ADMISSIONS STANDARDS – ENGLISH

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
1 Definitions
(1) Words and phrases used in these standards and not otherwise defined in this
document have the meanings they have in the Coursework Policy 2014.
(2) In these standards and the English language concordance tables referenced in and
linked to this document:

IB means the International Baccalaureate

CAE means Cambridge English: Advanced

CPE means Cambridge English: Proficiency

Dean means, as appropriate, an Executive Dean or Dean of a faculty, or

a Head of School and Dean of a University school.

English means any of the countries listed in clause 3.

speaking
country

GCE means the General Certificate of Education

HKDSE means the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

IELTS means the International English Language Testing System

standardised means any form of test of generalised scholastic aptitude which:

admissions test
• requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a
selection of questions from a common bank, in the same way;
and
• is scored in a standardised manner to facilitate comparison of
the relative performance of individual test takers or groups of
test takers.
Note: Examples include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and
American College Testing (ACT) and other approved equivalent
tests.

STPM means the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia

TOEFL means the Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEFL iBT means internet based TOEFL

UK A Level means the GCE English subject that has been undertaken at full
English Advanced (A2) level

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 UK AS Level means the GCE English Language and Literature subject or
English English Language subject.

UK A Levels means any of the following GCE A Level humanities subjects:

Humanities History, Humanities, Philosophy – Critical Thinking, Politics, Law,
Religion, Sociology and Psychology

PART 1 ENGLISH AS A FIRST LANGUAGE – ALL

APPLICANTS

2 Application of this part

This part applies to applicants for:
undergraduate award courses;
postgraduate coursework award courses;
higher degree by research award courses; and
non-award students seeking to enrol in one or more units of study at the
University, including:
(i) exchange students; and
(ii) study abroad students.

3 English speaking countries

The applicant must have citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten
years) from one or more of the following countries and have completed secondary or
tertiary study equivalent to required Australian qualifications, from one of the following
countries:
(a) American Samoa
(b) Australia
(c) Bahamas
(d) Barbados
(e) Belize
(f) Botswana
(g) Canada (excluding Quebec)
(h) Fiji
(i) Gambia
(j) Ghana
(k) Gibraltar
(l) Guyana

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 (m) Ireland
(n) Jamaica
(o) Kenya
(p) Lesotho
(q) Liberia
(r) New Zealand
(s) Nigeria
(t) Papua New Guinea
(u) Samoa
(v) Singapore
(w) Solomon Islands
(x) South Africa
(y) Tonga
(z) Trinidad and Tobago
(aa) United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)
(bb) United States of America
(cc) Zambia
(dd) Zimbabwe
Note: See clauses 21A and 23A of the Coursework Policy 2014 and section 7.1 of the
University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.

4 Faculty or University school requirements

An applicant for admission to an award course or non-award study in a faculty or
University school that has set English language requirements separate to those set out in
this part must meet the faculty or University school’s requirements, as approved by the
Academic Board.
Note: These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance with the
University of Sydney (Delegations of Authority) Rule 2020.

5 External registration or accreditation requirements

(1) An applicant for an award course which has external accreditation or registration
requirements may be required to meet these external requirements to be eligible
for admission, in addition to the University’s requirements.
(2) A list of such courses is set out in Table 1 of this document.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

PART 2 ENGLISH NOT FIRST LANGUAGE – ENTRY TO
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY BASED ON PRIOR
STUDY

6 Application of this part

(1) This part applies to applicants for undergraduate coursework award and non-award
study:
(a) whose first language is not English;
(b) who wish to demonstrate English proficiency through secondary, post-
secondary or tertiary study; and
(c) who, if successful, will commence study after 1 January 2021.
(2) This part does not apply to study abroad or exchange applicants.
Note: See Part 4.

