IELTS (International English Language Testing System)is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand academic institutions. Also, American academic institutions are increasingly accepting IELTS for admissions purposes. IELTS is currently the main test accepted by DIAC in regard to student visa applicants who need to demonstrate appropriate English proficiency. The IELTS test consists of 4 modules that test the complete range of English language skills which students commonly encounter when studying or training in the medium of English.

The IELTS test is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. However, the two formats have different Reading and Writing Modules.The Academic test is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study. The General Training test is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

English language skills for Visa Subclass 573, Assessment Level 3

The table below outlines the English language skills you require and the evidence you must provide if you are applying for your first student visa or to renew your student visa.

You need one of the following	Evidence Required
IELTS test	If you are applying: for direct entry into a course, you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or above to do a foundation course (but no ELICOS) before your main course, you must have an IELTS score of at least 5.5 to do an ELICOS course before your main course, you must have an IELTS score of at least 5.0. You can study a preliminary English course for up to 30 weeks. Note: Your IELTS test result must be less than two (2) years old on the date you lodge your application. You can take the Academic or General IELTS test to meet English Language requirements for a student visa. However, please check with your Australian education provider about which test they require for your enrolment. See: www.ielts.org
English test other than IELTS	You must have a score equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in one of the following tests: Occupational English Test (OET) which is acceptable in all countries. See: wwww.occupationalenglishtest.org Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which is only acceptable if taken in the following countries: Belarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Moldova, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda and Uzbekistan. Internet, paper and computer based tests are all acceptable. See: www.ets.org
Study in English	You must provide evidence that you have: studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States or within two years of your application date have successfully completed in Australia a foundation course a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial part of a Certificate IV or higher level qualification, from the Australian Qualifications Framework. See: www.aqf.edu.au Note: The AQF does not provide information or advice on skills assessment.
Fully funded students:	If you are a fully funded student, your education provider will adivse you of the level of English you require and the evidence you must provide.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 15 January 2013
Editor: Nina Zarabi

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