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Policy: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Purpose

To establish the English language requirements for admission to the University and outline post-admission English language support for students.

Overview

This document contains the admission requirements based on English language tests, prior education, university preparation programs including English programs, and prior work experience. It indicates requirements for English equivalency cases and study abroad/exchange applications. It outlines post-entry language assessment and the provision of English language support.

Scope

This policy applies across the University and to applicants for entry to ANU.

Definitions

AQF. Australian Qualifications Framework

Australian Qualifications Framework. This ‘is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework.’ www.aqf.edu.au

Course. See Policy: Glossary

Senior secondary education. Education at Australian Years 11 and 12, or equivalent. This is typically two years of full-time education leading to the award of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (see AQF descriptor, ‘Senior Secondary Certificate of Education’).

Tertiary education. Education at AQF Levels 5–10.

Policy Statement

  1. This policy ensures that admitted students have the proficiency in English needed to participate in their intended program and that, combined with post-admission testing and language development, English language proficiency would not be expected to impede their progression and completion.
  2. Applicants, whether domestic or international, for admission to any ANU program or course delivered either in Australia or overseas must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. Exemptions for programs and courses taught only outside Australia and taught and assessed in a language other than English are approved by Academic Board.
  3. Applicants are deemed to have satisfied the University's English language requirements for admission to an:
  1. Undergraduate program, or
  2. Postgraduate coursework program, or
  3. Higher Degree by Research program,

if they can provide evidence that they meet the criteria specified below under one of the following:

  1. English language tests, or
  2. prior senior secondary education, or
  3. prior tertiary education at AQF Levels 5-10, or
  4. University preparation studies including English programs.

Table 1: Paragraphs relating to admission criteria

Level

Requirement

Undergraduate

Postgraduate coursework

Higher Degree by Research

English language tests

13–14; Table 2

23–24; Table 6

33–34; Table 8

Prior senior secondary education

15–17; Tables 3, 4

25–26

Not accepted

Prior tertiary education at AQF Levels 5-10

18–20

27–29

35–36

University preparation studies:

Foundation programs, English language programs

21; Table 5

30–31; Table 7

37; Table 9

  1. The most recent evidence is used as proof of English language proficiency, unless otherwise specified.
  2. The University reserves the right to change an unconditional offer of admission to conditional on meeting English language requirements, if subsequent evidence is provided which demonstrates that the applicant's English language proficiency is insufficient.
  3. The University reserves the right to request that an applicant undergoes an English test in addition to any other evidence of English language proficiency provided.
  4. There are no waivers in relation to the application of this policy.

Additional information

  1. This policy is read in conjunction with relevant legislation and academic eligibility requirements of the ANU, and applies to all programs.
  2. University rules relating to English language requirements are located at Coursework Awards Rules and Research Awards Rules.
  3. These requirements apply only to entry to the University.
  1. International applicants must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for visa applications in addition to the University’s admission requirements.
  2. Students applying for accreditation or registration with professional bodies may have additional requirements. Students are responsible for confirming they meet the registration or accreditation standards.

Post-entry language assessment

  1. Students admitted to the University will, from 1 January 2025, undertake a post-entry language assessment (PELA) to:
  1. identify a potential risk indicator for academic progress and provide early intervention,
  2. guide students to appropriate English language support provided by ANU (including through third-party providers), with monitoring of engagement with this support to indicate where additional intervention may be beneficial, and
  3. enable internal calibration and quality assurance for the ANU English language admission requirements.

The PELA has no impact on the admission decision. It is expected that the PELA is undertaken as part of the orientation preceding a student’s first classes.

Admission to Undergraduate Programs

  1. Undergraduate programs are:
  • Diploma (AQF Level 5)
  • Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (AQF Level 6)
  • Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7)
  • Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8)

The University’s English language requirements for admission are met by one of the following:

English Language Tests

  1. Achieving or exceeding the minimum scores in one of the English language tests listed in Table 2 if the test is taken within:
  1. two years from the date of application; or
  2. four years from the date of application where a student has subsequently completed the equivalent of one year full-time education in English within the last two years.
  1. Results from multiple tests cannot be combined to meet requirements.