7 Secondary study
(1) Applicants seeking admission under this part to an undergraduate award course or
non-award study on the basis of satisfactory achievement in secondary study must
have completed senior secondary study:
(a) within five years of the date on which they will commence at the University:
(i) in an English speaking country;
(ii) in a qualification originating in an English speaking country but
undertaken in a non-English speaking country, subject to the
qualification meeting standards equivalent to the standards
determined by the Academic Board; or
(iii) in a course in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board;
or
(b) within two years of the date on which they will commence at the University,
in a course (whether or not in English) which meets the subject and grade
requirements for acceptable secondary qualifications approved by the
Academic Board and published on the Academic Board Standards and
Guidelines website: Tables 2 and 3: University of Sydney English Language
Concordance Tables.
Note: A standardised admissions test does not on its own constitute a recognised
secondary qualification for the purposes of assessing English language proficiency.

(2) The Academic Board will approve acceptable secondary qualifications and the
subject and grade requirements for them for the purposes of subclause 7(1)(b).
(3) The relevant Associate Dean may require further testing of an applicant’s English
language proficiency if they believe this to be necessary.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

(4) An applicant for admission to an award course or non-award study in a faculty or
University school that has set English language requirements above the minimum
requirements set out in this clause must meet the faculty or University school’s
requirements, as approved by the Academic Board.
Note: These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance
with the University of Sydney (Delegation of Authority) Rule 2020.

8 Post-secondary or tertiary study

(1) Applicants seeking admission under this part to an undergraduate award course or
non-award study on the basis of post-secondary or tertiary study must demonstrate
satisfactory achievement in any of the following, completed within five years of the
date on which they will commence at the University:
(a) a completed recognised foundation program or tertiary education
preparation program, in which they have achieved the required English
language results;
Note: See the Coursework Policy 2014.

(b) a completed diploma or advanced diploma of at least one year full-time (or
part-time equivalent) duration at, or equivalent to, Australian Qualifications
Framework level 5 or level 6;
Note: See Coursework Policy 2014 and Australian Qualifications Framework.+

(c) at least one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) in a degree course at, or
equivalent to, Australian Qualifications Framework level 7 or higher.
(2) The post-secondary or tertiary study must have been undertaken:
(a) in an English speaking country; or
(b) in a qualification originating in an English speaking country, but undertaken
in a non-English speaking country, subject to the qualification meeting
standards equivalent to the standards determined by the Academic Board;
or
(c) in a course in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board.
(3) The relevant Associate Dean may require further testing of an applicant’s English
language proficiency if they believe this to be necessary.

9 Faculty or University school requirements

An applicant for admission to an award course or non-award study in a faculty or
University school that has set English language study requirements separate to the
requirements listed in this part must meet those requirements, as approved by the
Academic Board.
Note These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance with the
University of Sydney (Delegations of Authority) Rule 2020.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

10 External registration or accreditation requirements
(1) An applicant for an award course which has external accreditation or registration
requirements may be required to meet these external requirements to be eligible
for admission, in addition to the University’s requirements.
(2) A list of such courses is set out in Table 1 of this document.

PART 3 ENGLISH NOT FIRST LANGUAGE – ENTRY TO

POSTGRADUATE STUDY BASED ON PRIOR
STUDY

11 Application of this part

(1) This part applies to applicants for postgraduate coursework award courses or non-
award study, or higher degree by research award courses or non-award study:
(a) whose first language is not English;
(b) who wish to demonstrate English proficiency through tertiary study; and
(c) who, if successful, will commence study after 1 January 2021.
(2) This part does not apply to study abroad or exchange applicants.
Note: See Part 4.

12 Tertiary study
(1) Applicants seeking admission under this part to a postgraduate award course or
non-award study, or a higher degree by research award course or non-award
study, must demonstrate satisfactory achievement in tertiary study at, or equivalent
to, the bachelor degree level (Australian Qualification Framework Level 7):
within five years of the date on which they will commence at the University;
at a provider approved by the University; and
in which the duration of study was:
(i) at least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) undertaken
in an English speaking country, and where the language of instruction,
assessment and examination was English; or
(ii) a completed undergraduate degree of at least three years full-time (or
part-time equivalent) undertaken in English in a non-English speaking
country, and in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board;
or
(iii) a completed postgraduate degree of at least one year full-time (or
part-time equivalent) undertaken in English in a non-English speaking
country, and in which the language of instruction, assessment and

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 examination English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board.
(2) The relevant Associate Dean may require further testing of an applicant’s English
language proficiency if they believe this to be necessary.

