |
Barbados | Kenya | Samoa | Tonga |
Belize | Kiribati | Sierra Leone | Trinidad and Tobago |
Botswana | Lesotho | Singapore | Uganda |
Canada | Liberia | Solomon Islands | United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) |
Fiji | Malawi | South Africa | United States of America |
Gambia | Mauritius | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
Have you studied after secondary school?
You may be able to meet Deakin's English language requirements if you've successfully completed a qualification taught and assessed entirely in English. Eligibility requirements vary depending on whether you're applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
See the undergraduate requirements below. You'll also need to meet any additional English language requirements listed on your chosen course page.
Have you worked or lived in a recognised English-speaking country?
You may be able to demonstrate your English language proficiency through relevant work, community or life experience in a Deakin-recognised English-speaking country. You'll need to provide evidence that you've regularly used written and spoken English at a level that meets your course requirements.
What evidence can you provide?
Applications are assessed individually. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to complete or provide one or more of the following:
- an interview
- residency or citizenship documents
- a statement from an employer, community leader, sports coach or professional referee who can verify your English language proficiency
- a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your relevant experience.
Any supporting statements must include current contact details so the information can be verified. Your evidence must demonstrate English language proficiency that is current when you begin your studies at Deakin. Time limits may apply to some forms of evidence.
Check the English language requirements for your qualification
If you're using a previous qualification to demonstrate your English language proficiency, you'll need to check that Deakin recognises your qualification and that it meets the minimum requirements for your level of study.
Explore the requirements below and check your chosen course page for any additional English language requirements.
To meet the English language requirements for an associate degree at Deakin, you'll need to have completed at least one of the following:
- IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 5.5 and no band below 5.5
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent senior secondary qualification
- Certificate III or higher, including Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma
- a recognised enabling program, including Fee-Free Uni Ready aligned programs.
If you've completed secondary school in Australia or overseas, you may be able to use your qualification to meet Deakin's English language requirements.
The table below shows recognised secondary school qualifications and the results required to meet different IELTS-equivalent levels.
These requirements are a guide only. Check your chosen course page for the specific English-language requirements.
Country | Qualification | IELTS (Academic) overall 6.0 (no band less than 6.0) | IELTS (Academic) overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | IELTS (Academic) overall 7.0 (no band less than 6.5) | IELTS (Academic) overall 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
Australia | Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4 | 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English | 30 in EAL or 25 in any other English | 30 in EAL or 25 in any other English | 30 in EAL or 25 in any other English |
Global | International Baccalaureate Diploma | Grade 4 in English | Grade 4 in English | Grade 5 in English | Grade 5 in English |
GCE A-Level | C grade in the General Paper or C Grade in a Humanities and Social Sciences subject at Higher 1 (A1) or Higher 2 (A2 level) | C grade in the General Paper or C Grade in a Humanities and Social Sciences subject at Higher 1 (A1) or Higher 2 (A2 level) | B grade in the General Paper or B Grade in a Humanities and Social Sciences subject at Higher 1 (A1) or Higher 2 (A2 level) | B grade in the General Paper or B Grade in a Humanities and Social Sciences subject at Higher 1 (A1) or Higher 2 (A2 level) | |
Canada | Canadian Senior Secondary or Pre-University Program (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) | 50% in final year English subjects | 50% in final year English | 70% in final year English | 75% in final year English |
Denmark | Danish Upper Secondary School Leaving Examinations (Studentereksamen) | Grade 7 in English A or Grade 10 in English B | Grade 7 in English A or Grade 10 in English B | Grade 7 in English A or Grade 10 in English B | Grade 7 in English A or Grade 10 in English B |
Netherlands | Dutch Diploma of Pre-University Education (Diploma Voobereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwij) | Grade 7 in final year English | Grade 8 in final year English | N/A | N/A |
European Study Abroad | European Study Abroad and Exchange student/programs | Overall grade of B2 | Overall grade of C1 | N/A | N/A |
Finland | Finnish Upper Secondary School Diploma (Lukionpaastotodistus) | Grade 8 in English A or English (Advanced) Matriculation Exam (Ylioppilastutkinto) Pass in English (Advanced) STABEX students only: Grade 7 in English A or English (Advanced) | STABEX students only: Grade 8 in English A or English (Advanced) | N/A | N/A |
Germany | German Fachhochschulereife Abitur and DAAD | Fachhochschulereife with at least 3 in English; or Abitur with at least 7 in English or minimum of either: B in all four bands of the DAAD Language Certificate or B2 (4 star) in all three bands of the DAAD Language Certificate | Fachhochschulereife with at least 3 in English; or Abitur with at least 7 in English or minimum of either: B in all four bands of the DAAD Language Certificate or B2 (4 star) in all three bands of the DAAD Language Certificate | Fachhochschulereife with at least 2 in English; or Abitur with at least 9 in English or minimum of either: A in all four bands of the DAAD Language Certificate or C1 (5 star) in all three bands of the DAAD Language Certificate | Fachhochschulereife with at least 2 in English; or Abitur with at least 9 in English or minimum of either: A in all four bands of the DAAD language Certificate or C1 (5 star) in all three bands of the DAAD Language Certificate |
