Australia has lots of universities that cater to different interests .
The Group of Eight (Go8) universities are among the best. They help students get recognised qualifications and many opportunities after they complete their studies.
Getting into a Go8 university is more competitive compared to other universities in Australia. A key requirement is demonstrating your English language proficiency to meet course requirements. Globally, IELTS is widely recognised and accepted by more than 12,000 institutions. Similarly, all Go8 universities recognise IELTS Academic for entry, making it the top choice.
Read on to learn what Go8 is, what courses they’re offering, and the IELTS band scores you need to apply to these universities.
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What is the Go8?
The Group of 8, or Go8, includes:
University of Melbourne
Australian National University
University of Sydney
University of Queensland
University of Western Australia
University of Adelaide
Monash University
University of New South Wales
It’s essentially an association of Australia's leading research universities, similar to the Russell Group in the UK or the Ivy League in the US.
These universities are celebrated for their academic rigour and consistent presence in global rankings like the Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings . Their prestigious status means that they aren't just your ordinary universities; they're the ones that everyone talks about because of how great they are in teaching, research, and coming up with new discoveries.
Hence, it’s not surprising that one out of every three international students in Australia opt to study at a Go8 University. The IELTS test can help you fulfill your study goals at Go8 universities by meeting their requirements and building a strong academic foundation.
IELTS Academic is specifically designed for prospective university students. It mirrors the kind of language you will encounter in your study. The journey to achieving a high IELTS score will prepare you for the challenges of education at the Go8.
Get our official preparation materials to help with planning.
Visit IELTS Prepare for tips to score higher.
What are the popular courses at Go8?
If you're thinking about what you can study at these universities, the sky's the limit. Whether you're into building things, figuring out how the human body works, exploring the past through arts and history, or understanding society, they've got something for you.
Below are some popular courses for your consideration:
University of Melbourne
It’s a versatile degree. It allows specialisation in a range of scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, and psychology.
It provides a broad education in humanities, social sciences, and languages, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.
Australian National University (ANU)
It’s well known for its strong focus on economic theory, policy, and data analysis.
Bachelor of International Relations
It prepares students for global careers by studying the relationships between countries and cultures.
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
It offers a wide variety of subject options with a focus on professional accounting, hands-on learning experiences and a strong industry grounding in business.
It is recognized for its flexible major/minor system and opportunities for research and international exchange.
University of Queensland (UQ)
The degree allows students to explore their interests in humanities, social sciences, and languages, with a flexible dual major option.
It’s highly desirable for anyone pursuing a career in legal practice, as the subjects equip students with advanced legal knowledge, transferable skills and professional networks.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
It provides a deep understanding of business, economics, and management, with opportunities for practical experience.
The degree offers specialisation in a broad array of scientific fields, with a strong emphasis on research and practical application.
University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Software)
The degree has strong emphasis on design and innovation with a combination of problem solving and creativity to develop new technologies.
It offers flexibility and a broad education in humanities and social sciences, with a wide choice of majors.
Monash University
Bachelor of Business Administration
This course focuses on job readiness, to give you the practical skills you need to operate effectively in business environments.
It’s a highly competitive program known for its excellence in legal education and research.
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
The course provides a solid foundation in business theory and practice, with multiple major pathways to choose from.
Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)
This degree is designed to provide you with a solid background in mathematics, natural and applied sciences to equip you for a career in a variety of professions.
Tips: if you are feeling unsure about where to start or what to choose, get in touch with our helpful education counsellors to talk about your options and IELTS requirements. It’s free!
IELTS band score requirements for Go8
While specific IELTS score requirements can vary by program and level of study, the Go8 universities generally require competitive scores, reflecting their high academic standards. Many programs across these universities demand an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, with some variance depending on the course.
For instance, at UNSW Sydney , in the Faculty of Business, the general requirement is an IELTS score of 7.0 with minimum 6.0 for individual skills; however in the Faculty of Engineering, the required IELTS band score is overall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 for individual skills.
Given that requirements are different based on programs and are subject to change, we recommend checking with your chosen university for the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can get in touch with an education counsellor as they have access to information from multiple education providers.
You might also want to check out the IELTS Academic score you need for your student visa , too.
Get official IELTS practice materials to help you score higher.
IELTS One Skill Retake
Need to improve your scores to meet the high English proficiency requirements for these top universities? IELTS One Skill Retake can help you feel confident going into your IELTS test,
With IELTS One Skill Retake, you will be able to retake any one component of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking, without redoing all four sections.
IELTS One Skill Retake is now accepted by more than 1,200 organisations worldwide including leading educational institutions, key professional bodies and the Australian Department of Home Affairs for most visa subclasses.
The following Go8 Universities now accept IELTS One Skill Retake:
University of Sydney
University of Western Australia
Monash University (selected courses)
*Watch this space as we will be adding more universities to the list.
Remember to always check the website of an organisation you intend to apply to for more information about eligibility requirements.
Post-graduation career pathways
Graduating from a Go8 university is like setting sail on a big adventure with a strong breeze pushing you forward. It means you have a lot of support and momentum to help you succeed in your journey ahead. Whether pursuing a career within Australia or internationally, the strong academic foundation with Go8’s global connections opens vast opportunities for you.
Fun fact: Go8 universities educate more than half of Australia’s doctors, dentists and vets, and around 55% of Australia’s science graduates and more than 40% of Australia’s engineering graduates.
So, if you think beyond university admissions, choosing IELTS is not just about getting into Go8 . A strong IELTS score is valuable in the global job market. IELTS enables future professional opportunities, including those that may arise through Go8 universities' extensive industry links and alumni networks.
Feeling ready? Book your IELTS Academic test today!