13 Faculty or University school requirements

(1) An applicant for admission to an award course or non-award study in a faculty or
University school that has set English language study requirements separate to the
requirements listed in this part must meet those requirements, as approved by the
Academic Board.
Note These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance with
the University of Sydney (Delegations of Authority) Rule 2020.

(2) The courses and separate requirements referenced in subclause 13(1) are listed
below:
(a) Admission to all postgraduate award courses offered by the School of
Architecture, Design and Planning requires, in addition to the requirements
of subclauses 12(1)(a) and 12(1)(b), satisfactory achievement in tertiary
study at, or equivalent to, the bachelor degree level (Australian Qualification
Framework Level 7) in which the duration of study was:
(i) at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) undertaken in
an English speaking country and where the language of instruction,
assessment, examination was English; or
(ii) a completed undergraduate degree of at least three years full-time (or
equivalent part-time) undertaken in English in a non-English speaking
country, and in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board;
or
(iii) a completed postgraduate or higher degree by research award course
of at least two years full-time (or equivalent part-time) undertaken in
English, and in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board.
(b) Admission to all post-registration postgraduate courses offered by the Susan
Wakil School of Nursing requires, in addition to the requirements of
subclauses 12(1)(a) and 12(1)(b), satisfactory achievement in tertiary
studies at, or equivalent to, the bachelor degree level (Australian
Qualification Framework Level 7) in which the duration of study was:
(i) a three-year degree, completed no more than five years prior to the
commencement of study at the University, in which the language of
instruction, assessment and examination was English, subject to
demonstrating English language proficiency to meet the standards
determined by the Academic Board; or
(ii) a postgraduate degree of two years or more, completed no more than
three years prior to the commencement of study at the University, in
which the language of instruction, assessment and examination itself

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 was English, subject to demonstrating English language proficiency to
meet the standards determined by the Academic Board.

14 External registration or accreditation requirements

(1) An applicant for an award course which has external accreditation or registration
requirements may be required to meet these external requirements to be eligible
for admission, in addition to the University’s requirements.
(2) A list of such courses is set out in Table 1 of this document.

PART 4 ENGLISH NOT FIRST LANGUAGE – ENTRY TO

STUDY ABROAD AND EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

15 Application of this part

(1) This part applies to study abroad and exchange applicants for coursework or
research study:
(a) whose first language is not English; and
(b) who, if successful, will commence study after 1 January 2021.
(2) Inbound applicants seeking admission to a study abroad or exchange program
may seek admission on the basis of any of:
(a) secondary study, as specified in this part;
(b) tertiary study, as specified in this part;
(c) English language test scores, as provided in Part 5; or
(d) relevant experience, as provided in Part 6.

16 Secondary study
(1) An applicant under this part who wishes to rely on secondary study must have
completed secondary study within ten years of the date on which they will
commence at the University and have:
(a) a record of satisfactory achievement in secondary study:
(i) in an English speaking country;
(ii) in a qualification originating in an English speaking country,
undertaken in a non-English speaking country, subject to the
qualification meeting standards equivalent to the standards
determined by the Academic Board; or
(iii) in a course in which the language of instruction, assessment and
examination was English, subject to demonstrating English language
proficiency to meet the standards determined by the Academic Board;
or

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 (b) a record of satisfactory achievement in secondary studies:
(i) not undertaken in English; but
(ii) which meets the requirements specified on the Academic Board
Standards and Guidelines website: Tables 2 and 3 – University of
Sydney English Language Concordance Tables.
(2) The relevant Associate Dean may require further testing of an applicant’s English
language proficiency if they believe this to be necessary.

