If you are preparing to apply for the upcoming intake of the Australia Awards Scholarships, meeting the English language requirement is one of the most critical eligibility conditions. Many otherwise strong applications are rejected each year due to incorrect test selection, expired results, or scores below the required minimum.
This guide explains which English language tests are accepted, the minimum score requirements, validity rules, exemptions, and common mistakes—written in simple terms for international applicants.
Why English Language Tests Are Mandatory for Australia Awards Scholarships?
Australia Awards Scholarships 2026-2027 cohort are fully funded and taught entirely in English at Australian universities. To ensure academic success, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for:
- University coursework and research
- Academic writing and presentations
- Professional and cross-cultural communication
Your English test result is used for both scholarship assessment and university admission, making it a non-negotiable requirement.
3 Accepted English Language Tests for Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships officially accept only the following English language tests:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
- PTE Academic
Other tests, including IELTS General Training, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL Home Edition, or Cambridge English, are not accepted for scholarship eligibility.
Minimum English Language Score Requirements
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarships, applicants must meet at least one of the following English language test score requirements:
| English Language Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Section / Skill Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 | No individual band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 84 | Minimum 21 in each section |
| PTE Academic | Overall 58 | No communicative skill score below 50 |
These scores represent the minimum eligibility criteria for the scholarship. Applicants should note that some Australian universities or specific degree programs may require higher English language scores for admission.
English Test Validity Rules for Australian Scholarships
Your English language test result must be:
- Valid on 1 January of the year your study begins
- Usually not older than two years on that date
For example, applicants commencing study in 2026 must ensure their test result is valid on 1 January 2026. Expired results are not accepted under any circumstances.
Can Applicants Apply with Lower English Scores?
In certain cases, country-specific Australia Awards programs may allow applicants to apply with slightly lower English scores at the initial stage. This is typically linked to:
- Eligibility for Pre-Course English (PCE) training (Ref)
- Priority development sectors
- Equity or inclusion considerations
However, applicants must still meet the required English level before starting academic study, and university admission requirements remain unchanged.
Always consult your country-specific Australia Awards profile (Ref) before relying on this option.
English Language Test Exemptions
Applicants to the Australia Awards Scholarships may be exempt from submitting an English language test result only in very limited circumstances. An exemption is considered only if English is the applicant’s first language, all previous education was completed entirely in English, and official academic transcripts clearly state English as the language of instruction.
All three conditions must be met for an exemption to be considered. It is important to note that English test exemptions are assessed strictly on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility for an exemption are strongly advised to submit a valid IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic score to avoid the risk of application ineligibility.
Final Summary
Meeting the Australia Awards Scholarships English language requirement is essential for eligibility. Applicants must submit a valid IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic result that meets the minimum score criteria and validity rules.
Preparing early and understanding these requirements significantly improves your chances of selection.