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Exams Required to Study in Australia for International Students

14 min read
Blog Summary Navigate the exams required for international students to study in Australia, including English proficiency tests and more.
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Over 400,000 international students choose Australia for their study abroad experience each year. These students come from all over the world to pursue degrees at all levels of education. Students from all backgrounds and nationalities have discovered the power of education in Australia, from short-term English language instruction to in-depth graduate-level work. However, with so many students vying for a spot at one of Australia's prestigious schools, international students must demonstrate their worth to be considered. An Australian entrance exam is one way for international students to do so. Schools consider the student's knowledge base in addition to the higher level reasoning skills demonstrated by Australia entrance exams. It is critical that all students understand the fundamentals, especially since many degree programmes in Australia include a general studies component. Most schools will consider the ACT and SAT again for undergraduate international entrance exams, looking for strong cumulative scores. The Australia entrance exam requirements for advanced degrees will vary, possibly beginning with a GRE or other discipline-specific tests.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia has a laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, first-rate facilities, multiculturalism, a diverse range of educational opportunities, and breathtaking scenery. In Australia, cultures, nations, and religions coexist peacefully. You can be confident that you will be welcomed with open arms and make many new friends. Australia's educational system is well-known around the world, and its degrees are reliable and widely accepted. You should think about working while you're here. It will help you make new friends while also providing you with work experience and capital. Students with student visas from outside the country are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.

Australia is now the world's third most popular destination for international students. According to statistics, an increasing number of students are choosing Australia as their preferred study destination. It is the only country in the world where Melbourne and Sydney are ranked among the top ten cities in terms of the student population. Seven of the world's top 100 institutions are located in Australia, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities. The campus amenities at Australia's universities are first-rate. Because of the country's more than 1,200 educational institutions and 22,000-course options, international students have a diverse range of educational options. Students in Australia can find good job opportunities both during and after their studies.

Exams to Study in Australia: Srilankan Student Application Fees

Exam Application

Fees

Eligibility

TOEFL

LKR 80383

No age limit. No specific educational qualification required

IELTS

LKR 65943

Minimum age 16 years

PTE Academic

LKR 59662

Minimum age 16 years. Candidates below the age of 18 are required to give a parental consent form

GMAT

LKR 82092 

Minimum age 18 years

MCAT

LKR 104970

The candidate must be pursuing or completed

MBBS LSAT

LKR 17042

No age limit

UMAT

LKR 79997

Students who have completed their secondary schooling

ISAT

LKR 35842

Indian citizens who are below the age of 26 years can apply after completing their schooling

SAT

LKR 33644

No specific eligibility criteria

ACT

LKR 55755

No specific eligibility criteria

English Proficiency Requirements to Study in Australia

Applicants for student visas must now be fluent in the English language. The Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs accepts only the IELTS for student visa applications. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS scores required for admission to a higher education institution. Higher education institutions in Australia will only accept students who have a sufficient level of English proficiency. Institutions decide what level of English proficiency is acceptable, and the IELTS acceptance criteria for that level may differ from what is required for a student visa. If your score is slightly lower than what is required for an Australian student visa, you may choose to enrol in an ELICOS programme in Australia in addition to the regular course.

IELTS:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was developed to assist you in working, studying, or relocating to a country where English is the dominant language. This includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and others. Your ability to speak, read, and write English will be assessed during the test.

If you want to work, live, or study in an English-speaking country, you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency. English is the third most widely spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers.

There are several benefits to being able to communicate in the national language of the country where you want to work or study. It is also necessary for community integration and job prospects.

IELTS is the preferred test for people wishing to immigrate to countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It is recognised by over 11,000 employers, universities, schools, and immigration agencies worldwide. Applicants for student visas must now be fluent in English. The Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs only accepts the IELTS for student visa applications. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS scores required for admission to a higher education institution.

IELTS acceptance requirements for that level may differ from what institutions require when determining what level of English proficiency is acceptable.

PTE:

PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test designed for non-native English speakers interested in studying abroad. It assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Questions frequently combine two skills, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking. The entire test is completed in a single 3-hour session while sitting at a computer in a secure testing environment. The speaking portion of the exam is completed on a computer. Your voice is recorded and forwarded for evaluation. One advantage of this test is that the results are usually available within 48 hours of taking it. PTE is also accepted for migration purposes. The test is divided into three sections: speaking and writing (both together), reading, and listening. The standard price of PTE is $205

TOEFL:

The TOEFL is an entrance exam used by several top schools to assess international students' English language proficiency. The test is used to assess non-native English speakers' language abilities by testing their abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. The Educational Testing Service administers the exam (ETS).