17 Tertiary study
(1) An applicant under this part who wishes to rely on tertiary study must demonstrate
satisfactory achievement in tertiary study within ten years of the date at which they
will commence at the University, at or equivalent to the bachelor degree level
(Australian Qualification Framework Level 7):
Note: See Australian Qualifications Framework

(a) at a provider approved by the University;

(b) in which the duration of study was at least one year full time (or part time
equivalent); and
(c) which was:
(i) undertaken in an English speaking country; or
(ii) in a qualification originating in an English speaking country but
undertaken in a non-English speaking country, subject to the
qualification meeting standards equivalent to the standards
determined by the Academic Board; or
(iii) undertaken in English, and in which the language of instruction,
assessment and examination was English, subject to demonstrating
English language proficiency to meet the standards determined by the
Academic Board.
(2) The relevant Associate Dean may require further testing of an applicant’s English
language proficiency if they believe this to be necessary.

PART 5 ENGLISH NOT FIRST LANGUAGE - ENTRY BASED

ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST SCORES – ALL
APPLICANTS

18 Application of this part

This part applies to applicants for all undergraduate, postgraduate coursework or higher
degree by research award courses, or non-award study, including study abroad and
exchange:
(a) whose first language is not English;

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 who wish to demonstrate English language proficiency through an English
language skills test score; and
(c) who, if successful, will commence study after 1 January 2021.

19 Approved English language proficiency tests

(1) The Academic Board is responsible for approving:
English language proficiency tests to be used for the purposes of this
standard;
the required scores to be obtained in each specified test; and
a table of equivalent scores enabling conversion of results between
approved tests.
(2) The Academic Board will publish and maintain on the Academic Board Standards
and Guidelines Website:
a list of all English language proficiency tests approved by the Academic
Board for the purposes of this standard;
the required scores to be obtained in each specified test; and
equivalent scores enabling conversion of results between approved tests.
Note: See Table 1 of the University of Sydney English Language Concordance Tables.

(3) Regardless of the provisions of any applicable external accreditation or registration

requirements, the University will only accept English proficiency tests specified in
these standards.

20 Test score requirements

(1) Except as provided in subclause 20(2), an applicant whose first language is not
English must have achieved within two years of the date on which the applicant will
commence at the University an IELTS result of:
(a) the higher of:
(i) 6.0 in the case of admission as approved by the Academic Board and
listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of this document;
(ii) 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each band in the case of other courses not
listed in Table 2 or Table 3 of this document as having special
requirements; or
(iii) the applicable specific course requirements listed in Table 2 or Table
3 of this document;
(b) an equivalent score for other approved English language tests as listed in
Table 1 of the University of Sydney English Language Concordance Tables;
or
(c) the required score in approved English language tests offered by the
University’s Centre for English Teaching.
(2) As a temporary measure due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and until rescinded by
the Academic Board, for entry to all courses other than those with external
registration or accreditation requirements listed in Table 1 of this document:

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 (a) an applicant whose first language is not English may rely on IELTS (or
equivalent) scores achieved within three years prior to course
commencement;
(b) the TOEFL Special Home Edition Test will be considered equivalent to the
TOEFL iBT;
(c) the IELTS Indicator will be considered equivalent to the IELTS.
Note: See the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019 for the definition of teaching periods.

21 Emergency variations to testing requirements

(1) If the Chair of the Academic Board is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist
which render the English language proficiency tests specified in this standard
unavailable or impractical, the Chair of the Academic Board may determine
alternative tests, and test score requirements, as acceptable for the purposes of
this standard.
Any such determination must be:
(i) made in writing and published on the University’s website;
(ii) notified to the next meeting of the Academic Board; and
(iii) limited to a specified period of time;
and
may also be limited to specified geographical areas.
(2) The Admissions Team in Sydney Future Students will publish details of these
determinations on the University English language requirements website..

