Top Entrance Exams for Australian Universities

Australia is a dream come true destination for international students. To get there, you must understand the entrance exams requirements. There are various exams like IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT, UCAT ANZ, etc., to help you get in Australian unis. That is why knowing about them will give you an extra edge. In this guide, we will talk about various entrance exams for Australian University. Let’s get into it. 

Top English Proficiency Exams for Australian Universities 

Australia attracts more than 600,000 international students every year. Since English is the only mode of instruction here, proving your proficiency in English is non-negotiable. Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s or master’s, unis want to make sure that you can communicate effectively. Below are the top English proficiency exams for Australian unis: 

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 

IELTS exam is the most widely accepted exam across Australian unis. It is also important for student visa applications. And these are recognized by 100% of Australian universities.  

• Divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, & Speaking. 

• Uses a band scale of 1–9. Most unis require an overall band score of 6.0–7.0. That too, with no individual band below 5.5 or 6.0. 

• Over 3 million students take IELTS each year globally. This makes Australia being one of the top five destination countries. 

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 

It is a globally recognized exam that checks your academic English. It is ideal for students who are applying for English-speaking unis. The exam is an internet based consisting of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections. 

• Its total score ranges between 0-120. The most acceptable score for Australian unis is between 79-100 for admission. 

• It is accepted by all Group of Eight (Go8) unis in Australia. This includes colleges like The University of Melbourne & The University of Sydney. 

3. PTE Academic 

This one is a fully computer-based exam designed to assess English communication skills of students. It is known for fast results that is often declared within 48 hours. You can score easily between 10-90, with most of them requiring a minimum score of  58–65 for UG courses. And 65–75 for PG courses.  

• It is approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for student visa & migration purposes. 

• Over 70% of international students opt for PTE due to its quick turnaround & flexible scheduling. 

4. Duolingo English Test 

The newest entrant among accepted proficiency exams. It is designed for flexibility & affordability. You can take it online anytime with just a webcam and stable internet. Scoring ranges from 10–160, and most universities require 105–120 for admission. 

• It is accepted by over 80 Australian universities. It includes popular names like RMIT University, Deakin University, & University of Technology Sydney (UTS). 

• It costs less than half the price of other tests. And you will be provided with results in under 48 hours. It is a perfect option for students who apply at the last minute. And for those who are balancing exam prep with student accommodation planning. 

Undergraduate Entrance Exams for Australian Universities 

If you are thinking about doing bachelor’s degree in Australia, you’ll be glad to know that most unis offer flexible admission routes. There are many courses that directly accept applications based on academic scores. It is especially true for high-demand courses.  Let’s break down the most recognized UG entrance exams for Australian universities: 

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) 

The SAT is a globally recognized test. It assesses the Mathematics & Evidence-Based Reading & Writing skills of students. Each of them scored between 200-800, giving a total score range of 400–1600.  

• It is accepted by many top unis like the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University etc. 

• Competitive unis expect the score of 1250–1400+, depending on the course. 

• The digital SAT, introduced globally in 2024, offers adaptive questioning & shorter test duration.  

2. ACT (American College Testing) 

The ACT is an alternative to the SAT & is equally recognized by many Australian unis. It evaluates English, Math, Reading, & Science reasoning, with an optional Writing section. The composite score ranges from 1–36, derived from the average of four sections. 

• ACT results are widely accepted for direct undergraduate entry in business, science, & liberal arts courses. 

• A score between 27–31 is generally considered strong for leading universities. Around 1.8 million students take the ACT annually. 

3. UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) 

The UMAT is now replaced by UCAT ANZ. It stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand. It is required for medical, dentistry, & health sciences courses. It measures cognitive ability, critical thinking, & empathy. These skills are important for medical professionals. The exam is divided into multiple sections testing logical reasoning, situational judgment, & decision-making.  

• Scores are provided as a scaled result across subtests. Required by unis like University of Adelaide, University of Newcastle, etc. for UG medical & dental courses. 

• Less than 10% of applicants secure admission into medicine or health sciences courses in Australia. This makes early preparation essential. 

Postgraduate Entrance Exams for Australian Universities 

If want to do masters or an MBA in Australia, you’ll likely need to clear one or more standardized tests. These PG entrance exams are a standard to check your academic potential, analytical reasoning, & readiness. With Australia hosting over 430,000 PG international students, competition for top unis like is alot. Below are the main entrance exams for Australian unis at the PG level: 

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) 

The GRE is widely accepted for PG courses in STEM, social sciences, & humanities. It assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, & analytical writing. Each section in the exam is scored between 130–170, with an additional Analytical Writing score ranging from 0–6. 

• Universities like the University of Sydney, UNSW, & University of Queensland often require or recommend GRE scores for research-based & engineering courses. 

• A total GRE score between 310–330 typically positions you well for top-tier Australian universities. 

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) 

It is required for MBA and business-related master’s courses. The GMAT evaluates quantitative, verbal, analytical, & integrated reasoning skills. The total score ranges from 200–800.  And an average admitted MBA student in Australia must have a score between 650–700. 

• Melbourne Business School, AGSM (UNSW), and Monash Business School are among the top unis that require GMAT scores. 

• Over 250,000 students take the GMAT annually. And there are many business schools in Australia that are seeing a 15% rise in GMAT-based applications post-2023. 

Secure Your Stay: Student Accommodation in Australia 

Locking in your student accommodation early can save you a ton of stress. Seriously, nothing’s worse than landing in a new city, jet-lagged, and still hunting for a place to stay. Your living space isn’t just a bed and a desk. It affects how you study, how you socialize, and honestly, how much you enjoy the experience. A cozy, well-located student accommodation in Australia can make exam prep, lectures, and even grocery runs way easier. Following are the various types of student housing in Australia: 

• On-campus housing: Super convenient. You’re steps away from classes, libraries, and campus cafes. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people. Most first-years swear by it. 

• Off-campus flats or shared houses: Gives you independence. You can pick neighborhoods you love. Maybe you can go near Bondi Beach in Sydney or Fitzroy in Melbourne. Public transport is usually a must-check here. 

Choose a spot close to your campus or transport lines. Also think about rent, utilities, internet, and food. A little plan goes a long way. Wi-Fi, laundry, study rooms, and security aren’t optional. Some students even do mini campus tours to see apartments firsthand before committing. 

Conclusion 

Preparing for entrance exams for Australian universities doesn’t have to be stressful. From giving English proficiency tests & competitive UG exams, a strategic approach can set you up for success. 

Equally important is your living situation. Choosing the right student accommodation in Australia can make your university experience smoother. It will be more productive and enjoyable. University Living helps you find trusted, convenient student housing so you can focus on your studies and make the most of your time in Australia. 

Frequently Asked Questions