IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Courses
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The overall minimum IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales is 6.5, with at least 6 in each section. Since some courses might have higher language requirements, check the requirements for undergraduates and postgraduates before applying.
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Ranked at 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia’s leading universities known for its research and academic excellence. As a result, it attracts students from all over the world to apply for its undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. The overall minimum IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales is 6.5, with at least 6 in each section in IELTS Academic, and international students need to fulfill this criterion besides other requirements to join their dream university.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed look at the IELTS requirements for different undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at UNSW.
Undergraduate IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales
Undergraduate programs at UNSW are offered in various subjects and have varying IELTS requirements depending on the faculty and the specific course. While some have the overall IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales & UNSW Canberra, which is 6.5 with no less than 6 in each of the four modules, programs in law, medicine and design require a higher IELTS band score.
Below is a detailed table that lists some popular undergraduate courses as per faculty, along with their IELTS requirements and other important criteria.
Faculty |
Minimum IELTS Score Requirement |
Special Case |
Other Important Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
|
|
Business |
overall 7, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Mathematics in high school education is required |
Engineering |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Must meet mathematics prerequisites |
Law & Justice |
overall 7.0, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
|
Competitive admission; includes interview for some applicants |
Science |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Mathematics and science subjects required in high school |
Medicine & Health |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6 in each module |
The following programs require 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)
|
Aptitude test (UCAT) and interview required |
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Postgraduate IELTS Requirement for University of New South Wales
Postgraduate programs, like undergraduate courses, in the University of New South Wales have varying IELTS exam requirements. The overall IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales & UNSW CanberraIt in the postgraduate programs is 6.5 with at least 6 in each module. It highlights how UNSW ensures that international students have the language skills necessary to succeed in their academic and social life at the university.
The requirements for some popular postgraduate programs as per faculty are listed in the table below along with exceptions.
Faculty |
Minimum IELTS Score Requirement |
Special Case |
Other Important Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Arts, Design & Architecture |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
|
Portfolio submission required |
Business |
overall 7, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Work experience and a GMAT score may be required |
Engineering |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Relevant undergraduate degree in engineering |
Law & Justice |
overall 7.0, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
N.A. |
Bachelor's degree in law or related discipline |
Medicine & Health |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6 in each module |
|
Experience in a health-related field |
Science |
overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0 in each module |
|
Bachelor's degree in a related field like IT or computer science |
Learn how to prepare for IELTS for admission to University of New South Wales!
IELTS Exemptions at University of New South Wales
There are some situations in which candidates to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) may be eligible for an IELTS exemption, even though many international students must present an IELTS score as evidence of their English competence. This implies that if students fulfill specific requirements, they might not be required to submit their IELTS results. The main situations where IELTS exemptions might be given are listed below.
To make it easier for prospective students to understand whether they qualify for an IELTS exemption at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), here is a comprehensive table summarizing the exemption criteria:
Condition |
Requirements |
Evidence Required |
---|---|---|
Prior Study |
At least one year of full-time university study where English was the sole language of instruction. |
Certificate from the university confirming the language of instruction, issued on official letterhead. |
Relevant Work Experience |
Minimum of two years' work experience in an English-speaking country or an organization where English is used. |
A letter from the organization on official letterhead detailing your position, responsibilities, and the extent of English usage. |
Published Papers or Articles |
Authorship of at least two papers or articles written in English. |
Statements from co-authors confirming the work was authored by you, without assistance. |
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) |
Holding a valid NAATI accreditation as a Professional Interpreter or Translator. |
NAATI accreditation certificate. |
Qualified Doctor or Health Professional in Australia |
Registered with the Medical Board of Australia and employed in the Australian health system. |
CV, references, and proof of current registration with the Medical Board of Australia. |
UNSW Study Abroad/Exchange Program |
Successful completion of an exchange or study abroad program at UNSW within the last two years. |
Academic transcript from UNSW. |
How to Apply for an IELTS Exemption?
If one believes that they can qualify for an IELTS exemption based on any of the above criteria, they must submit supporting documentation along with the application. The process typically involves:
- Applying during Online Application: Candidates can apply for an English Waiver during the online application by providing a personal statement and supporting documentation under the English Language Requirements section.
- Submitting a Formal Request: Some faculties or departments may require a formal exemption request form. Be sure to check with the specific program.
- Providing Relevant Documents: Examples include certificates, transcripts, official letters from educational institutions or employers, and evidence of work experience.
- Submission Date: Requests for English waivers must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the relevant deadline.
- Review by the Admissions Office: The Admissions Office at UNSW will review the application and supporting documents to determine whether the exemption applies.
Important Considerations for Admission to University of New South Wales
Besides knowing the IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales, it is crucial for IELTS aspirants to learn about the other important considerations for admission. Check out these factors below.
- Important Conditions: UNSW accepts a number of English language qualifications to meet their English language requirements including IELTS. However, candidates have to complete the test no more than two years before the intended start date, the English test must be dated on or after the 1st of January (two years prior) for Term 1 commencement, 1st of May for Term 2 commencement or the 1st of August (two years prior) for Term 3 commencement. Additionally, they need to achieve the minimum scores for the desired program.
- Program-Specific Exemptions: Certain programs may have stricter requirements regarding IELTS exemptions. Always refer to the specific course or faculty page on the UNSW website to understand if the exemption applies to the chosen field of study.
- Timely Submission: Ensure that all exemption-related documentation is submitted well in advance of the application deadline to avoid any delays in processing the admission.
- IELTS One Retake Skill: One Skill Retake is accepted by the University of New South Wales. In order to qualify, candidates need to book their IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of their original test date, and they can take only one retake per full IELTS test.
- Other Ways to Fulfill Language Requirement: UNSW also accepts some other English tests or conditions apart from IELTS. The table below summarizes these exemption criteria.
Exemption Criteria |
Details |
Supporting Documentation Required |
---|---|---|
Completion of Education in an English-Speaking Country |
Completion of high school or tertiary education in countries like Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, etc. |
School transcripts or degree certificate confirming the country of study |
Completion of Previous Studies in English |
Entire degree completed in English, even if in a non-English-speaking country (e.g., India, Singapore, Malaysia) |
Letter from the institution confirming English was the medium of instruction |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
Completion of IB Diploma with English as the language of instruction |
IB Diploma certificate |
Cambridge International A-Levels |
Achieving a high grade in English-based A-level subjects |
Cambridge A-Level results or certificate |
Advanced Placement (AP) English |
High score in AP English Language or AP English Literature |
AP score report or certificate |
Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Environment |
Substantial work experience in an English-speaking environment for several years |
Employer letter confirming the use of English as the primary communication language |
Recognition of Other English Language Tests |
Test scores from TOEFL iBT, PTE exam, or Cambridge English that meet UNSW’s requirements |
Official test score report |
Ensuring that candidates meet the IELTS requirement for University of New South Wales is a crucial step toward securing admission to this reputable institution. The university places a strong emphasis on language proficiency to help international students excel in their academic journey. Adequate preparation will not only help candidates to meet the necessary standards, but also equip them with the skills to thrive in their studies at UNSW.
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