22 Faculty or University school requirements

(1) An applicant for admission to an award course or non-award study in a faculty or
University school that has set English language requirements in addition to or
above the minimum requirements set out in subclause 20 must meet the faculty or
University school’s requirements, as approved by the Academic Board and listed in
Table 2 of this document (undergraduate courses) and Table 3 of this document
(postgraduate courses).
Note: These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance
with the University of Sydney (Delegations of Authority)Rule 2020.

(2) The Head of School and Dean of the Sydney College of the Arts may, on
application and at their discretion, admit to the Bachelor of Visual Arts an applicant
who has achieved an IELTS overall band score of 6.0.
(3) The Head of School and Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music may, on
application and at their discretion, admit to the Diploma of Music an applicant who
has achieved an IELTS overall band score of 6.0.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

PART 6 ENGLISH NOT FIRST LANGUAGE - ENTRY BASED
ON EXPERIENCE – ALL APPLICANTS

23 Application of this part

This part applies to applicants for all undergraduate or postgraduate coursework award
courses, higher degree by research award courses or non-award study, including Study
Abroad and Exchange:
(a) whose first language is not English;
(a) who wish to demonstrate English language proficiency through work and
residency experience; and
(b) who, if successful, will commence study after 1 January 2020.

24 Relevant experience
(1) Applicants seeking admission under this part must demonstrate that they have:
(a) lived and worked in an English speaking country continuously for at least five
years prior to the date on which they will commence at the University;
(b) undertaken work there which is:
(i) relevant to their intended study at the University; and
(ii) at a standard sufficient to permit them to meet the University’s
applicable English language requirements; or
(c) a current registration with an accreditation body that has an English
language requirement equivalent to, or higher than, the standards otherwise
required by the University.
(2) An applicant applying for admission to post-registration postgraduate courses
offered by the Susan Wakil School of Nursing may provide proof of English
Language Proficiency by a record of current registration with the Australian Health
Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a (Division 1) Registered Nurse and
proof of current employment in this capacity at an appropriate health facility.
(3) Other admissions standards or requirements may be set by a faculty or University
school subject to approval by the Academic Board.
Note: These requirements must be approved by the Academic Board in accordance with
the University of Sydney (Delegations of Authority) Rule 2020.

25 External registration or accreditation requirements

(1) An applicant for an award course which has external accreditation or registration
requirements may be required to meet these external requirements to be eligible
for admission, in addition to the University’s requirements.

(2) A list of such courses is set out in Table 1 of this document.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

PART 7 EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES - ALL
APPLICANTS

26 Dean’s discretion
(1) In exceptional circumstances, a Dean may determine that an applicant
demonstrates English language proficiency requirements by means other than
those prescribed in these standards, provided that:
(a) the applicant must have:
(i) an IELTS score or equivalent as specified in Table 1 of the University
of Sydney English Language Concordance Tables; or
(ii) an English score from the University’s Centre for English Teaching
equivalent to the applicable IELTS score; and
(iii) an overall or average band score no more than 0.5 below the overall
or average band score otherwise required; and
(iv) no individual band score more than 1.0 below the individual band
score otherwise required;
or:
(b) the Dean is satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated enough
competence in written and spoken English to complete the course
successfully.
(2) In considering whether an applicant has demonstrated enough competence in
written and spoken English to complete the course successfully, the Dean:
(a) must take into account any advice of the relevant Associate Dean; and
(b) may consider any other relevant matter, including:
(i) the applicant’s ability to communicate in an academic environment;
(ii) whether the applicant has been known to the faculty or University
school for at least two years;
(iii) any appropriate work experience that the applicant has had in an
English language environment; and
(iv) any oral discussions between staff members and the applicant.
(3) The Dean must record in writing on the student file any approval to waive English
language requirements, including:
(a) the proof of proficiency in English provided by the applicant; and
(b) the Dean’s reasons for granting the exemption.

