What IELTS score do you need for Charles Darwin University?

CDU says some courses require higher English or only accept specific tests. The Bachelor of Nursing international entry is IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing, PTE Academic 63 (listening 58, reading 59, speaking 76, writing 60) or TOEFL iBT 91. Results from two sittings within 12 months can be combined under set conditions, and for this course tests are valid for 12 months from the test date to the start of the course.

Until 14 August 2027, CDU accepts the Duolingo English Test for domestic applicants, onshore international applicants and international applicants from Level 1 countries under the Department of Home Affairs' Simplified Student Visa Framework. Cambridge C1 Advanced is also accepted (169 with no skill below 169 at the undergraduate level).

CDU accepts IELTS One Skill Retake taken within 60 days of the first test; validity runs from the first test date. Results from two sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL within six months can be combined if both are the same test, both meet the overall minimum and each section minimum is met in at least one. Tests are valid for two years from the test date to the start of study. CDU's pages do not say whether IELTS Online or PTE Academic Online are accepted.

CDU ELICOS English for Academic Purposes (EAP 3 for undergraduate, EAP 4 for postgraduate) and the CDU International College pathways are other routes in.

Requirements vary by course, and CDU 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.