University of Newcastle

English language proficiency

University of Newcastle recognises a number of English language tests as proof of English language proficiency. These are set out in the following tables, together with the minimum results required.

PTE Online, IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT home edition and OET@Home tests are not assessed.

Make sure you also read about .

Undergraduate

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 79 (min. 13 in reading, 12 in listening, 21 in writing, 18 in speaking)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 58 overall (min. 50 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 4 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 5 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) C pass in General paper, English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English Language/English Literature, Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPM B- in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 5 in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Completion completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Higher-level Pass 4 (HP4) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018
Tertiary Preparation/ Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course approved by the university as a basis for admission.


Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015
Norwegian Vitnemal: den Vidergaende Skole Grade of 5 in English in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University Completed since 1 January 2015
Swedish Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan

Grade of Mvg in English in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University

Completed since 1 January 2015
Danish Studentereksamen Grade of 7 in English A in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University Completed since 1 January 2015
Netherlands-Dutch Diploma of Pre-University education – VWO / HAVO Completion of course with grade of 8 or higher Completed since 1 January 2015
DAAD English language test B pass in all sections Completed since 1 January 2015

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirm in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 102 (min. 24 in reading, 28 in listening, 26 in speaking, 27 in writing)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 7.5 overall (min. 7.0 reading and writing, 8.0 in speaking and listening) Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 73 overall (min. 79 in listening and speaking, 65 in reading and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 7 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English (English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

191 overall (min. 191 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE 5** in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Successful completion of AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Completion of course Completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Higher-level Pass 1 (HP1) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course approved by the university as a basis for admission and of 1 year's duration.


Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirm in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed no more than 5 years prior to application for admission
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 79 (min. 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 20 in listening, 20 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the application for admission
IELTS 6.5 overall (min. 6.5 in each subtest) Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the application for admission
PTE Academic 58 overall (min. 58 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the application for admission
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 4 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level or standard level; or Grade 5 in English B: literature or English B: language and literature at higher level or standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed no more than 5 years prior to application for admission
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) Successful completion of qualification
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

176 overall scale score (min. 176 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the application for admission
C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE

176 overall scale score (min. 176 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the application for admission
STPM B- in English Literature (920)Completed no more than 5 years prior to application for admission
HKDSE 5 in English Language or Literature in English Completed no more than 5 years prior to application for admission
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF diploma or higher AQF qualification (minimum of 1 year full-time study or equivalent)
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Successful completion of program
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course of at least 1 year's duration and approved by the university as a basis for admission.

Contact the university for approved programs.
UON English Language Bridging Program (ELBP) Higher-level Pass 4 (HP4)

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 24 in listening, 23 in speaking)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)

Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

PTE Academic 65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards: Grade 5 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative

Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English (English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and
Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development
Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

185 overall (min. 185 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPM A- in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 5* in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance
Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course of at least 1 year's duration and approved by the university as a basis for admission.

Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015
OET Grade B in each of the four components. The writing and speaking components must be profession specific. Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
ELICOS EAP exam Higher-level Pass 2 (HP2) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above.
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 13 in reading, 21 in writing, 12 in listening, 18 in speaking)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 7.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 65 overall (min. 50 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 5 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore) C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English (English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

185 overall (min. 185 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPM A- in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 5* in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Higher level Pass 2 (HP2) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course approved by the university as a basis for admission and of 1 year's duration.


Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015

You must also satisfy the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council’s English language proficiency requirements.

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test: not accepted for nursing or midwifery

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 24 in listening, 23 in speaking)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS IELTS Indicator online test: not accepted for nursing or midwifery

7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest)

Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

PTE Academic 65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 5 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
STPM A- in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 5* in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course of at least 1 year's duration and approved by the university as a basis for admission.


Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015
OET Grade B in each of the four components. The writing and speaking components must be profession specific. Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study

Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)

  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 60 (min. 13 in reading, 12 in listening, 18 in speaking and 21 in writing)
Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 6.0 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest) Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 50 overall (min. 50 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 3 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at higher level; or Grade 4 in English A: literature or English A: language and literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)

C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development

Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

169 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPM C- in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 4 in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Completed AQF Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program/Yapug/NUChance Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Entry-level Pass (EP) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018
Tertiary Preparation/Bridging Program Successful completion of a preparation course approved by the university as a basis for admission.


Contact the university for approved programs.
Completed since 1 January 2015
Norwegian Vitnemal: den Vidergaende Skole Grade of 4 in English in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University Completed since 1 January 2015
Swedish Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan Grade of Vg in English in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University Completed since 1 January 2015
Danish Studentereksamen Grade of 10 in English B in the final year, or a Pass in English at a recognised Scandinavian University Completed since 1 January 2015
Netherlands-Dutch Diploma of Pre-University education – VWO / HAVO Completion of course with grade of 7 or higher Completed since 1 January 2015
DAAD English language test B pass in 2 sections, C in other 2 Completed since 1 January 2015

Postgraduate

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)
  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 102 (min. 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 28 in listening, 26 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS

7.5 overall (min. 7.0 in reading and writing, and min. 8.0 in speaking and listening)

Only Academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic

73 overall (min. 76 in listening, reading, speaking and writing)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session & onwards:

Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language & literature at higher level, or Grade 7 in English A: literature or English A: language & literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)

C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English (English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development

Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

191 overall (min. 191 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
HKDSE 5** in English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies Successful completion of AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/Newstep/International Foundation Program Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Higher level Pass 1 (HP1) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018

Test/Qualification Minimum result required Conditions
Australian tertiary study Successful completion of a minimum of 1 year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) at the bachelor degree level (AQF 7) or above
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • Undertaken since 1 January 2015
Overseas senior secondary or tertiary level study Completion of recognised qualification (at least 2 years of full-time study)
  • Study must be completed in a non-English speaking country
  • Study must be at a University of Newcastle-recognised institution
  • The institution must confirmed in writing that the entire study was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
TOEFL

Paper-based score: not accepted

Internet-based score: 94 (min. 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 24 in listening, 23 in speaking)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
IELTS 7.0 overall (min. 7.0 in each subtest) Only academic version results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
PTE Academic 65 overall (min. 65 in listening, reading, speaking and writing) Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
International Baccalaureate

May 2013 session and onwards:

Grade 5 in English A: literature or English A: language & literature at higher level OR Grade 6 in English A: literature or English A: language & literature at standard level

  • Diploma must be awarded
  • Completed since 1 January 2015
GCE 'A' Levels (from UK or Singapore)

C pass in English or other humanities subject at Advanced (A2) or Higher 2 (H2) Level: Ancient History/Classical Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Citizenship Studies, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking (formerly Critical and Contextual Studies), Economics, English (English Language/English Literature), Film Studies, General Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Humanities, Journalism, Law, Media Studies (Media is not a humanities subject), Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Policies, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, World Development

Completed since 1 January 2015
C1 Advanced, formerly CAE

185 overall (min. 185 in each subtest)

Only results obtained within 2 years of the course start date
STPM A– in Literature (920) Completed since 1 January 2015
HKDSE 5* English Language or Literature in English Completed since 1 January 2015
Australian TAFE and private provider studies

Completed AQF Advanced Diploma or higher AQF qualification

Completed AQF Level 6 (Advanced Diploma)

Completed since 1 January 2015
University of Newcastle Open Foundation Course/English Language Certificate/Newstep/International Foundation Program Completion Completed since 1 January 2015
ELICOS EAP exam Higher level Pass 2 (HP2) Only results obtained since 1 January 2018

General information for University of Newcastle

Courses available

Location

Student Central, The University of Newcastle,
Callaghan NSW 2308

Website

Phone

1300 ASK UON (1300 275 866)

Important dates

Other scholarships & schemes