27 Modifications by Academic Board committees

(1) For undergraduate applicants, the Chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee
of the Academic Board may, in exceptional circumstances, modify the limits
prescribed in subclause 26(1)(a), as they apply in a particular case.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

(2) For postgraduate coursework and higher degree by research applicants, the Chair
of the Graduate Studies Committee of the Academic Board may, in exceptional
circumstances, modify the limits prescribed in subclause 26(1)(a), as they apply in
a particular case.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

table 1

Award Courses with External Accreditation and Registration

Requirements
Faculty/School/Course Additional English requirements (other than
IELTS or an equivalent approved English test)

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Dentistry

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry courses (for all streams), Sydney School of Dentistry requires applicants
including embedded Graduate Diplomas in Clinical to meet one of the following criteria by the
Dentistry and Graduate Certificates in Clinical application closing date if they do not have a
Dentistry (for all streams) valid English test result:
i. Current AHPRA registration as a
dental practitioner or;
ii. Successful completion of requisite
secondary and tertiary study
requirements undertaken in Australia,
New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK,
South Africa or Republic of Ireland as
specified by AHPRA (Registration
Standards, Dental Board of Australia)
Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies)

Admission to pre-registration courses
Bachelor of Arts / Master of Nursing offered by the Susan Wakil School of
Nursing requires meeting applicable
Bachelor of Science / Master of Nursing standards specified in the Nursing
and Midwifery Board of Australia
Bachelor of Science (Health) / Master of Nursing Registration Standard: English
Language Skills, including those
Master of Nursing relating to duration, location and
nature of study.

Faculty of Science

Master of Clinical Psychology Additional English language requirements

apply under the current Australian Health
Master of Clinical Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy PractitionersRegulation Agency (AHPRA)
(Science) standards for registration. Where these are
inconsistent with University of Sydney
standards, the higher standard will apply for
admission.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 TABLE 2

Course or Faculty / University school-specific English Language

Requirements – Undergraduate
FACULTY OR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL / ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
COURSE

Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning

All undergraduate courses IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Design in Architecture IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
(Honours) / Master of Architecture a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
components

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Advanced IELTS: Overall band score of 7.5 or better with
Studies (Media and Communications) a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Economics / Bachelor of Advanced a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
Studies components

Bachelor of Education (all streams) and IELTS: Minimum overall result of 7.5
combined degrees
Minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening
modules

Minimum of 7.0 in reading and writing modules

Sydney Business School

All undergraduate courses including IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
combined degrees except combined law a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
(see below) components

Faculty of Engineering

Bachelor of Advanced Computing / IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Bachelor of Commerce a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Engineering IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with

Honours/Bachelor of Commerce a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
components.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 FACULTY OR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL / ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
COURSE

Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil) / IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Bachelor of Design in Architecture a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the
components

Sydney Law School

All undergraduate courses (combined law) IELTS: Overall band score of 7.5 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Dentistry

Bachelor of Oral Health IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Dental IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Medicine a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Health Sciences

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Physiology) a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Applied Science IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
(Occupational Therapy) a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Applied Science IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
(Physiotherapy) a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Pathology) a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Medicine

Bachelor of Arts / Doctor of Medicine IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 FACULTY OR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL / ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
COURSE

Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
Bachelor of Arts / Master of Nursing components

Bachelor of Science / Master of For applicants not presenting a valid IELTS or

equivalent approved English test, separate
Nursing English requirements set by external
registration bodies apply for admission to this
Bachelor of Science (Health) / Master course – see Table 1.
of Nursing

All Nursing courses except the above pre- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
registration courses a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Faculty of Science

Bachelor of Science / Master of Nutrition IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
and Dietetics a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the
components

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Veterinary Medicine a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 TABLE 3

Course or Faculty / University school -specific English language

requirements – postgraduate
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning

All postgraduate (coursework and IELTS: overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in
research) courses other bands

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Master of Art Curating, Graduate Diploma IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
in Art Curating, Graduate Certificate in Art bands
Curating

Master of Creative Writing, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in the
Diploma in Creative Writing, Graduate Writing band and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Certificate in Creative Writing bands

Master of Cross-cultural and Applied IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Linguistics, Graduate Diploma in Cross- bands
cultural and Applied Linguistics, Graduate
Certificate in Cross-cultural and Applied
Linguistics

