English Language Requirements
Policy on English Language Requirements for Admission1.0 All students admitted to a UNE award or non-award unit must meet the University’s English language requirements for admission irrespective of the study location or study mode.
2.0 When an IELTS or TOEFL score is used to demonstrate English proficiency, that score must have been attained within two years of the date of application for admission.
3.0 For admission to all Undergraduate Awards and Post-Graduate Awards by Coursework except Law, Nursing courses conferring the right to apply for Australian Registered Nurse Status (RNS) and Education courses conferring the right to apply for Australian Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), at least one of the following criteria must be met:
3.1 English is the student’s first language;
3.2 Satisfactory completion, within 5 years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR);
3.3 A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent;
3.4 An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band score less than 5.5 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the Computer-Based Test; or at least 79 in the Internet-Based Test with no less than 22 in the written component);
3.5 Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at the University of New England English Language Centre, or an equivalent (as recognised by the Academic Board Teaching and Learning Committee) EAP program at an Australian NEAS-Accredited Language Centre; or
3.6 Satisfactory completion on a prior or concurrent basis of an English communication skills program appropriate for specific programs approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor or her/his nominee, on the advice of the relevant PVC-Dean and Director, English Language and International Services.
4.0 For admission to Law and to Nursing courses conferring the right to apply for Australian Registered Nurse Status (RNS) at least one of the following criteria must be met:
4.1 English is the student’s first language;
4.2 An IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5 with no sub-band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 91 in the Internet-Based Test with no less than 22 in the written component and 20 in Listening, Speaking and Reading).
5.0 For admission to Education courses conferring the right to apply for Australian Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at least one of the following criteria must be met:
5.1 English is the student’s first language;
5.2 An IELTS (Academic) overall score of 7.5 with a minimum score of 8.0 in Speaking and Listening and 7.0 in Reading and Writing.
6.0 For admission to all Higher Degrees by Research at least one of the following criteria must be met:
6.1 English is the student’s first language;
6.2 Satisfactory completion, within 5 years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular course of study claimed, resulting in a tertiary level Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award or a tertiary level award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR);
6.3 An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no sub-band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 91 in the Internet-Based Test with no less than 22 in the written component and 20 in Litening, Speaking and Reading); or
6.4 An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band score less than 5.5 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 79 in the Internet-Based Test with no less than 22 in the written component) plus subsequent satisfactory performance in the Advanced EAP program at the University of New England English Language Centre, prior to admission to candidature;
6.5 Where an applicant cannot satisfy any of Criteria 6.1-6.4 but in the opinion of the relevant Head of School should be admitted as a special case, appeal may be made to the English Language Requirements for Admission Tribunal, consisting of the Chair of the Higher Degrees by Research Committee, the Director, English Language and International Services and the Research Director of the Faculty to which admission is sought. The decision of this Tribunal shall be final.