English competency
Minimum English competency levels required by domestic and international students considering study at Edith Cowan University.
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Toggle between study options for
Domestic student
Here are the most common ways to demonstrate your English competency to enter an ECU course.
International student
Our minimum English competency requirements can change, depending on the course you're interested in, and whether it's an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
| ECU Course type | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| University Preparation course | Minimum C grade in General English or the equivalent |
| Undergraduate course | Meet the minimum score for STAT Written English or successfully completed ATAR English, ATAR Literature, ATAR EALD or equivalent.
If you've successfully completed units at an Australian, Canadian, American or UK university provider, you may meet English competency standards. Submit your academic transcript for assessment. |
| Postgraduate course | If you've successfully completed units at an Australian, Canadian, American or UK university provider, you may meet English competency standards. Submit your academic transcript for assessment. |
Undergraduate English requirements
| Test method | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (including IELTS Academic UKVI and IELTS Academic One Skill Retake) | Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0). Results are valid for two years. Note: IELTS Academic online test is not accepted |
| TOEFL iBT for Australia | Minimum score of 70, with no individual score less than 17. NOTE: Only TOEFL iBT for Australia is accepted. Tests taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted. TOEFL iBT – Home Edition tests are also not accepted. Test results are valid for two years |
| Prior Study | Successfully completed AQF Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma or AQF Associate Degree. |
| Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP) | English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS) score of 50 or greater. |
| International Baccalaureate Certificate/Diploma (2012 onwards) | A Higher Level (HL) grade of 3 or Standard Level (SL) grade of 4 in one of the following IB subjects is required English A: Literature; English A: Language and Literature; Literature and Performance; English A1; English A2; English B; or English B Pilot. Note: IB Certificate does not satisfy ECU's minimum academic entry requirements for undergraduate entry. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (including PTE Academic UKVI) | 52 with no scores less than 50. Results are valid for two years. PTE Academic Online is not accepted. |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced - CAE) | An overall minimum score of 169 with no individual band less than 169. (Results are valid for two years only) |
| Edexcel (Pearson) International GCSE (IGCSE) | English Language A, English Language B or English Literature at a grade 4 (C) or above, or English as a Second Language (ESL) at a grade 6 (B) or above. |
| United Kingdom (UK) GCE O Level, GCSE, or GCE A level | Grade C/Grade 4 or better, or GCE A Level - Grade E in English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature. |
| Cambridge International GCSE (CIE IGCSE) | English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0510) at a grade B or above with a grade 2 in Speaking (oral) and Listening (Aural); or English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500) at a grade C or above; or English as a First Language (Syllabus 0522) at a grade C or above; or English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0511) at a grade B or above; or IGCSE/GCE O Level English Language (Syllabus 1123) at a grade C or above. |
| Other | Other evidence of English language proficiency may be acceptable. Please apply for an assessment or contact your local ECU authorised agent. |
Postgraduate English requirements
| Test method | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (including IELTS Academic UKVI and IELTS One Skill Retake) | Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0). Results are valid for two years. Note: IELTS Academic online test is not accepted |
| TOEFL iBT for Australia | Minimum score of 84, with no individual score less than 17. NOTE: Only TOEFL iBT for Australia is accepted. Tests taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 are not accepted. TOEFL iBT – Home Edition tests are also not accepted. Test results are valid for two years. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) (includes PTE Academic UKVI) | 58 with no scores less than 50. Results are valid for two years. PTE Academic Online is not accepted. |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced - CAE) | An overall minimum score of 176 with no individual band less than 169. (Results are valid for two year only) |
| Other | Other evidence of English language proficiency may be acceptable. Please apply for an assessment or contact your local ECU authorised agent. |
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.