English language requirements

Macquarie University requires applicants to provide evidence that their English language proficiency is appropriate for the linguistic demands of their intended course of study.

English proficiency descriptors and standards

The descriptors below outline the minimum levels of English proficiency required for entry to coursework and non-award courses at Macquarie University and the Macquarie University College with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Minimum standards for entry to Macquarie University College courses

• Students have generally effective English communication on familiar topics.
• They can engage comfortably in unprepared routine communication in everyday situations. They can use simple vocabulary to discuss complex topics.
• They can grasp the majority of meaning, and infer key ideas, in a variety of texts, particularly in familiar fields.
• They can also convey technical information and solutions to (sometimes unpredictable) problems.
• Students still make many mistakes in language production but generally can make themselves understood.

• Students have generally effective command of English, though there may be some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, or misunderstandings.
• They can engage with fairly complex language, particularly on familiar topics, and they have a degree of fluency on familiar or routine topics.
• They can understand main points, key concepts, and authorial attitudes and viewpoints in extended texts (oral or written), and they can communicate these understandings clearly.
• They can analyse and compare information to provide and justify technical advice, specialist knowledge, and solutions.

Minimum standards for entry to Macquarie University courses

• Students have effective command of English, using fairly complex language in general situations and some complex language in their own field.
• They can use fluent and nuanced expression to engage with familiar topics and social communication, though some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings may still be evident.
• They can effectively structure and communicate arguments, clearly articulate detailed information, and summarise or report on previous interactions.
• They can provide and transmit solutions to sometimes complex problems, demonstrating understanding of knowledge, with depth in some areas.

• Students have a strong operational command of English. Communication is fluent and generally spontaneous.
• They can use language flexibly for social and professional purposes, with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies, or misunderstandings.
• They can engage with complex, lengthy texts on familiar and unfamiliar topics, understanding nuanced shades of meaning.
• They convey ideas clearly and precisely, cohesively, and coherently organising information using various formats for various purposes.

• Students have a comprehensive operational command of English, demonstrating fluency and strong familiarity with natural expression.
• Any misunderstandings, inaccuracies, or inappropriacies are generally restricted to unfamiliar situations or contexts.
• They can engage with complex, lengthy texts on familiar and unfamiliar topics, locating directly stated information in a range of text types and identifying textual attitudes and opinions.
• They convey ideas clearly and precisely, cohesively, and coherently organising information using various formats for various purposes.
• They can provide and transmit solutions to sometimes complex problems, demonstrating understanding of knowledge, with depth in some areas.

What level of English does my course require?

English requirements for your course are available on Coursefinder - these will be listed in terms of Academic IELTS scores:

• Students applying for Foundation or Diploma programs at the Macquarie University College will need to meet Functional or Vocational English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS of 5.5 or 6.0 respectively)
• Most undergraduate and postgraduate courses require Competent English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS of 6.5),
• Some courses, such as those in Law, Medicine, and Education, require either Proficient or Advanced English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS greater than 6.5).

Undergraduate Courses
Bachelor of Clinical Science
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
Bachelor of Laws

Postgraduate Courses
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Juris Doctor
Global Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Master of Clinical Audiology
Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
Master of Clinical Psychology
Master of Creative Writing
Master of Organisational Psychology
Master of Professional Psychology
Master of Speech and Language Pathology
Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood
Graduate Certificate of Editing and Electronic Publishing
Graduate Certificate of Global Business Practice
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

Undergraduate Courses
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Psychology
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Postgraduate Courses
Master of Inclusive and Special Education
Master of Teaching (Birth to Five Years)
Master of Teaching (Primary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Graduate Certificate of Inclusive and Special Education
Graduate Diploma of Inclusive and Special Education

How can I demonstrate my proficiency in English?

Macquarie University accepts a range of evidence to demonstrate your English language proficiency. This includes either:

• An approved English language proficiency test
• A recognised qualification with English as the language of instruction
• An approved Foundation Program
• A Macquarie University College English Language Program (ELP)
• Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs
• Other approved evidence deemed to satisfy minimum standards

English language tests

The following section outlines English language proficiency tests accepted by Macquarie University and the minimum test scores required to satisfy English entry standards to various courses.

Accepted tests

The University recognises the following English language tests:

And also the following online English test:

The following online English tests are no longer recognised as of 1 May 2023:

• IELTS Indicator / IELTS Online
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• PTE Academic Online

Please note for TOEFL iBT: Only for tests taken from 5 May 2024, these results are valid for Australian visa purposes. Otherwise, any TOEFL iBT tests undertaken between 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024 will not be accepted. See English language visa requirements.

Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.

Validity period

Unless otherwise specified, all English language test scores must be less than two years old at the date of course commencement at the University. Applicants with multiple tests in that period will have their single best test result considered.

Required Scores

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

Cambridge

OET

DET

Qualification with English as the Language of Instruction

The University may accept as meeting English proficiency requirements:

1. Recognised qualifications from specified English-speaking countries or regions where English was the language of instruction; or
2. Qualifications from other countries with English as an approved subject.

Validity period

Recognised qualifications may only be considered if they were successfully completed within five (5) years of the date the applicant will start their course at Macquarie University.

This limitation period does not apply to applicants who:

1. Meet the minimum institutional English language requirements AND can show evidence that they have continuously resided in an English-speaking country or region since the completion of their English studies until commencing studies at Macquarie University; or
2. Completed their secondary studies in English under the GCE Advanced (A-Levels), Advanced Subsidiary (AS-Levels) and Ordinary Levels (O-Levels / GCSE), or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with the required results.

Qualifications from specified English-speaking countries or regions

Applicants may satisfy English proficiency requirements for a course based on successfully completed senior secondary and/or tertiary qualifications taught and assessed solely in English from a recognised country as follows:

Qualifications from other countries with English as an approved subject

Approved Foundation Program

The University accepts the following Australian foundation programs for purposes of meeting Functional, Vocational, or Competent English proficiency requirements:

MQ College English Language Program (ELP)

Applicants who do not meet English Language requirements, but who otherwise meet academic entry requirements for a course, may be issued a packaged offer of study that includes an English Language Program (ELP) at the Macquarie University College. These programs enable students to meet English entry requirements to most courses at Macquarie University.

Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program

The University also accepts other English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs from selected providers for the purpose of meeting English language requirements for courses requiring up to Competent English proficiency.

A successfully completed EAP program will only be considered if it has been completed within one year prior to the date the applicant will commence the course at Macquarie University. Unless otherwise specified, only CRICOS-registered AEP programs completed onshore in Australia are recognised.