INTERNATIONAL STUDENT STUDY

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Check the English language requirements for certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and nursing programs, including accepted test scores, exemptions and pathway options.

At Holmesglen, we’re committed to helping you succeed in your studies.

All applicants for our Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education courses must show they meet Holmesglen’s English Language Entry Requirements.

To meet Holmesglen's English language entry requirements, you will need to obtain the required scores on one of the following English language tests.

How to check if you meet the requirements

In the table below, you can check whether you are eligible by looking at:

  • Accepted English tests and the minimum scores you need
  • Other ways to meet the requirement, such as studying in English in the past
  • Pathway options, including English language courses, if you need to improve your English first

Requirements may vary by course.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The English language requirements vary depending on the course you apply for. Expand the sections below to view the accepted English language tests and minimum scores for VET courses, higher education, early childhood education and nursing programs.

Certificates & Diplomas

(Excludes Holmesglen Nursing Diploma)

TestMinimum score
IELTS
(Academic)
6.0 Overall
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)50 Overall
TOEFL IBT64 Overall
Cambridge English (Certificate in Advanced English – C1 Advanced)169 Overall
Occupational English TestNot accepted

 

Bachelor's Degrees

(Excludes Holmesglen Nursing Degree, and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education)

TestMinimum score
IELTS
(Academic)
6.0 Overall
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)50 Overall
TOEFL IBT64 Overall
Cambridge English (Certificate in Advanced English – C1 Advanced)169 Overall
Occupational English TestNot accepted

 

TestMinimum score
IELTS
(Academic)
6.5 Overall (with no band less than 6.0)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)55 Overall (with a minimum of 55 in all four communicative skills)
TOEFL IBT79 Overall
Writing: 24
Reading: 19
Listening: 20
Speaking: 20
Cambridge English (Certificate in Advanced English – C1 Advanced)176 Overall (with no band less than 169)
Occupational English TestNot accepted

 

Diploma of Nursing & Bachelor of Nursing

TestMinimum score
IELTS
(Academic)
7.0 Overall
Listening: 7
Reading: 7
Speaking: 7
Writing: 6.5
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)63 Overall
Listening: 58
Reading: 59
Speaking: 76
Writing: 60
TOEFL IBT91 Overall
Listening: 22
Reading: 22
Writing: 23
Speaking: 24
Cambridge English
Cambridge (C1 Advanced)
178 Overall
Listening: 175
Reading: 179
Speaking: 194
Writing: 180
OR
Cambridge (C2 Proficiency)
185 Overall
Listening: 185
Reading: 185
Speaking: 185
Writing: 176
 
Occupational English Test (OET)Listening: 350
Reading: 360
Speaking: 360
Writing: 350

English Language Test Exemptions

English language test requirements do not apply if you are a citizen of, and you hold a valid passport issued by, one or more of the following countries (this does not apply to Nursing program applicants)         

  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • the Republic of Ireland
  • the United Kingdom
  • the United States of America;

If you do not meet the minimum English language requirements listed in the table above, you may still be able to study at Holmesglen by completing an approved English language program first (this does not apply for Nursing program applicants). These pathway options can help you prepare for your course.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Pathway Options

Test nameMinimum test score, if principal course is accompanied by at least:

10 weeks of an ELICOS program; or
A standard foundation program; or
An extended foundation program
Minimum test score, if principal course is accompanied by at least 20 weeks of ELICOS.
C1 AdvancedOverall band score 162Overall band score 154
IELTS AcademicOverall band score of 5.5Overall band score of 5.0
OETOET Grade of at least B with scores between 380 – 399 (inclusive)OET Grade of at least B with scores between 350 – 379 (inclusive)
PTE AcademicOverall band score of 42.Overall band score of 36.
TOEFL iBTOverall band score of 46.Overall band score of 35.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Holmesglen accepts IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and OET.

Yes. Requirements may vary by course, so you should check the specific course page for details.

You may be able to complete an approved English language program first. This does not apply to Nursing program applicants.

Yes. Diploma of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing applicants must meet specific Nursing English language requirements.

For the most up-to-date information about Australian student visas, visa conditions and application requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website

Need help?

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we encourage you to contact us. Our team can help you understand your options and choose the best pathway.