Table 2: English Language Tests and minimum scores for admission into Undergraduate Programs

Test

Minimum scores

IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI Academic [excluding One Skill Retake and IELTS Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 6.5

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

TOEFL iBT [excluding Home Edition]

All of the following:

Overall score: 80

Reading: 20

Writing: 20

Listening: 18

Speaking: 18

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

Cambridge C1 Advanced

All of the following:

Overall score: 176

Reading: 169

Writing: 169

Listening: 169

Speaking: 169

Use of English: 169

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI [excluding PTE Academic Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 64

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 55

Writing: 55

Listening: 55

Speaking: 55

Prior education: senior secondary education

  1. Citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) year 11 and/or year 12 (or equivalent) senior secondary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a Group A Country.

Table 3: Group A Countries

    American Samoa
    Australia
    Botswana
    Canada (excluding Quebec)
    Fiji
    Ghana
    Guyana
    Ireland
    Jamaica
    Kenya
    Lesotho
    Liberia
    New Zealand
    Nigeria
    Papua New Guinea
    Samoa
    Singapore
    Solomon Islands
    South Africa
    Tonga
    Trinidad and Tobago
    United Kingdom
    United States of America
    Zambia
    Zimbabwe

  1. Non-citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken senior secondary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a country listed in Table 3: Group A Countries where that education meets all of the following requirements:
  1. successful completion of two years of full-time (or equivalent) year 11 and year 12 (or equivalent) senior secondary education within the last four years;
  2. successful completion is defined as a pass result in no less than 50% of attempted load in any assessable period (for example, term or semester) in the academic year;
  3. it is taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load; and
  4. education undertaken must result in a sequence of education or qualification which is accepted for entry into ANU undergraduate programs.
  1. Achieving or exceeding, no more than two years prior to the date of application, the minimum requirement levels of qualifications specified in Table 4:

Table 4: Qualifications and minimum requirements for Secondary Qualifications used for admission to undergraduate programs

Qualification

Minimum requirement

Australian Year 12 from a Group A Country listed in Table 3

Successful completion of at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) of Year 11 and/or Year 12 study.

Australian Year 12 from a country not listed in Table 3

ACT Senior Secondary Certificate

  • a score of 170 in English as a Second Language (ESL) T major, or
  • a pass in any other English T Major course.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) –

  • a raw unscaled score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL), or
  • a raw unscaled score of 25 or more in units 3 and 4 of any other VCE English subject.

Other States/Territory

  • successful completion of Year 12.

French Baccalaureate

Must be undertaken at Narrabundah College, Canberra; other locations are not accepted

A pass result in any English T Major or T Minor course.

GCE A-Level

A grade of C or better in:

  • a subject from the Humanities and Social Sciences subject group, or
  • a subject from the English Language and Literature subject group, or
  • General Studies.

Singapore A-Level

A grade of C or better in:

  • a subject from the Humanities syllabus, or
  • a subject from the English Language and Literature syllabus, or
  • General Paper.

Sri Lanka GCE A-Level

Not accepted.

HKDSE

A score of 4 in English Language (core subject).

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

A grade of C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

IB Diploma taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English.

Or

a pass result in English Language A: Literature either at Standard Level or Higher Level or

Or

A pass result in English Language A: Language and Literature either at Standard Level or Higher Level.

All India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)

A grade of C2 in English Core.

Indian School Certificate (ISC – Year 12)

A numerical grade of 1-7 in English as indicated on the Pass Certificate.

Tamil Nadu Higher School Certificate

A score of 120 (out of 200) in English.

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM/Form 6)

A grade of C in English Literature (code 920).

Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools Unified Examinations (MICSS)/UEC

A grade of A2 in English Language.

Norwegian Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary School Examinations (Vitnemål)

A numerical grade of 4 in English at both Level 1 and Level 2 in Upper Secondary Examinations.

Swedish Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan)

A numerical grade of 4 (VG) in English in Upper Secondary School Certificate.