The test lasts four hours and can only be taken once per week. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

The IBT is a four-hour test divided into four sections that cover:

  • Reading entails students being given a reading passage and then being asked questions about what they have just read.
  • Listening - students are given a passage to read once and then asked questions about it.
  • Speaking entails students reading passages and answering questions on a variety of topics. These responses are digitally recorded and submitted to exam judges for evaluation.
  • Writing - students are given a passage to read and then asked to write a response to the text.

CAE:

More than 9,000 corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide recognise C1 Advanced as proof of advanced proficiency in English learning.

Learners preparing for C1 Advanced learn the skills necessary to get the most from studying, working, and living in English-speaking countries.

For international students from countries where English is not their first language, the majority of institutions and colleges have strict English language competency criteria. The University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations offers the Cambridge English: Advanced, generally known as the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), exam in 113 nations. CAE scores are recognised by over 3,000 educational institutions, governments, and employers worldwide, including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America, for this purpose.

Paper

Content

Purpose

Reading and Use of English

(1 hour 30 minutes)

See sample paper

8 parts/

56 questions

Demonstrates your ability to cope confidently with various forms of text, including fiction, newspapers, and magazines. It assesses your command of the English language through several types of exercises that demonstrate how well you can regulate your grammar and vocabulary.

Writing

(1 hour 30 minutes)

See sample paper

2 parts

You write two types of writing: essays, letters/emails, proposals, reports, and reviews.

Listening

(about 40 minutes)

See sample paper

4 parts/

30 questions

This exam assesses your ability to listen to and understand a variety of spoken content, including interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, discussions, and everyday conversations.

Speaking

(15 minutes per pair of candidates)

See sample paper

4 parts

This exam assesses your ability to communicate successfully in face-to-face circumstances. You will sit for the Speaking test alongside another candidate.

How to Study in Australia Without IELTS or TOEFL?

Australian universities may admit international students who do not have an IELTS score in order to gain a competitive advantage in the global higher education market. Here are a few options for international students who want to study in Australia without taking the IELTS.

  • IELTS assessment is not necessary for international students who have already completed an English-taught education in Australia.
  • Candidates who can demonstrate that they have worked for at least two years to enhance their English in a professional setting International Baccalaureate graduates are urged to apply in particular.
  • A CBSE/AISSCE certificate with a minimum grade of 65% is required.
  • Academically bright students who do not have the required English language ability at the time of application may still be accepted to Australia provided they engage in a language preparation course before beginning their normal degree.
  • Many Australian universities accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores from international candidates rather than IELTS scores for admission to specialised programmes. The majority of Australian colleges accept TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced, and other English language proficiency assessments.

Listed below are some of the best universities to study in Australia without IELTS for international students.

  • the University of Queensland
  • University of Adelaide
  • Bond University
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Macquarie University
  • University of New South Wales
  • Victoria University

Exams to Study Undergraduate Programs in Australia

Australia welcomes international students with open arms, and as a result, each year, over 40.000 foreign students choose to study there. These students, who come from a variety of backgrounds and nations, selected Australia because of its excellent education and simple application process. Taking an entrance exam to qualify for admission to a prominent university or college is the best approach to getting into the university of your choosing.

UMAT

The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) is an international aptitude test managed and supervised by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to aid in the selection of students who wish to study health science courses-Medical and Dentistry courses, Physiotherapy and optometry courses-at universities in Australia and New Zealand for admission to their undergraduate programmes.

Each year, the ACER develops the exams to high technical and professional criteria on behalf of a group of universities (the UMAT Consortium) founded to collaborate on assessing candidates for bachelor's degrees in medicine, dentistry, and health sciences.

Students who have completed secondary school or are in their final or final year of secondary school (Year 12 in Australia and Year 13 in New Zealand) are eligible to take the UMAT. Any medical student or qualified health professional may take the UMAT if he or she has prior approval.

Duration of Exam

3 hours

Sections

4 (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Understanding People and Abstract Non-Verbal Reasoning)

Fees

$240 (GST inclusive)

Validity

1 year

LSAT

The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is an entrance exam required for admission to most law schools. The Law School Admission Council administers a multiple-choice paper-and-pencil exam (LSAC). Law schools examine your LSAT score, as well as your GPA, the Credential Assembly Service application, letters of recommendation, and personal statement while evaluating your application. Many law schools weigh your LSAT score just as strongly (if not more heavily) as your undergraduate GPA.

Overall, the higher your LSAT score, the more alternatives for attending law school you will have.

  • To be successful in law school and a legal career, you must be able to comprehend difficult texts with precision and understanding.
  • Organize and handle information, as well as derive acceptable conclusions from it
  • Consider your options carefully.
  • Analyse and analyse others' logic and arguments
  • The LSAT is intended to assess these abilities.

