Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Who needs a test
From the Australia Awards Africa FAQ.
| English test | Countries of citizenship |
|---|---|
| Required (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic) | Algeria, Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda |
| Not required | Botswana, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
No exemptions for strong English
The FAQ says English requirements for Australian universities are set by the universities, and applicants must give official IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic scores depending on nationality. A strong English background does not exempt you if your country is on the test list. The FAQ does not state a minimum score; check your chosen university's entry page.
Free test: are you at Australia Awards in Africa's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Timing
The FAQ says all required documents must be submitted with the application and late documents are not considered, so take the test before you apply. The apply page says the 2027 intake is closed and applications for the 2028 intake open in February 2027.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Australia Awards in Africa publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kenyan and Nigerian applicants need IELTS?+
No. Kenya and Nigeria are on the list of countries not required to submit an English test.
Do Egyptian applicants need IELTS?+
Yes, or TOEFL or PTE Academic. Egypt is on the list of countries that must submit a result.
Can I send my IELTS result after applying?+
No. Late documents are not considered.
When does the next round open?+
The apply page says the 2028 intake opens in February 2027.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS and PTE for the 500 Student visa
- IELTS exam fee in Kenya
- IELTS test centres in Nigeria
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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