Graduate English language requirements

English-speaking background or education

If you’re from an English-speaking background or have completed tertiary study taught and assessed entirely in English, you will likely meet the University’s English language requirements without needing to take an additional test.

Recognised English-speaking countries

See the recognised English-speaking countries list on the English language requirements overview page for conditions and details.

Completion of an undergraduate degree, or a graduate degree (of at least 2 years duration) in English

If you've completed an undergraduate degree, or a graduate degree of at least two years duration, where the degree was taught and assessed entirely in English¹, you may satisfy the University’s English requirements.

If the degree was completed:

• within two years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, then no additional evidence of English language proficiency is required.
• between two and five years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, evidence of work ² in an English-speaking environment is required.
• more than five years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, evidence that sustained work ² in a designated English-speaking country, in an English-speaking environment, has been undertaken since completing the degree will be required.

Notes:

1 This does not apply if the institution you studied at is located in China, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia. If you have completed your tertiary studies in another non-English speaking country, you will need to submit the following documentation with your application:

• A letter on official letterhead or an email from an official staff member email account, which is from the Academic Registrar or a suitable delegate, and specifies either:

  • That all degrees at the institution are entirely taught and assessed in English, OR
  • That the specific degree you completed was entirely taught and assessed in English.

The notification must apply to both the awarding institution and the institution you studied at (if different).

2 Evidence of work means sufficient documentation including an up-to-date resume.

Completion of a graduate degree in English (at least 1 year duration)

If you have satisfactorily completed a graduate degree of at least one years’ duration, where the degree was taught and assessed entirely in English¹, and the English language entry standard for the completed degree was at least IELTS (Academic) overall band score 6.5 or equivalent, you may satisfy the University’s English requirements.

If the degree was completed:

• within two years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, no additional evidence of English language proficiency is required.
• between two and five years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, evidence of work ² in an English-speaking environment is required.
• more than five years of your commencement to study at the University of Melbourne, evidence that sustained work ² in a designated English-speaking country, in an English-speaking environment, has been undertaken since completing the degree will be required.

Notes:

1 This does not apply if the institution you studied at is located in China, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia. If you have completed your tertiary studies in another non-English speaking country, you will need to submit the following documentation with your application:

• A letter on official letterhead or an email from an official staff member email account, which is from the Academic Registrar or a suitable delegate, and specifies either:

  • That all degrees at the institution are entirely taught and assessed in English, OR
  • That the specific degree you completed was entirely taught and assessed in English.

The notification must apply to both the awarding institution and the institution you studied at (if different).

2 Evidence of work means sufficient documentation including an up-to-date resume.

Graduate English language requirement FAQs

What are the English language requirements for graduate courses?

To be offered a place in a graduate course at the University of Melbourne, you must meet the English language requirements set for your program. These can be met through recent study in English or by achieving your course’s required English proficiency test scores. Check the course page under ‘entry requirements’ for the exact requirements for each course.

What is the minimum IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score for graduate entry?

The University of Melbourne sets minimum English test scores for graduate entry using the accepted tests – TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Cambridge English, Advanced/Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test. Required scores can be found in the table on this page under English language test scores for graduate courses.

Can I use previous university study to meet the English language requirement?

Yes. If you’ve completed a degree that was taught and assessed entirely in English, you may already meet the University’s English language requirement. The study must have been completed recently – check the English-speaking background or education section on this page for more details.

Do different graduate courses have different English language requirements?

Yes. Each graduate course has its own English language entry standard, which may vary depending on the program’s level or discipline. Always check your specific course page for the exact test scores or qualifications you need to meet.

Can I apply for a graduate course before completing an English test?

You can submit your application before taking an English test, but your offer will not be finalised until you’ve met the English language requirement. To avoid delays, you’re encouraged to apply once you have your test results or are confident you’ll meet the required scores soon.

What options are available if I don’t meet the graduate English requirement?

If your score is below the requirement, you may still be able to apply. You can receive a conditional offer and complete the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP) at Hawthorn-Melbourne before you start — this is available for many graduate coursework courses. Hawthorn-Melbourne also offers Academic English programs to help you prepare for a test, though these don't directly satisfy the requirement on their own. For full details, see Other ways to satisfy English requirements.

Are English test requirements different for research degrees?

Yes. English language requirements for research degrees, including PhD and master’s by research programs, may differ from coursework programs and can include additional conditions. Check your course page for detailed requirements and accepted qualifications.