Which Universities in Australia Accept IELTS 5.5 Band for Masters

Kasturika Samanta

3 min read

Updated On Feb 26, 2025

IELTS band score of 5.5 means you are a modest user of English and Australian universities like Charles Sturt University and a few more accept this score. Read more to know more about which universities in Australia accept IELTS 5.5 band for Masters.

Which Universities in Australia Accept IELTS 5.5 Band for Masters

Which Universities in Australia Accept IELTS 5.5 Band for Masters?
Pathways for Students with IELTS 5.5 in Australia
Things to Consider for Students with IELTS 5.5 Band

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Many international students achieve a score of 5.5 on the IELTS exam and wish to pursue a master's degree in Australia. While some might say it is impossible to get admission, there are some universities in Australia that accept IELTS 5.5 band for Masters programs.

In this blog, we will look at the list of universities in Australia accept IELTS 5.5 band for Masters, pathways for students with IELTS 5.5 and learn about considerations for prospective students.

Which Universities in Australia Accept IELTS 5.5 Band for Masters?

While many Australian universities require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for postgraduate programs, some institutions offer pathways for students with an IELTS band score of 5.5.

The table below will list the Australian universities that accept an IELTS score of 5.5 for master's programs, along with their specific band requirements and any additional conditions.

University	Overall IELTS Score	Individual Band Requirements	Additional Conditions
Charles Sturt University	6.0	5.5 in each band	May require completion of an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program prior to admission.
CQUniversity	6.0	5.5 in each band	Offers a direct entry program; students may need to undertake a pre-sessional English course.
Southern Cross University	6.0	5.5 in each band	Students might be required to complete an ELICOS program before starting the degree.
Torrens University Australia	6.0	5.5 in each band	May necessitate enrollment in an English language program to meet the proficiency standards.
University of Southern Queensland	6.0	5.5 in each band	Could require completion of a pathway program to enhance English language skills.
University of New England	6.0	5.5 in each band	Students may need to undertake additional English language courses as determined by the university.
University of Tasmania	6.0	5.5 in each band	Enrollment in a pre-degree English language program might be necessary to fulfill language requirements.
Australian Catholic University	6.0	5.5 in Reading and Listening; 6.0 in Writing and Speaking	Additional English support programs may be required based on individual assessments.
University of the Sunshine Coast	6.0	5.5 in each band	Participation in an English for Academic Purposes course may be mandated prior to commencing the master's program.

It is important to note that the information provided above gets updated often. So, you should refer to official university websites for the most up-to-date and accurate details on admission requirements and available programs.

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Pathways for Students with IELTS 5.5 in Australia

While most Australian universities require an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or 6.5 for direct entry into a master's program, students with an IELTS score of 5.5 can still pursue postgraduate education through alternative pathways. These pathways are designed to help students improve their English proficiency before starting their degree.

In the table below, we have listed the most common pathways you can consider if you have scored 5.5 in IELTS:

Pathway	Description	Duration	Universities Offering It
ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)	Intensive English course designed to improve language skills for academic studies.	5-30 weeks	University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Griffith University, RMIT University, University of Adelaide
EAP (English for Academic Purposes)	Academic English program focusing on writing, research, and presentations for university study.	10-30 weeks	Deakin University, La Trobe University, Macquarie University, University of South Australia
Pre-Master’s Program (PMP) / Bridging Course	Prepares students for master’s studies by improving academic English and subject knowledge.	6-12 months	Monash University, University of Western Australia, Swinburne University of Technology
Foundation Programs	Academic preparation for students who need extra support before joining a master’s degree.	6 months - 1 year	University of Tasmania, Edith Cowan University, Australian National University

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Things to Consider for Students with IELTS 5.5 Band

While opportunities exist for students with an IELTS score of 5.5, it's important to consider the following:

Additional Time and Costs: Enrolling in English language programs or foundation courses will extend the duration of study and incur additional expenses.
Visa Requirements: Ensure that undertaking a preliminary English course aligns with visa regulations and does not affect the duration of stay permitted under the student visa.
Academic Preparedness: Improving English proficiency not only meets admission requirements but also enhances the ability to succeed academically and engage fully with the course material.

Achieving an IELTS score of 5.5 presents challenges for direct entry into master's programs in Australia. However, with the right IELTS exam preparation tips, resources and guidance, it is possible to score even higher in IELTS for Australia. Additionally, you can research and understand the specific requirements and conditions of each university, plan accordingly, and take proactive steps to enhance your English language skills.

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