Undergraduate English language requirements
All applicants must meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible to be offered a place. A summary of the requirements is below. You can also read the official University regulations.
In some cases English language requirements vary slightly for study abroad and exchange students.
Definitions
Locally qualified applicant – an Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent resident who is using an Australian Year 12, New Zealand NCEA3 or the International Baccalaureate for the purposes of entry.
Other applicants – all applicants who do not fit the definition of "locally qualified", including all international applicants and Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents who are not using an Australian Year 12, New Zealand NCEA3 or the International Baccalaureate for the purposes of entry.
Locally qualified applicants
Locally qualified applicants must complete a recognised English subject in their secondary qualification and achieve the score required by the course they are applying for.
All other applicants
Applicants who are not "locally qualified" can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways, including:
- Satisfactorily completing secondary studies in a country where English is the official language and gaining a satisfactory pass in an approved final-year English subject. (Applicants from countries with more than one official language may be required to meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements.)
- Obtain a grade in one of the following General Certificate of Education subjects: General Paper (AO Level), or AS Level General Studies, English Language, English Literature, English Language and Literature; which is deemed by the Academic Board to be at least the equivalent of applicants for the course who have completed the VCE.
- Satisfactorily completing the final two years of secondary studies in an approved secondary school with English as the language of instruction and gaining a satisfactory pass in English in the final year.
- In an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment for the entire institution, satisfactorily completing either:
- at least the first year of a tertiary course within the last two years; OR
- at least a two-year tertiary degree within the last five years.
- Obtain the following grade in English:
| Country | Qualification | Required grade |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Studentereksamen | Grade 10 (English B, level B) |
| Germany | Abitur | Grade 10 (Leistungskurs) |
| Netherlands | VWO | Grade 8 |
| Norway | Vitnemal | Grade 4 |
| Sweden | Avgangsbetyg/Slutbetyg | VG or grade 4 |
- Meeting the University's TOEFL or IELTS (academic test) requirements within the 24 months preceding application:
- TOEFL*:
- Paper based test — a score of 577 or more including a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English.
- Computer based test — a score of 233 or more including an Essay Rating score of 4.5.
- Internet based test — a score of 90 or more with no band score less than 21.
- IELTS*: an overall band score of 6.5 or more in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including the completion of the Academic Reading and Academic Writing modules. A minimum score of 6.0 must be achieved in the Academic Writing module. Note: For entry in 2009, an overall score of 6.5 or more in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including the completion of the Academic Reading and Academic Writing modules. A minimum score of 6.0 in all bands is required.
- Note: Students with an IELTS overall score of less than 7 or a TOEFL (IBT) score of less than 100 will be required to take a Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) on enrolment at the University and to follow recommendations for language support. Read further information.
*Required scores must be achieved from a single test report, even if you have sat for multiple TOEFL or IELTS tests.
Your original TOEFL or IELTS test report form must be included with your application. Certified copies and TOEFL examiner's score records are not accepted.
Please note that some specific courses may have different TOEFL or IELTS score requirements.
Details about IELTS and TOEFL testing are available by following these links:
The Hawthorn English Language Centre offers a range of English language programs that prepare international students for further university study (including IELTS preparation).
- If a faculty has a lower TOEFL/IELTS requirement, students may be required to enrol in, and pass, English as a Second Language subjects as part of their degree program. It is important to note that applicants who have undertaken their final year of study in less than the usual amount of time, for example a fast-track, accelerated or intensive program, will be required to meet the University's TOEFL or IELTS requirements.
If your offer is conditional on meeting the University's English language requirements, the scores required are listed below (required scores must be achieved in one sitting):
| Year | Faculty | IELTS | TOEFL | TOEFL (Internet Based Test) | Computer TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | All faculties | 6.5 (written 6) | 577 + TWE 4.5 | 90 + written score of 21 | 233 + 4.5 essay rating |
| 2009 | All faculties | 6.5 (with no band less than 6) | 577 + TWE 4.5 | 90 + no band score less than 21 | 233 + 4.5 essay rating |
Note: From 2009 student with an IELTS overall score of less than 7 or a TOEFL (IBT) score of less than 100 will be required to take a Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) on enrolment at the University and to follow recommendations for language support. Read further information.
While both the IELTS and TOEFL test are acceptable for meeting the University's English language requirements, the requirements of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) may differ. It is recommended that you contact your nearest Australian Embassy or High Commission in order to ascertain the English requirements for obtaining a student visa.
From 2009 all undergraduate students satisfying the English language requirement with the equivalent of a VCE English, English Language or English Literature study score in the 25–29 range (or a VCE ESL study score in the 30–34 range) will be required to take a Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) on enrolment at the University and to follow recommendations for language support. Read further information.
Study abroad and exchange students only
- Common European Framework Language System
International study abroad and exchange students can satisfy the English language requirements by achieving a certificate of English language proficiency from their home institution with an overall grade of C1 (according to the Common European Framework) in lieu of an overall academic IELTS score of 6.5.
- English language requirements for students from Finland
The English language requirement for study abroad and exhange students from Finland will be waived where students have achieved at least a grade 8 or better in English or English A in their final year of secondary school.