English language requirements
Instruction at the University of Sydney is in English. If this is not your first language you must demonstrate proficiency in English before admission can be confirmed.
The following are acceptable minimum language qualifications for general study in the Study Abroad and Exchange Program:
- IELTS Overall band score of 6.5 or better with minimum of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL (Paper based) 577 or better plus TWE (Test of Written English) at 4.5 or better.
- TOEFL (Computer based) 233, Essay rating 4.5 or better;
- TOEFL (Internet based) iBT score of 90 with a score of 21 or better in the Writing section;
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CCPE) with a "B" pass or better.
Special consideration for English language requirements may be given to students who have completed Advanced level High School English studies in Denmark, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. If you are from one of these countries you should provide a certified copy of your final high school grades with your study abroad application. Students who have achieved one of the following English results are not required to provide an IELTS or TOEFL result.
| Country | Score Required |
|---|---|
| Denmark | High School Leaving Certificate score of "10" or better for English B, level B |
| Finland | High School Leaving Certificate score of "8" or better in English or English A language |
| Germany | High School leaving Certificate (Arbitur) score of "3" or better for Advanced level English. German students must also achieve 4 scores of "B" or better in the DAAD Certificate of Proficiency in English. |
| Netherlands | High School Leaving Certificate score of "8" or better for English in Level 6. |
| Norway | High School Leaving Certificate (Vitnemal): score of "4" or better for upper secondary school English. |
| Sweden | High School Leaving Certificate (Slutbetyg) score of "VG" or better for upper secondary school English. |
If you have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification in Australia or in another country, or have completed senior secondary/tertiary studies in one of the following countries in English, you are not required to present proof of English proficiency.
American Samoa
Australia
Canada
England
Fiji
Ireland
Kenya
New Zealand
Northern Ireland
Papua New Guinea
Scotland
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Africa
USA
Wales
Western Samoa
Zambia
Other applicants may have to provide proof of English proficiency.
If you have studied the International Baccalaureate (IB), no further proof of English Language is required if all subjects were taught in English. Other acceptable IB proofs are:
- Group 1 Language A1 English pass at either Higher or Standard Level.
- Group 2 Language A2 English pass at either Higher or Standard Level.
- Language B English at Higher Level with a Grade of 4 or more.
- Language B English at Standard Level with a Grade of 5 or more.
If you do not hold any of the above qualifications, you may take a 10 or 20 week course in English for Academic Purposes at the University Centre for English Teaching (CET).
Language and learning assistance is also available for international students during their formal studies from the University of Sydney Learning Centre.
Student visa language requirements
Although these are the University of Sydney requirements, they may not meet student visa regulations. You should check with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to ensure that you also meet the requirements for a student visa for Australia. This is especially important if you are a citizen of a country with visa assessment levels 3 and 4.