Danish Upper Secondary School Leaving Examinations (Studentereksamen)

A numerical grade of 9 at level B Senior High School English.

Finnish Matriculation Certificate (Ylioppilastutkintotodistus Studenteksamensbetyg)

A numerical grade of 8 in English or English A in the final year of secondary school.

Dutch Diploma of Pre-University Education (Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwij)

A numerical grade of 8 in final year English.

German Abitur

A numerical grade of 3/‘befriedigend’ (satisfactory) in English.

Austrian Maturity Certificate

A numerical grade of 3/’befriedigend’ (satisfactory) in English.

Prior education: tertiary education

  1. Citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken tertiary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent).
  2. Non-citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken tertiary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a country listed in Table 3: Group A Countries where that education meets all of the following requirements:
  1. a minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent) education within the last four years;
  2. a pass result in no less than 50% of attempted load in any assessable period (for example, term or semester) in the academic year;
  3. taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load; and
  4. results in a sequence of education or qualification which is accepted for entry into ANU undergraduate programs.
  1. Successful completion, no more than two years prior to the date of application, of an ANU Diploma program commenced at ANU College prior to 31 December 2020.

University pathway programs including English programs

  1. Achieving or exceeding, no more than two years prior to the date of application, the minimum scores in one of the University pathway programs including English programs listed in Table 5:

Table 5: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to ANU undergraduate programs:

Pathway or English Program

Minimum score for undergraduate admission

AEMG Direct Entry Program (DEP) English for Academic Purposes (EAP 2)

For admission applications lodged prior to 31 December 2024 where admission into the program is through a formal university-to-university articulation agreement: 70% with no section less than 65%.

Other programs or pathways: not accepted.

ANU College Foundation Studies completed prior to 31 December 2022

65% in the best 3 out of 4 English courses taken in the last two terms of education (English Core Skills A-E and/or Applied English A-D)

ANU Access Program taught by ANU College and completed prior to 31 January 2022

60%

Other Foundation Programs if taught in a Group A country:

Institution

Name of Program

Bond College

Foundation Program

Curtin University of Technology

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

Edith Cowan University

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

Macquarie University

Standard Foundation or Intensive Foundation

Monash University

Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)

University of Adelaide

Foundation Studies Program

University of Melbourne

Trinity College Foundation Studies Program

University of New South Wales

University Foundation Studies Certificate

University of Notre Dame

Tertiary Pathway Program

University of Queensland

The Foundation Year

University of Sydney

University of Sydney Foundation Program

University of Western Australia

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

65% or more in Academic English taught in a Group A country

Admission to Postgraduate Coursework Programs

  1. Postgraduate Coursework Programs are:
  • Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
  • Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)
  • Master Degree (AQF Level 9)
  • Juris Doctor (JD) (AQF Level 9)
  • Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda (MChD)/Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (AQF Level 9)

The University’s English language requirements for admission are met by one of the following:

English Language Tests

  1. Achieving or exceeding the minimum scores in one of the English language tests listed in Table 6 if the test is taken within:
  1. two years from the date of application; or
  2. four years from the date of application where a student has subsequently completed the equivalent of one year full-time education in English within the last two years.
  1. Results from multiple tests cannot be combined to meet requirements unless specified in Table 6.

Table 6: Minimum requirements for accepted English Language Tests for admission into Postgraduate Coursework Programs

Test

Minimum scores for unspecified programs

Minimum scores for specified programs

Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda (MChD)/Doctor of Medicine and Surgery

Master of Clinical Psychology

Master of Professional Psychology

IELTS

Academic [excluding One Skill Retake and IELTS Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 6.5

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

All of the following:

Overall score: 7.0

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

All of the following:

Overall score: 7.0

Reading: 7.0

Writing: 7.0

Speaking: 7.0

Listening: 7.0

Note:

The requirement of a minimum of 7.0 in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

    The overall score is 7.0 on both tests; and

There are no scores less than 6.5 in either test.