Master of Cultural Studies, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Cultural Studies, Graduate bands
Certificate in Cultural Studies

Master of Development Studies, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Development Studies, bands
Graduate Certificate in Development
Studies

Master of Digital Communication and IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Culture, Graduate Diploma in Digital bands
Communication and Culture, Graduate
Certificate in Digital Communication and
Culture

Master of Economic Analysis, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in other
Diploma in Economic Analysis bands

Master of Economics, Graduate Diploma IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
in Economics, Graduate Certificate in bands
Economics

Master of English Studies, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in English Studies, Graduate bands
Certificate in English Studies

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Master of Health Communication, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in Health bands
Communication, Graduate Certificate in
Health Communication

Master of Health Security, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Health Security, Graduate bands
Certificate in Health Security

Master of Human Rights, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Human Rights, Graduate bands
Certificate in Human Rights

Master of International Relations, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in International bands
Relations, Graduate Certificate in
International Relations

Master of International Security, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in International bands
Security, Graduate Certificate in
International Security

Master of International Studies, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in International Studies, bands
Graduate Certificate in International
Studies

Master of Media Practice, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Media Practice, Graduate bands
Certificate in Media Practice

Master of Museum and Heritage Studies, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in Museum and bands
Heritage Studies, Graduate Certificate in
Museum and Heritage Studies

Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict bands
Studies, Graduate Certificate in Peace
and Conflict Studies

Master of Political Economy, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Political Economy, Graduate bands
Certificate in Political Economy

Master of Public Policy, Graduate IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Diploma in Public Policy, Graduate bands
Certificate in Public Policy

Master of Publishing, Graduate Diploma IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
in Publishing, Graduate Certificate in bands
Publishing

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Master of Strategic Public Relations, IELTS overall 7.0 and a minimum of 6.0 in other
Graduate Diploma in Strategic Public bands
Relations, Graduate Certificate in
Strategic Public Relations

Education and Social Work

Master of Social Work (Qualifying) IELTS – Overall band score of 7.5 or better with
minimum of 7.0 in each band

Master of Teaching IELTS – Overall band score of 7.5 or better with

minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening
modules and minimum of 7.0 in reading and
writing modules

Sydney Business School

All postgraduate coursework courses IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,
with no component being below 6.0

All research degrees IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with a section minimum of 6.5.

Faculty of Engineering

Master of Complex Systems, Graduate IELTS – A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a
Diploma in Complex Systems minimum result of 6.0 in each band

Master of Project and Program IELTS – A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a
Management, Graduate Certificate in minimum result of 6.0 in each band
Program and Project Management

Master of Transport, Graduate Certificate IELTS – A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a
in Transport, Graduate Diploma in minimum result of 6.0 in each band
Transport

Sydney Law School

Juris Doctor IELTS – Overall band score of 7.5 or better with

a minimum of 7.0 in each band

All other postgraduate (coursework and IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,
research) courses with at least 6.0 in each of the components

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine and IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
Health)

Master of Philosophy (Medicine and IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0
Health)

Sydney Professional Certificates in: IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with at least
6.5 in each of the components
Commercialisation of Pharmaceuticals
and Medical Devices
Complementary Medicines Regulation

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Diabetes Management
Diagnostic Electroencephalography
(EEG)
Intensive Care Medicine
Metabolic Health
Metabolic Management
Neurological Electrodiagnosis
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Retrieval Medicine

Clinical and Professional Development

Unit

Master of Advanced Surgery (Breast IELTS – overall band score of 7.0, with at least
Surgery), Graduate Diploma in Advanced 6.5 in each of the components.
Surgery (Breast Surgery), Graduate
Certificate in Advanced Surgery (Breast
Surgery)

Master of Biomedical Science in IELTS – overall band score of 7.0, with at least
(including embedded degrees): 6.5 in each of the components.

