There are two tests available: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. But, the test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do. The Academic test is usually for entry into university. General training is used for migration purposes. The organisation where you plan to work or study sets the requirements. So, before you book your test, you should check which one is right for you. In short, all Australian Universities accept IELTS Academic. Some schools, workplaces, and immigration authorities accept IELTS General Training. Have a look at the difference between IELTS Academic and General training.
The following table contains the list of colleges and universities in Australia accepting IELTS band scores of 5.5 and above, including the following:
IELTS Overall Scores
Listening Scores
Reading Scores
Writing Scores
Speaking Scores
For 2024 and 2025 admission intakes, you may be able to use IELTS One Skill Retake. If you miss out on the entry requirements with your full IELTS test, you retake one part of the test without redoing the other three skills. It'll help you feel confident going into your IELTS test.
“I would recommend IELTS because it’s widely accepted, recognised worldwide and gives the chance to retake one skill.” — Shazya from Singapore
Universities in Australia accepting IELTS 5.5 and above in 2024 + 2025
Some universities have minimum IELTS scores for each section of the test. But, other universities have overall minimum required IELTS Scores. Now, check this full list of Australian universities and the required IELTS score for entry in 2024 or 2025.
Take advantage of IELTS One Skill Retake. See the organisations that accept IELTS One Skill Retake.
Australian University | IELTS Overall | IELTS Writing | IELTS Reading | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | - | - | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | - | - | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | |
6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | - | - | - | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
- | 6 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6 |
Always check with universities in Australia to make sure the IELTS scores listed here match the required score for admission.
Search Australian organisations which accept IELTS scores
IELTS is recognised by more than 12,000 universities and employers globally. Also, it’s recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. Use the search tool to find out who accepts IELTS in Australia. And, check what the minimum band scores are for your university or institution.
All major Australian colleges and universities accept IELTS as proof of English skills
Just like you, people choose IELTS to support their study ambitions in Australia. Now, they know more than 12,500 organisations globally accept IELTS. It’s the most respected test of English in the world. And, with IELTS, you know that your score can help you with an Australian study visa. Also, it helps you with entry into Australian universities, schools, training colleges and other tertiary institutions.
IELTS has more than 40 test venues in Australia. We know getting the results you need is important for your study in Australia. That’s why IELTS also offers you more free practice material than any other language test. IELTS helps you succeed.
Can I study and get admission in Australia with an IELTS 5.5 band: A 2024 + 2025 update
Yes, you can apply to universities and colleges in Australia with an IELTS 5.5 band! However, you must meet some conditions or requirements. Below, you can see some of the tips on getting an offer from an Australian university with an IELTS 5.5.
Afraid you may not reach the required score? To help you feel confident going into your IELTS test, we’ve developed IELTS One Skill Retake. You can retake one component of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) without redoing the other three parts.
Direct entry
Generally, to study in Australia, you need to score a minimum 6.5 overall in IELTS, with no band less than 6.0 for your postgraduate degree. And when you apply for your undergraduate options, you need to score a minimum 6.0 overall in IELTS. But, did you know some universities in Australia accept applications from students who have secured a band of 5.5 in any of the sections of IELTS – either speaking, listening, reading or writing? So if you’ve scored a 5.5, say in the reading or speaking section in your last IELTS exam, you can still apply!
We are here to take you through some of the Australian universities that accept international students with IELTS band 5.5. The list below is based on recent trending courses that are most popular amongst international students.
Southern Cross University
To apply for a Bachelor of Accounting at Southern Cross University, students should have an overall IELTS band of 6.0, with no band less than 5.5. This course includes major areas of study like taxation, law, marketing and communication.
Trinity College – the University of Melbourne
Students looking for foundation programmes at Trinity College can choose from electives like accounting, chemistry, physics and design. The programme is open to students having IELTS band 5.5 as well as for students with a 6.0 IELTS band.
Academies Australasia
Students can apply for an Advanced Diploma of Accounting at Academies Australasia. An overall IELTS score of 5.5 is expected from students applying for the programme.
CQUniversity Australia
Students can apply for a Bachelor of Accounting at CQUniversity Australia with an overall IELTS band of 6.0 with no individual band score of less than 5.5.
RMIT
RMIT is a top university in Australia. It has a foundation programme in Business where you can apply with a 5.5 overall in IELTS. This programme aims at helping students progress to degree programmes at RMIT.
Are you looking to stay in Australia for education purposes? An Australian Student Visa (subclass) is your starting point. Generally, you can apply for a student visa by enrolling in:
English Courses
Vocational Courses
University Courses