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Your admission into a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at Western Sydney University is subject to meeting minimum English language requirements.

The University must be satisfied that you have the skills and experience to commence independent study at a suitable level for entry into your program, including a good command of written and spoken English.

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English as a first language

You will not be required to provide evidence of an English language proficiency test if:

  • you were born in one of the countries listed below; and
  • you hold at least one secondary or tertiary degree in one of the countries listed below; and
  • the language in which you studied the degree was English.
  • American Samoa
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Fiji
  • Ghana
  • Ireland
  • Kenya
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • United Kingdom (incl. Northern Ireland)
  • United States of America
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

You must provide evidence that the language in which you studied the degree was English. This must be cited on the degree or you must provide a letter from an administrative department at the issuing institution. A letter from a teacher or academic staff member will not be accepted.

There is no expiry date applied to the eligibility of degrees that meet the criteria above.

English as a medium of instruction

If English is not your first language, you may still be considered as meeting the language requirements if you have studied in English.

You will not be required to provide evidence of an English language proficiency test if:

  • you completed senior secondary studies (i.e. high school) or at least one (1) year of full-time tertiary (i.e. university) studies in one of the countries listed above; and
  • the language in which you studied the degree was English; and
  • the degree was completed within two (2) years of the expected commencement date of your program at Western Sydney University.
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English language proficiency tests

If English is not your first language as defined above and/or you do not have any degrees where the medium of instruction was English, you are required to demonstrate your English language proficiency by achieving a prescribed level in an approved English examination or test.

Your English language proficiency test must be no more than two (2) years old at the time of the expected commencement date of your program at Western Sydney University.

    For HDR programs, the following test results are required:

    • IELTS (Academic version): 
      • Minimum 6.5 overall score;
      • Minimum 6.0 in each subtest
    • TOEFL* (Internet-based score): 
      • Minimum total score 82;
      • Minimum:
        • Writing 21,
        • Speaking 18,
        • Reading 13,
        • Listening 13
    • PTE (Academic):
      • Minimum 58 overall;
      • No communication skills less than 50

    Other English language proficiency tests may also be considered. For a full list of English language test equivalencies, refer to the approved English language entry requirements.

    * NOTE: TOELFL iBT Test Scores dated after 25 July 2023 will not be accepted.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You will need to undertake an English proficiency test if your evidence of English proficiency does not meet our requirements. Western Sydney University cannot provide exemptions for English proficiency and you must meet the requirements as described for admission into our HDR programs.

    The College provides a range of training and tests to help you prepare for entry at Western Sydney University. You can find out more at the English and Testing page.

    Yes. If you do not meet the English language requirements, you can submit an application and include a statement that you would like to request a package offer that includes an English language program with The College.

    Requests for packaged offers will be considered on a case-by-case basis and admission into a packaged offer is not guaranteed.