Do I need to take IELTS or PTE exams, and what is the minimum required score in Australia for a Master's?
Yes, unless you are from an exempt English-speaking country. Standard Master's programs want IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58 to 65, while Group of Eight courses often need IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65 plus. The visa minimum is lower, IELTS 6.0 or PTE 47, but that alone will not secure admission.
You will need either IELTS Academic or PTE Academic for an Australian Master's, and you only need to pass one of them, not both. Your target score depends on whether you are aiming for a standard program or a competitive, top-tier university, since the gap between them is significant.
Score Requirements By Level
| Requirement Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Master's programs | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 | Overall 58 to 65 |
| Top-tier or competitive courses (Group of Eight, Law, Medicine, Teaching) | Overall 7.0, often no band below 6.5 or 7.0 | Overall 65 plus |
| Student visa baseline (Subclass 500) | Overall 6.0 minimum | Overall 47 minimum |
Things To Check Before You Book
- You must sit the test at a physical, supervised centre, since at-home online versions are not accepted for the visa
- Professional courses like Nursing, Social Work, or Teaching often demand higher bands than the general table above
- Always target the university requirement, not the visa minimum, since the visa score alone will not get you admitted
My Advice
Check your exact target university's course page for its specific band requirement before you book, since Group of Eight schools and professional courses sit well above the visa floor. Aim your preparation at least half a band higher than the published minimum so a slightly low result on test day does not force a costly retake.
What IELTS band do Australian universities actually need?
Know your target score, and how to hit it with free mock tests.
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