IELTS UKVI Academic [excluding One Skill Retake and IELTS Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 6.5

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

Not accepted

Not accepted

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

All of the following:

Overall score: 80

Reading: 20

Writing: 20

Listening: 18

Speaking: 18

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

All of the following:

Overall score: 100

Reading: 22

Writing: 22

Listening: 22

Speaking: 22

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

Not accepted.

TOEFL iBT [excluding Paper Edition and Home Edition]

All of the following:

Overall score: 80

Reading: 20

Writing: 20

Listening: 18

Speaking: 18

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

All of the following:

Overall score: 100

Reading: 22

Writing: 22

Listening: 22

Speaking: 22

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

All of the following:

Overall score: 100

Reading: 24

Writing: 27

Listening: 24

Speaking: 23

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

Note:

The requirement of the minimum in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

  1. The overall score is 100 on both tests; and

There are no scores less than 24 in Writing, and 20 in Speaking and Listening, and 19 in Reading in either test.

Cambridge C1 Advanced

All of the following:

Overall score: 176

Reading: 169

Writing: 169

Listening: 169

Speaking: 169

Use of English: 169

All of the following:

Overall score: 185

Reading: 169

Writing: 169

Listening: 169

Speaking: 169

Use of English: 169

Not accepted.

PTE Academic [excluding PTE Academic Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 64

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 55

Writing: 55

Listening: 55

Speaking: 55

All of the following:

Overall score: 70

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 60

Writing: 60

Listening: 60

Speaking: 60

All of the following:

Overall score: 70

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 65

Writing: 65

Listening: 65

Speaking: 65

Note:

The requirement of the minimum of 65 in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

  1. The overall score is 75 on both tests; and

There are no scores less than 58 in either test.

PTE Academic UKVI [excluding PTE Academic Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 64

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 55

Writing: 55

Listening: 55

Speaking: 55

Not Accepted

Not Accepted

Prior senior secondary education

  1. Citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) year 11 and/or year 12 (or equivalent) senior secondary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a Group A country.
  2. Australian Citizens who meet all of the following requirements:
  1. undertook secondary education in Australia at a regional or remote School for which neither the Government nor a Tertiary Admissions Centre holds records for the relevant cohort of students (as distinct from the relevant student);
  2. have five years full-time (equivalent) work experience in Australia at ANZSCO Skill Level 1; and
  3. provide the name of the School and the years during which the education was undertaken.

Prior tertiary education

  1. Completion of a minimum 3 year Bachelor degree or a minimum 2 year Master degree or a minimum 2 year Doctoral degree taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load.

Where the degree was not undertaken in a country listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, a statement or certificate of confirmation issued by the Registrar’s office (or equivalent) of the institution at which tertiary education was undertaken must be provided, which must:

  1. be an original version in English printed on official headed paper and duly signed,
  2. specify the student’s full name,
  3. specify the name of the qualification in which the student was enrolled, and
  4. include a statement of the extent to which the education was taught andassessed entirely in English.
  1. Tertiary education in English in a country listed in Table 3: Group A Countries at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of that country. If the applicant is not a citizen of a Group A Country, the education must meet all of following additional requirements:
  1. a minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent) education within the last four years;
  2. a pass result in no less than 50% of attempted load in any assessable period (for example, term or semester) in the academic year; and
  3. taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load.
  1. Tertiary education in English in a country not listed in Table 3: Group A Countries that meets all of the following requirements:
  1. a minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent) education within the last four years;
  2. a pass result in no less than 50% of attempted load in any assessable period (for example, term or semester) in the academic year;
  3. taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load; and
  4. a statement or certificate of confirmation issued by the Registrar’s office (or equivalent) of the institution at which tertiary education was undertaken which must:
  1. be an original version in English printed on official headed paper and duly signed,
  2. specify the student’s full name,
  3. specify the name of the qualification in which the student was enrolled, and
  4. include a statement of the extent to which the education was taught and assessed entirely in English.Applicants may not submit a modified statement or certificate after receiving an assessment outcome related to the original statement provided.