Infection and immunity

Genomics and Precision Medicine

Master of Clinical Trials Research, IELTS – overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Trials a minimum of 7.0 in each band
Research, Graduate Certificate in Clinical
Trials Research

Master of Medicine (stream), Master of IELTS – overall band score of 7.0 or better with
Medicine (Advanced) (stream), Master of a minimum of 6.5 in each band
Science in Medicine (stream), Master of
Science in Medicine (Advanced) (stream),
Master of Medicine (stream) /Master of
Philosophy, Graduate Diploma in
Medicine (stream), Graduate Diploma in
Science in Medicine (stream), Graduate
Certificate in Medicine (stream), Graduate
Certificate in Science in Medicine
(stream).

This applies to the following streams:

Critical Care Medicine

Clinical Neurophysiology
Child and Adolescent Health
General Practice and Primary Health Care
Infection and Immunity (from June 2020)
Internal Medicine
Metabolic Health
Paediatric Medicine
Psychiatry
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Development
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sleep Medicine
Trauma-informed Psychiatry

Dentistry

All Dentistry coursework courses IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with at least 7.0
in each of the components (valid English test
required by the application closing date).

For Doctor of Clinical Dentistry courses (all

streams) and its embedded Graduate Diplomas
and Graduate Certificates, where applicants are
not presenting a valid IELTS or equivalent
approved English test, separate English
requirements set by external registration bodies
apply for admission – see Table 1.

Health Sciences

Master of Diagnostic Radiography IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with at least 6.0 in Listening and Reading, and
6.5 for Speaking and for Writing in each band.

Master of Exercise Physiology IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with at least 7.0 in each of the components

Master of Occupational Therapy IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with at least 7.0 in each of the components

Master of Physiotherapy IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with at least 7.0 in each of the components

Master of Speech Language Pathology IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,
with at least 7.0 in each of the components

Medicine

Doctor of Medicine IELTS – overall band score of 7.0 or better, with

a minimum of 7.0 in each band.

Nursing

Master of Nursing (Pre-registration) IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,

with at least 7.0 in each of the components.

For applicants not presenting a valid IELTS or

equivalent approved English test, separate
English requirements set by external
registration bodies apply for admission to this
course – see Table 1.

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Master of Nutrition and Dietetics IELTS – Overall band score of 7.5 or better,
with at least 6.5 in each of the components

All postgraduate coursework courses IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,
other than the Master of Nursing (Pre- with at least 7.0 in each of the components
registration) and Master of Nutrition and
Dietetics

Pharmacy

All postgraduate award courses, with the IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better,
exception of the Graduate Certificate in with no component being below 6.5
Evidence-Based Complementary
Medicines

Public Health

Master of Bioethics, Graduate Diploma in IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with at least
Bioethics, Graduate Certificate in 6.5 in each of the components
Bioethics

Sydney Conservatorium of Music

All postgraduate (coursework and IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with no band
research) award course except for those less than 6.5
below

Master of Music Studies (Opera IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with no band
Performance), Graduate Diploma in Music less than 6.0
(Opera Performance)

Graduate Diploma of Music IELTS – Overall band of 6.0

(Performance), Master of Music Studies
(Performance)

Faculty of Science

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 or better with
a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the
components

Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with no band
Clinical Psychology/Doctor of Philosophy less than 7.0

For applicants not presenting a valid IELTS or

equivalent approved English test, separate
English requirements set by external
registration bodies apply for admission to this
course – see Table 1.

Master of Environmental Science and Law IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with no band
less than 6.0

Master of Science in Coaching IELTS – Overall band score of 7.5 as a

Psychology; Graduate Diploma in minimum on each band with no band below a
score of 6.0

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021

 Coaching Psychology; Graduate
Certificate in Coaching Psychology

Master of Veterinary Studies/ Master of IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with at least
Veterinary Clinical Studies 6.5 in each component.

Note: This course is listed on the University

courses website as two separate
courses: Master of Veterinary Studies
(Clinical Residency Program) and
Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies

Admissions Standards – English Language Proficiency

Academic Board approved 14 September 2021