English language requirements for international higher degree by research applicants

All international students are expected to be proficient in English comprehension and expression. Applicants must provide evidence of their English language proficiency with their application. You are strongly advised to complete this entry requirement before travelling to Australia by studying for and sitting an IELTS test in your home country.

As of 1 January 2008, for admission to a UniSA higher degree by research program, international applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds are expected to be proficient in English as demonstrated by either:

• International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - Academic stream: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-score tests (reading, writing, listening, speaking), obtained within the last two years prior to the date of application, or corresponding results from an equivalent test such as Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the appropriate Academic English language level delivered by the Centre for English Language at the University of South Australia (CELUSA)*

OR

• Within the last two years, successful completion of a tertiary qualification at a Bachelor level or above completed in Australia

OR

• Within the last five years, successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study at a Bachelor level or above at an institution where the language of instruction and assessment is English

OR

• Having taught in the English language for at least two years at an overseas academic institution prior to the date of application. Such applications must be supported by the proposed Supervisor and Dean of Research (or equivalent)

OR

• Having written in English and been published in scholarly books or internationally recognised journals - normally at least two articles in the last five years prior to the date of application. Such applications must be accompanied by an authorship statement or evidence of the contribution of the applicant and supported by the proposed Supervisor and Dean of Research (or equivalent).

Where previous study or professional experience was conducted in English, the applicant must provide certified documentation from the educational institution or employer certifying that the medium of instruction or employment was in English.

Depending on your country of origin, there may be different levels of English proficiency required for tertiary study. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has arrangements in place regarding English. Please refer to the DIAC website for further information.

*Alternatively you may wish to study the English language in the University of South Australia (CELUSA) prior to commencing your research degree. For entry to a research program you must successfully complete the CELUSA Academic English (AE) program to the level determined by CELUSA. Please note: this is not an option for Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship recipients, who must have met the English language requirements by the closing date of 31 August.