University pathway programs including English programs

  1. Pathway progams including English programs are not available for admission into the following programs:
  • Medicinae ac Chirurgiae Doctoranda (MChD)/Doctor of Medicine and Surgery
  • Master of Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Professional Psychology

  1. For all other postgraduate coursework programs, achieving or exceeding, no more than two years prior to the date of application, the minimum scores in one of the University pathway programs including English programs listed in Table 7:

Table 7: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to non-excluded ANU postgraduate coursework programs:

English Program

Minimum score for postgraduate coursework admission

AEMG Direct Entry Program (DEP) English for Academic Purposes (EAP 2)

For admission applications lodged prior to 31 December 2024 where admission into the program is through a formal university-to-university articulation agreement: 70% with no section less than 65%.

Other programs or pathways: not accepted.

ANU Access Program taught by ANU College and completed prior to 31 January 2022

60%

Admission to Higher Degree by Research Programs

  1. Higher Degree by Research Programs are:
  • Master of Philosophy (AQF Level 9)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (AQF Level 10)

The University’s English language requirements for admission are met by one of the following:

English Language Tests

  1. Achieving or exceeding the minimum scores in one of the English language tests listed in Table 8 if the test is taken within:
  1. two years from the date of application; or
  2. four years from the date of application where a student has subsequently completed the equivalent of one year full-time education in English within the last two years.
  1. Results from multiple tests cannot be combined to meet requirements.

Table 8: Minimum requirements for accepted English Language Tests for admission into Higher Degree by Research Programs

Test

Minimum scores for all Higher Degree by Research Programs excluding the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

Minimum scores for the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

IELTS

Academic [excluding One Skill Retake and IELTS Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 6.5

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

All of the following:

Overall score: 7.0

Reading: 7.0

Writing: 7.0

Speaking: 7.0

Listening: 7.0

Note:

The requirement of a minimum of 7.0 in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

  1. The overall score is 7.0 on both tests; and
  2. There are no scores less than 6.5 in either test.

IELTS UKVI Academic [excluding One Skill Retake and IELTS Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 6.5

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

Not accepted.

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

All of the following:

Overall score: 80

Reading: 20

Writing: 20

Listening: 18

Speaking: 18

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

Not accepted.

TOEFL iBT [excluding Paper Edition and Home Edition]

All of the following:

Overall score: 80

Reading: 20

Writing: 20

Listening: 18

Speaking: 18

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

All of the following:

Overall score: 100

Reading: 24

Writing: 27

Listening: 24

Speaking: 23

The TOEFL institutional code for the ANU is 0506. Applicants may use this code to report their TOEFL results to the university.

Note:

The requirement of the minimum in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

  1. The overall score is 100 on both tests; and
  2. There are no scores less than 24 in Writing, and 20 in Speaking and Listening, and 19 in Reading in either test.

Cambridge C1 Advanced

All of the following:

Overall score: 176

Reading: 169

Writing: 169

Listening: 169

Speaking: 169

Use of English: 169

Not accepted.

PTE Academic [excluding PTE Academic Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 64

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 55

Writing: 55

Listening: 55

Speaking: 55

All of the following:

Overall score: 70

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 65

Writing: 65

Listening: 65

Speaking: 65

Note:

The requirement of the minimum of 65 in each component can be met across two test sittings in a six month period, on condition that:

  1. The overall score is 75 on both tests; and
  2. There are no scores less than 58 in either test.

PTE Academic UKVI [excluding PTE Academic Online]

All of the following:

Overall score: 64

Communicative Skills:

Reading: 55

Writing: 55

Listening: 55

Speaking: 55

Not Accepted

Prior tertiary education

  1. Completion of a minimum 3 year Bachelor degree or a minimum 2 year Master degree taught and assessed in entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load.
  2. Citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken tertiary education taught and assessed in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) meet the University’s English language requirements for admission.

