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 | An overall band minimum score of 6.0, with no individual band less than 6.0. IELTS Academic UKVI and IELTS Academic One Skill Retake are accepted. (Results are typically valid for 2 years and online tests are not acceptable.) |
| TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT) | Minimum score of 550, including Test of Written English of 5 or better. (Results are typically valid for only 2 years.) |
| Prior Study | Successfully completed AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma. |
| WAUFP | 50% plus pass in ELACS |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma | 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 | 52, with no scores less than 50. (Results are typically valid for only two years.) |
| University of Cambridge [Cambridge English: Advanced] (CAE) or Cambridge C1 Advanced | An overall score of 169, with no individual band less than 169. (Results are typically valid for only 2 years.) |
| Edexcel (Pearson) International GCSE (IGCSE) | English Language 8 (A*), English Language 6 (B*) or English Literature at a grade 4 (C) or above. 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 First Language (Syllabus 0500) at a grade C or above. English as a First Language (Syllabus 0522) at a grade C or above. English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0510) at a grade B or above, with grade 2 in Speaking (oral) and Listening (Aural). 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 | An overall band minimum score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0. IELTS Academic UKVI and IELTS Academic One Skill Retake are accepted. (Results are typically valid for 2 years and online tests are not acceptable.) |
| TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT) | Minimum score of 573, including Test of Written English of 5.0 or better. (Results are typically valid for only 2 years.) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | PTE Academic 58, with no score less than 50 for postgraduate standard entry courses. (Results are typically valid for only 2 years.) |
| University of Cambridge [Cambridge English: Advanced] | An overall score of 176, with no individual band less than 169. |
| 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.