English language requirements
All international higher degree by research applicants are expected to be proficient in English comprehension and expression. You must provide evidence of your English language proficiency with your application. You are strongly advised to complete this entry requirement before travelling to Australia by studying for and sitting an International English Language Testing system (IELTS) test in your home country (see also Alternative tests).
- Requirements for admission to a research degree
- IELTS minimum entry scores for programs at UniSA
- Further information and support
Requirements for admission to a research degree
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:
IELTS - Academic stream
- English language-rich programs: overall IELTS entry level score is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-score test (reading, writing, listening, speaking), obtained within the last 2 years prior to the date of application
- Non English language-rich programs: overall IELTS entry level score is 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-score test (reading, writing, listening, speaking), obtained within the last 2 years prior to the date of application
Alternative tests
-
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- English language-rich programs: overall PTE entry level score is 74 (with no communication score less than 68), obtained within the last 2 years prior to the date of application
- Non English language-rich programs: overall PTE entry level score is 66 (with no communication score less than 60), obtained within the last 2 years prior to the date of application
-
Corresponding results from an equivalent test
- Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE); the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
- Centre for English Language at the University of South Australia (CELUSA): Academic English (AE) program to the level determined by CELUSA. This is not an option for International Postgraduate Research Scholarship recipients, who must meet the English language requirements by the closing date of 31 August.
OR:
- Within the last 2 years, successful completion of a tertiary qualification at a Bachelor level or above completed in Australia
OR:
- Within the last 5 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 2 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 5 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).
IELTS minimum entry scores for programs at UniSA
Division / Institute |
Program codes |
Language-rich area |
Non language-rich area |
IELTS minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Y |
7.0 |
|||
|
Y |
7.0 |
|||
|
Y |
7.0 |
|||
|
|
Y |
6.5 |
||
|
Y |
6.5 |
|||
|
Y |
6.5 |
|||
| Centre for Regional Engagement | WPHD | Y | 7.0 |
Further information and support
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 visa purposes. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has arrangements in place regarding English. Please refer to the DIAC website for further information.