English programs

  1. Achieving or exceeding, no more than two years prior to the date of application, the minimum scores in one of the English programs listed in Table 9:

Table 9: English programs recognised for admission to ANU Higher Degree by Research programs:

English Program

Minimum score for undergraduate admission

ANU Access Program taught by ANU College and completed prior to 31 January 2022

60%

Study Abroad and Exchange Applicants

  1. Study abroad or exchange students can, in addition to the standard admission requirements for their program, fulfil the University's English language entry requirements through the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages System (CEFR) by achieving a certificate of English language proficiency from their home institution with an overall grade of C1 (‘Effective Operational Proficiency’) with no less than C1 in each of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

ANU Extension

  1. The ANU Extension program is open to Australian domestic students who are enrolled at an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) college (Years 11-12) or school. Applicants for ANU Extension must receive the written endorsement of the Principal of their ACT college or school. Applicants will have met the English language requirements for admission to ANU Extension and the ANU program in which it is housed (Diploma of Studies) if they are:
  1. Citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) year 9 and/or year 10 and/or year 11 (or equivalent) secondary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a Group A Country; or
  2. Non-citizens of countries listed in Table 3: Group A Countries, who have undertaken senior secondary education in English at a recognised institution in the national education system (or equivalent) of a country listed in Table 3: Group A Countries where that education meets all of the following requirements:
  1. successful completion of two years of full-time (or equivalent) year 9 and/or year 10 and/or year 11 (or equivalent) secondary education within the last four years;
  2. successful completion is defined as a pass result in no less than 50% of attempted load in any assessable period (for example, term or semester) in the academic year;
  3. it is taught and assessed entirely in English except for courses that are focused on the development of knowledge and skills in a language other than English; such courses must not be more than 25% of the total successfully completed study load; and
  4. education undertaken must be part of a sequence of education or qualification which is accepted for entry into ANU undergraduate programs.

English Language Equivalency

  1. All applicants must meet the English Language requirements of the University as outlined in this policy, or in rare cases, by the relevant ANU College establishing a Case for English Language Equivalency on behalf of the applicant. Applicants cannot commence or establish a Case for English Language Equivalency on their own.
  2. Establishment of a Case for English Language Equivalency is detailed in the Case fo English Language Equivalency procedure. Equivalency cases will normally only be considered for applicants basing their academic admission requirements on work experience in a Group A country.

English language support

  1. The demonstration of the requisite English language proficiency to undertake tertiary education is critical to the student’s ability to develop academic literacy, that is, to acquire and competently deploy the specialised language, argumentation, and referencing conventions of discipline-specific discourse.
  2. Based on their performance in the post-entry language assessment, students are directed to the appropriate available resources for developing their academic literacy and English language proficiency.
  3. Students take responsibility for making use of these resources, which cover academic literacy development and English language support.

Quality assurance

  1. The requirements specified in this policy are minimum requirements that will be adopted University wide. An evidence-based case for a higher level of English language ability for entry can be made for individual programs.
  2. An annual report covering the previous calendar year is to be prepared by the Planning and Service Performance Division. The report will use post-entry language assessment data and progression and retention data to analyse each of the English language admission requirements including achieved scores in instances where the policy specifies a minimum score. The report is provided to the Academic Quality Assurance Committee at its second meeting each year. At that meeting, the Committee will consider the report and recommend any changes to this policy to Academic Board.
  3. English Language Tests must meet the following criteria before they can be considered for inclusion in this Policy:

Principle 1: The test is fit for purpose.

  • The test measures academic English language proficiency.
  • The tasks and scoring methods represent similar tasks, skills and values to those of the academic domain.
  • The test provider has a validation agenda which examines the accuracy and appropriateness of scoring, the test’s fit-for-purpose for the academic domain, and the impact of the test. The validation research is available.
  • The test generates preparation activities that develop academic English.

Principle 2: The test provides sufficient information for decision-making.

  • The test measures four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
  • The test levels are representative of the range of English language proficiencies relevant to the ANU applicant pool.
  • The Standard Error of Measurement (SEm) is acceptable at score decision points, i.e., the minimum required score for entry to a program.

Principle 3: The test provides consistent and fair measurement.

  • The test is reliable and publishes information about its internal properties.
  • The test is secure.
  • The test is not biased against any applicant groups.

Principle 4: The test’s score equivalence with other tests is robust.

