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English language requirements

We want you to be able to study successfully in Australia. That's why our courses have a minimum English language proficiency entry requirement.

You must meet specific English language proficiency requirements to study at Federation. To demonstrate this, you'll need to provide:

  • approved English language test results
    or
  • non-test evidence, such as
    • successful completion of an approved English language pathway course
    • prior study in Australia or a recognised English-speaking country (e.g. Canada, Ireland, New Zealand South Africa, United Kingdom or the USA)
    • prior study within the last two years at a recognised institution, or within a recognised qualification.

Courses that have higher English language requirements may not accept previous study as evidence to demonstrate proficiency. Typically, these are:

  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
  • Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
  • Master of Teaching

Search for your course to see the minimum English language requirements.

English language tests

Your English test results must be valid when you start your course at Federation University. If you defer your first semester, your test results must still be valid when your course commences.

If results indicate you need some extra English support, you may be able to do the English for Academic Purposes course packaged with your main course.

Academic IELTS TOEFL iBT* Pearson (PTE) Cambridge-CAE
Overall 7.5
(no less than 8.0 in Listening & Speaking, no less than 7.0 in Reading & Writing)
106 with minimums:
Reading 24
Listening 28
Speaking 26
Writing 27
Overall 73
(no less than 81 in Listening & Speaking, no less than 65 in Reading & Writing)
Overall 191
(no less than 200 in Listening & Speaking, no less than 185 in Reading & Writing)
Overall 7.5
(no band less than 7.0)
106 with minimums:
Reading 24
Listening 24
Speaking 23
Writing 27
Overall 73
(no band less than 65)
Overall 191
(no band less than 185)
Overall 7.0
(no band less than 7.0)
100 with minimums:
Reading 24
Listening 24
Speaking 23
Writing 27
Overall 65
(no band less than 65)
Overall 185
(no band less than 185)
Overall 7.0
(no band less than 6.5)
100 with minimums:
Reading 19
Listening 20
Speaking 20
Writing 24
Overall 65
(no band less than 58)
Overall 185
(no band less than 176)
Overall 6.5
(no band less than 6.5)
79–93 with minimums:
Reading 18
Listening 18
Speaking 20
Writing 24
Overall 58
(no band less than 58)
Overall 176
(no band less than 176)
Overall 6.5
(no band less than 6.0)
79–93 with minimums:
Reading 13
Listening 12
Speaking 18
Writing 21
Overall 58
(no band less than 50)
Overall 176
(no band less than 169)
Overall 6.0
(no band less than 6.0)
60–78 with minimums:
Reading 13
Listening 12
Speaking 18
Writing 21
Overall 50
(no band less than 50)
Overall 169
(no band less than 169)
Overall 6.0
(no band less than 5.5)
60–78 with minimums:
Reading 8
Listening 7
Speaking 16
Writing 18
Overall 50
(no band less than 42)
Overall 169
(no band less than 162)
Overall 5.5
(no band less than 5.5)
46–49 with minimums:
Reading 8
Listening 7
Speaking 16
Writing 18
Overall 42
(no band less than 42)
Overall 162
(no band less than 162)
Overall 5.5
(no band less than 5.0)
46–59 with minimums:
Reading 4
Listening 4
Speaking 14
Writing 14
Overall 42
(no band less than 36)
Overall 162
(no band less than 154)
Overall 5.0
(no band less than 5.0)
35–45 with minimums:
Reading 4
Listening 4
Speaking 14
Writing 14
Overall 36
(no band less than 36)
Overall 154
(no band less than 154)

*TOEFL iBT: the Australian Department of Home Affairs has recently reviewed the TOEFL iBT test. Tests taken in between July 26, 2023 and May 4, 2024 will not be recognised for relevant visa sub-classes to Australia (including student visas).

Please note:

  • We also accept Occupational English Test (OET) results with "B" in all bands, but ONLY for entry into Nursing courses. We will not accept OET results for any other courses.
  • If you've done more than one of the tests listed above, we'll use your most recent result to determine admission.
  • We accept One Skill Retake for IELTS (noting where it is accepted by accrediting bodies for courses with professional registration).
  • If you qualify for a Federation University course and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, you may need to meet the relevant professional accrediting agency’s English language registration standard.
  • We reserve the right to require applicants to take an English language test.
  • Inbound Study Abroad or exchange applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for each unit in their proposed course, as per the course entry requirements.
  • A course with multiple location offerings will have the same English language requirements regardless of where and how it is delivered.

Non-test evidence

Previous studies from recognised countries

Australian qualifications

If you've previously studied in Australia, you may automatically satisfy the English language requirements for courses that require at IELTS score of up to 6.0 (or equivalent). Examples that meet our English language requirements include the completion of:

  • Australian English language provider qualification (must be equivalent to the required English proficiency level)
  • Australian Year 12 qualification, Foundation or equivalent
  • Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma or advanced diploma qualification (or comparable post-secondary qualification)
  • one full year of Australian tertiary studies at AQF Level 7 or above.

If you're applying for a higher degree by research course (up to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent), you must have completed an undergraduate course within the last two years in Australia to meet the English entry requirements (if you don't have any English test results).

International qualifications

You may automatically meet the English language requirements for most Federation courses (up to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) if you're a citizen of, hold a passport from or have completed at least five years study in English in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand South Africa, United Kingdom or the USA.

Exemptions

If you hold a Temporary Graduate visa, are currently working in Australia and completed your degree in Australia more than two years ago, you will automatically meet our English language requirements. (Although we might need you to provide evidence to show that your primary language of instruction at work is English.)

Alternative evidence

If you present alternative evidence to show that you meet the English language proficiency requirements, you'll need the approval of the Senior Manager, Admissions and Scholarships.

Pathways to study

If you don't meet the English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to study English for Academic Purposes to improve your English skills.

English Language Proficiency for visa purposes

Even if you satisfy Federation's English language proficiency requirements, you may still need to meet additional English requirements to get your student visa. See the Department of Home Affairs website for more details.