Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SAE English scores and equivalents
The course-level scores come from the Bachelor of Computer Science and Master of Information Technology pages. SAE's international entry requirements page gives these equivalent scores for each IELTS level.
| IELTS Academic | PTE Academic (sub-scores) | Cambridge (CAE) | TOEFL iBT | LanguageCert Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 46 (L43 R48 S42 W51) | 162 | 51-66 | 54-60 |
| 6.0 | 52 (L48 R54 S46 W62) | 169 | 67-80 | 61-66 |
| 6.5 | 59 (L57 R61 S54 W74) | 176 | 81-90 | 67-72 |
| 7.0 | 66 (L66 R68 S65 W82) | 185 | 91-99 | 73-80 |
Test rules and other routes
SAE requires tests completed within the past two years, will not combine results from multiple tests, and does not recognise IELTS Academic tests completed online. CLB and the Michigan English Test are also mapped on the page. Duolingo is not listed.
Instead of a test, you can show Year 12 English at an Australian school or equivalent with a satisfactory result, or complete an Academic English program with an SAE-approved Australian English partner.
Free test: are you at SAE University College'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.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Academic entry and how to check
Undergraduate entry typically needs an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent, or a Certificate IV or higher. Postgraduate entry typically needs a bachelor's degree; the Master of IT also allows experience-based entry with at least three years of relevant industry experience.
Requirements vary by course and can change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your SAE course page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test. Your student visa is assessed separately, under the Department of Home Affairs Student visa (subclass 500) rules.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where SAE University College 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
What IELTS does SAE need for a bachelor's degree?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, as listed for the Bachelor of Computer Science.
What IELTS does SAE need for a master's?+
6.5 with no band below 6.0 for the Master of Information Technology.
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.0 at SAE?+
PTE Academic 52 with listening 48, reading 54, speaking 46 and writing 62.
Does SAE accept IELTS Online?+
No. SAE does not recognise IELTS Academic tests completed online.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Australia: scores by university and visa
- JMC Academy IELTS requirement
- AIE IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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