LSAT Test Dates

7 times/year

LSAT Length

3 hours, 30 minutes

LSAT Sections

Logical Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning

Reading Comprehension

Writing Sample

LSAT Cost

$200, but there are other fees too.

LSAT Score Range

120–180

LSAT Average Score

151

ISAT

The ISAT is a three-hour computer-based multiple-choice exam designed to evaluate a candidate's intellectual aptitude and talents, which are the foundation of tertiary academic performance. It is for international students who want to study medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy at a university. Some other courses need ISAT testing for applicants from particular categories. Citizens with a maximum age of 26 are able to apply to ISAT. However, privileged applicants are granted an extension of up to four years. The 10+2 or any comparable examinations must have been passed by a recognised Board / University.

  • Monash University,
  • University of Limerick
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW)
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Tasmania
  • University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • Western Sydney University (WSU)

SAT

The SAT Reasoning Test is designed to assess your analytical and problem-solving ability, providing us with insight into the critical thinking skills you'll need to excel academically in Melbourne. The SAT, an international test, is administered by the College Board of the United States of America. If you plan to apply to the University of Melbourne through our non-school leaver entrance pathway and submit your SAT scores as supporting documentation, you must satisfactorily complete the Evidence-based Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections of the SAT.

ACT 

The management of the ACT is in the hands of ACT, Incorporated. The full name of ACT is American College Testing. It is a standardised exam that undergraduate applicants in the United States and Canada must complete in order to be considered for admission. The ACT exam was developed to assess candidates' written, mathematical, verbal, and scientific abilities. The current paper-based version of the ACT will be replaced by a computer-based version. This change only impacts how the test is administered; it has no bearing on the syllabus, overall score, or multiple-choice structure of the test. 

Exams for Australian Postgraduate Courses

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a standardised, computer-based evaluation, is used by business schools all over the world to choose potential candidates. The exam is owned and administered by the non-profit Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which charges approximately $250.00 USD.

As part of their admissions guidelines, several Australian business schools will include a minimum GMAT score requirement. It is one of the tactics used by institutions to ensure that they attract high-calibre candidates with the skills required to pass the rigorous MBA requirements. A high GMAT score will considerably increase your chances of admission to the school of your choosing, particularly to highly ranked colleges where admission is quite difficult.

Test Section

Number of Questions

Question Types

Score Range

Timing

Analytical Writing Assessment

1 Topic

Analysis of an argument

0-6

30 mins

Integrated Reasoning

12 Questions

Multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis

1-8

30 mins

Quantitative

37 Questions

Data Sufficiency, Problem-Solving

0-60

75 mins

Verbal

41 Questions

Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction

0-60

75 mins

Total Exam Time

- - -

3 hrs 30 mins

MCAT

The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) developed and administers the Medical College Admission Test, a standardised multiple-choice test designed to assist medical school admissions offices in evaluating your problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioural, and social science concepts and principles required for the study of medicine.

Four sections are used to report scores:

  • The Biochemical and Biological Basis of Living Systems
  • Biological System Foundations: Chemical and Physical
  • Critical thinking abilities in Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour

LSAT

LSAT stands for Law School Entrance Test, and it is a typical part of the law school admission process for prospective law students. Candidates can only take the LSAT three times in two years. The LSAT exam lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes in total. The average charge is $175 USD.

To get admitted to law school, you must first obtain a college degree. Your degree, however, does not have to be related to law studies. Philosophy, literature, or anything else can be your undergraduate major.

These are the exams that students must take up to pursue their education in Australia. Well, that was extensive coverage but we have got more information for you at AECC.AECC is the right place for you to expedite your education endeavours with assistance in all aspects from finding accredited courses, to an ideal destination and a leading institution. The expert counsellors provide guidance and will bring your dreams to life. 


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main exams required for international students to study in Australia, and why are they important?
International students often need to take exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE or GMAT (for some programs) to demonstrate their English proficiency and academic readiness.
Are there specific score requirements for these exams when applying to Australian universities, and do they vary by institution or program?
Score requirements can vary depending on the university and program, but most institutions have minimum score requirements for admission.
How can international students prepare for these exams effectively, and are there resources available to help them succeed?
International students can prepare for these exams through test preparation courses, practice tests, and study materials widely available online and through test centers.
Are there alternatives to traditional exams for demonstrating English proficiency for international students?
Yes, some students may be able to demonstrate proficiency through alternative means, such as English language courses or by attending preparatory programs.
How do high scores on these exams enhance the chances of international students being admitted to Australian universities, and what role do they play in the visa application process?
High scores on these exams can significantly improve an international student's chances of admission and can also support their visa application by demonstrating their readiness for academic success in Australia.
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