  • There is a sound empirical basis for the score equivalences claimed.
  • Equivalences are based on considerations of construct congruence as well as correlational strength.

Principle 5: The range of tests is accessible.

  • At least one of the tests is accessible in terms of technology, geography and any accommodations required for inclusive testing.
  • In rare circumstances, exceptions may apply to Principles 1 to 4 for reasons of inclusivity and access.

  1. English Language Programs included in Table 5: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to ANU undergraduate programs must meet the criteria set out for English Language Tests in clause 47, with the data provided as evidence of meeting the criteria to be used to set the initial achievement level for each Program; the achievement level may subsequently be modified by PELA data.

  1. Foundation Programs included in Table 5: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to ANU undergraduate programs must meet the following criteria:
    1. the provider must be on, or must be a wholly-owned subsidiary of a provider on, at least one of the:
      1. Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS);
      2. National Register of Higher Education Providers in accordance with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act)
    2. the program must be entirely taught in a Group A County (see Table 3)
    3. and either:
      1. where the program is taught by an Australian university or a wholly-owned subsidiary of an Australian university, or was developed in partnership with or created for an Australian university; and that university has English Language Admission Requirements which are at a minimum one or more of those specified in Table 2: English Language Tests and minimum scores for admission into Undergraduate Programs; and that university admits students who successfully complete the foundation program at a specified minimum achievement level in English directly into a Bachelor degree; the achievement level in English will be the same as that set by that university; or
      2. the Provider must demonstrate that the English language assessment meets the criteria set out for English Language Tests in clause 47, with the data provided as evidence of meeting the criteria to be used to set the initial achievement level for each Program; the achievement level may subsequently be modified by PELA data.

  1. Where an English Language Test, English Language Program, or Foundation Program (excluding cases under 49.c.i) is to be considered for addition to this policy, the Dean (Academic Quality) requests the organisation owning the test to provide evidence that the test meets Principles 1–4. The Dean (Academic Quality) seeks written advice from at least two academic experts in the field of English language testing based on the evidence provided and on Principle 5. The Dean (Academic Quality) prepares a case for consideration by the Academic Quality Assurance Committee for endorsement for transmission to Academic Board for approval.

  1. Where a Government declares an emergency situation that prevents or makes it difficult for applicants to access the tests listed in this policy, Academic Board may approve, for the duration of that emergency only, tests that do not meet these principles for applicants impacted by that emergency. Such tests must be included in appendices to the Tables.

  1. Each program listed in Table 4: Qualifications and minimum requirements for Secondary Qualifications used for admission to undergraduate programs, Table 5: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to ANU undergraduate programs, Table 7: University pathway programs including English programs recognised for admission to ANU postgraduate coursework programs, and Table 9: English programs recognised for admission to ANU Higher Degree by Research programs is accredited for inclusion for a maximum period of five years. A case for reaccreditation must be made for each program; the case must include consideration of post-entry language assessment data and student progression and retention data. The Dean (Academic Quality) may call an earlier review of a qualification or program based on the results of the annual reporting of post-entry language assessment data and student progression and retention data.

Implementation

  1. This version of the policy applies to applications for enrolment to commence study on or after 1 December 2022.

  1. ANU College programs, which have all been disestablished and are being taught out, are grandfathered until 31 December 2024.

  1. The AEMG Direct Entry Program (DEP) English for Academic Purposes (EAP 2) program is grandfathered until 31 December 2024, or until the next renegotiation of each agreement in which it is included, whichever is later.

Information

Printable version (PDF)
Title English language admission requirements and post-admission support
Document Type Policy
Document Number ANUP_000408
Version
Purpose To establish the English language requirements for admission to the University.
Audience Students, Prospective Students, Staff-Professional, Staff-Academic
Category Academic
Topic/ SubTopic Students
 
Effective Date 28 Nov 2023
Next Review Date 27 Nov 2028
 
Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration
Approved By: Academic Board
Contact Area Division of Student Administration and Academic Services
Authority: National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021
Coursework Awards Rule 2020
Research Awards Rule 2021
Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
Delegations 0

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