What IELTS score do you need for the Australian Institute of Higher Education (AIH)?

AIH sets its own scores for research study. The Graduate Certificate in Research needs IELTS 6.0 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL 64 (14 in all sections), PTE 50 with no skill below 50 or CAE 169 in all skills. The Master of Research (ICT) needs IELTS 6.5 (6.0), TOEFL 79 (16), PTE 58 (50) or CAE 176 in all skills.

English certificates must have been issued within 2 years before your course starts. AIH reserves the right to ask for proof of English proficiency, and an equivalent alternative test approved by AIH can also be considered.

Other ways to meet AIH's requirement include an approved English for Academic Purposes program at an ELICOS provider with a direct entry agreement, two units at AQF level 8 or higher at an Australian provider in the last 12 months, or a bachelor's degree from an Australian university or college or international equivalent for postgraduate entry.

Senior secondary or one year of full-time university in English counts only from the countries in Appendix 3 of AIH's policy, completed within five years. The list includes Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines and Singapore, but not India, Nepal or Pakistan, so confirm with AIH before relying on an Indian or Nepali degree. Duolingo, IELTS One Skill Retake and online tests are not stated by AIH.

Requirements vary by course, and AIH can change them between intakes. Always confirm the score on your course page before you book a test. Your student visa has its own English rules, set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Your offer and your visa are assessed separately. If Home Affairs asks you for English evidence, the Student visa (subclass 500) page sets these minimums for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE Academic 47 or TOEFL iBT 67. With at least 10 weeks of ELICOS (or a Foundation or eligible Pathway program) packaged with your course they drop to 5.5, 39 and 51, and with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS to 5.0, 31 and 37.

The test must be taken within the 2 years before you lodge (Regular Evidence level), or within the 2 years before a decision if you are Streamlined Evidence level and asked for evidence. Tests delivered entirely online, such as IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, are not accepted for the visa, and from 21 January 2026 TOEFL candidates must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when registering.