Norway | Norwegian Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary School Examinations (Vitnemål) | Grade 4 in English | Grade 4 in English | Grade 7 in final year English | Grade 7 in final year English |
Sweden | Swedish Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SlutbetygfranGymnasieskolan) | C in English | C in English | C in English | C in English |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | English level 3 with no component level less than 3 | English level 4 with no component level less than 3 | N/A | N/A |
Malaysia | Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)or 0-Level equivalent | Minimum C; and completion of 2 semesters of tertiary education where English is the language of instruction and assessment with an overall average of 60% | Minimum C; and completion of 2 semesters of tertiary education where English is the language of instruction and assessment with an overall average of 65% | N/A | N/A |
Malaysia | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | C in the STPM 914 English language or 920 English literature examinations | C+ in the STPM 914 English language or 920 English literature examinations | N/A | N/A |
India | All India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)* | 60% in English | N/A | N/A | N/A |
India | Indian School Certificate (ISC-Year 12)* | 60% in English | N/A | N/A | N/A |
India | Indian Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)* | 65% in English | N/A | N/A | N/A |
India | Indian Pre-University Examination Certificate awarded by a university after one year of study beyond Secondary School Certificate (SSC-Class X) in an affiliated College* | 65% in English | N/A | N/A | N/A |
India | Tamil Nadu Higher School Certificate* | 120/200 or more in English | N/A | N/A | N/A |
If you've completed vocational education and training (VET) or university study, you may be able to use your qualification to meet Deakin's English language requirements for undergraduate study.
The table below outlines the minimum study requirements for different IELTS-equivalent levels.
| IELTS (Academic) overall 6.0 (no band less than 6.0) | IELTS (Academic) overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | IELTS (Academic) overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.5) | IELTS (Academic) overall 7.0 (no band less than 6.5) | IELTS (Academic) overall 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
| Successful completion of at least two units (equivalent to Deakin University credit points) at AQF Level 7 bachelor degree | Successful completion of at least four units (equivalent to Deakin University credit points) at AQF Level 7 bachelors degree | Successful completion of at least four units (equivalent to Deakin University credit points) at AQF Level 7 bachelors degree | Successful completion of at least eight units (equivalent to Deakin University credit points) at AQF Level 7 bachelor degree | Successful completion of at least eight units (equivalent to Deakin University credit points) at AQF Level 7 bachelor degree |
| Completion of at least one year of an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) | Completion of at least one year of an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Completion of Diploma (AQF Level 5) | Completion of Diploma (AQF Level 5) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Completion of a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
You may be able to meet Deakin's English language requirements for postgraduate or honours study through previous qualifications, relevant work experience or residency in a Deakin-recognised English-speaking country.
The table below outlines the qualifications, work experience and residency requirements that may be accepted for postgraduate and honours study.
Course at Deakin | Tertiary study | Work experience/residency |
Honours degree | Completion of an AQF 7 bachelor degree or higher | Five years' relevant work experience or ongoing residency |
Graduate certificate | Completion of an AQF 7 bachelor degree or Completion of an AQF 8 honours degree or higher | Five years' relevant work experience or ongoing residency |
Graduate diploma | Completion of an AQF 7 bachelor degree or Completion of an AQF 8 honours degree or Completion of an AQF 8 graduate certificate or higher | Five years’ relevant work experience or ongoing residency |
Masters | Completion of an AQF 7 bachelor degree or Completion of an AQF 8 honours Degree or Completion of an AQF 8 graduate certificate or higher | Five years’ relevant work experience or ongoing residency |
Some Deakin courses have higher or additional English language requirements. Check your chosen course page to confirm the requirements before applying.
Postgraduate courses
Education
- E761 Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
- E778 Master of Teaching (Primary)
- E779 Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Health
Undergraduate courses
Nursing
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When you study at Deakin, you will get the English language support you need. From online resources to in-person mentoring sessions, we’re here to help you succeed.
What if I don’t meet the English language requirements?
If you don’t currently meet the requirements for your preferred course, there may be other ways to prepare for study at Deakin.
Pathways for domestic applicants
Depending on your course and circumstances, you may have pathway or study options that can help you meet the requirements for admission to Deakin.
English language programs for international applicants
The Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers programs to help international students develop their academic English skills. Successful completion of an eligible DUELI English for Academic Purposes program can provide the English language requirements for entry into most Deakin courses.
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Need help?
Not sure which English language requirements apply to you? Get in touch and we can help you understand your options. If you are an international student you can also get help from a Deakin authorised international education agent in your country or region.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
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