Which English tests does Melbourne accept?
The English language requirements page lists IELTS, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test. Duolingo is not on the list.
Every course is assigned an English level or a specific test score, shown on its course page. Some courses set scores outside the levels because of professional accreditation. The university notes that graduate programs in particular can have higher standards.
For TOEFL iBT, the score report must show the overall and section scores on the 0–120 scale, and you should select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when you register.
Melbourne English levels: IELTS, PTE and TOEFL scores
Overall score first, then the minimum for each skill (W = writing, S = speaking, R = reading, L = listening). The same table on the Melbourne page also gives Cambridge C1 Advanced, LanguageCert Academic and Michigan English Test scores. It does not list example courses for each level; the course page tells you which level applies.
| Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 6.5 (6.0 in each) | 64 (60 in each) | 81 (W 19, S 19, R 16, L 16) |
| Level 1a | 6.5 (W 6.5, others 6.0) | 64 (W 65, others 60) | 81 (W 23, S 19, R 16, L 16) |
| Level 1b | 6.5 (6.5 in each) | 64 (W 65, S 66, R 64, L 64) | 81 (W 23, S 22, R 19, L 19) |
| Level 2 | 7.0 (6.5 in each) | 72 (W 65, S 66, R 64, L 64) | 91 (W 23, S 22, R 19, L 19) |
| Level 2a | 7.0 (W 7.0, others 6.5) | 72 (W 75, S 66, R 64, L 64) | 91 (W 26, S 22, R 19, L 19) |
| Level 2b | 7.0 (7.0 in each) | 72 (W 75, S 76, R 72, L 72) | 91 (W 26, S 24, R 22, L 22) |
| Level 3 | 7.5 (7.0 in each) | 78 (W 75, S 76, R 72, L 72) | 100 (W 26, S 24, R 22, L 22) |
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Approved tests must be completed in one sitting, from a single test report, at a test centre, within 24 months of when you plan to start. Melbourne does not accept online or at-home versions of any approved test. It also only accepts tests taken in your country of citizenship, last education, or current residence or employment, with a bordering-country exception where a test is not offered.
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted. You must have completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible centre and take the retake within 60 days of the original test date. If you defer your start, the university reviews your English evidence again because it may expire before the new date.
If your score is close, Hawthorn-Melbourne runs the University of Melbourne English Language Bridging Program (UMELBP) for undergraduate and graduate coursework. A packaged offer needs IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) for the 20-week course or IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) for the 10-week course.
Requirements vary by course, and the University of Melbourne 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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Melbourne accept PTE?+
Yes. Level 1 is PTE Academic 64 overall with at least 60 in writing, speaking, reading and listening. Level 3 is 78 overall.
Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted at Melbourne?+
Yes, provided you completed a full IELTS on computer test at an eligible centre and took the retake within 60 days of the original test.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Melbourne?+
It depends on the course's English level, from Level 1 (IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each skill) to Level 3 (7.5 with 7.0 in each). Graduate programs often sit above Level 1, so check the course page.
Does Melbourne accept IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition?+
No. The university does not accept online or at-home versions of any approved test.
Does the University of Melbourne accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Melbourne's list of accepted English tests.
How long is IELTS valid for the University of Melbourne?+
The test must be completed within 24 months of when you plan to start studying.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Australia: scores by university and visa
- PTE to IELTS converter
- IELTS for the Student visa 500
- Monash University IELTS requirement
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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