Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
UQ College Foundation Program English scores
From UQ College's Foundation Program page.
| Test | Standard Foundation | Accelerated Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5, no band below 5.0 | 6.0; writing 6.0, others 5.5 |
| PTE Academic | 49, no sub-score below 42 | 60; writing 60, others 49 |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 (S15 L12 R12 W17) | 78 (S17 L17 R17 W21) |
| Duolingo | 100 (S85 L85 R85 W80) | 110 (S95 L95 R100 W110) |
| Cambridge English Scale | 162, no sub-score below 154 | 169; writing 169, others 162 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 56 (S54 L41 R44 W45) | 63 (S62 L49 R54 W64) |
Test notes
UQ College and UQ only recognise TOEFL iBT with 1-30 section scores; TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL ITP are not recognised. Duolingo, Michigan, LanguageCert and CELPIP are accepted only by UQ College and cannot be used for direct entry to UQ.
The program overview describes the Standard requirement slightly differently from the detailed table, so confirm the band minimum with UQ College. Some school qualifications with a qualifying English grade can replace a test.
Free test: are you at UQ College's score yet?
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Progressing to UQ and how to check
To move on to a UQ degree you must also meet that program's English requirement, which ranges up to IELTS 7.5 overall (L8 S8 R7 W7) for some education programs.
Requirements vary by course and can change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your UQ College 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 UQ 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 UQ College need?+
5.5 with no band below 5.0 for the Standard Foundation Program, and 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in other bands for the Accelerated Foundation Program.
Does UQ College accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 100 overall for Standard and 110 for Accelerated, with sub-score minimums. Duolingo cannot be used for direct entry to UQ.
Does UQ College accept TOEFL Home Edition?+
No. TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL ITP are not recognised.
What PTE does UQ College need?+
PTE Academic 49 with no sub-score below 42 for Standard, and 60 with writing 60 for Accelerated.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Australia: scores by university and visa
- University of Queensland IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- Griffith College Australia IELTS requirement
- 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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