UWA minimum and higher standard scores
From the UWA English language requirements page, for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. Courses with an accreditation requirement set their own scores in the course rules.
| Test | Minimum standard | Higher standard |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (incl. UKVI, One Skill Retake) | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 7.0, no band below 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 64, no band below 60 | 70, no band below 64 |
| TOEFL iBT (0–120) | 82 (speaking and writing 20, listening and reading 17) | 92 (speaking and writing 23, listening and reading 20) |
| TOEFL iBT (1–6) | 4.5 (writing 4, others 3.5) | 5 (listening and writing 4.5, speaking and reading 4) |
| Duolingo | 125 (speaking 115, writing 125, reading 115, listening 110) | Not listed |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 170 (speaking and writing 175, listening and reading 165) | 180 (speaking and writing 185, listening and reading 170) |
| LanguageCert Academic | 67 (speaking 70, listening 57, reading 60, writing 64) | 73 (speaking 76, listening 62, reading 65, writing 71) |
Which courses need the higher standard?
UWA names the higher-standard courses in its bridging course rules. Examples include the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Bachelor of Modern Languages, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws and Master of Education. Courses with accreditation requirements, such as the Doctor of Medicine, Master of Teaching and Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), need an external test like IELTS or OET at the level in their course rules.
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For higher degrees by research, the standard is IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each section, PTE 64 with 60 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 82. One Skill Retake and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted for research. Some schools ask for more: Law needs IELTS 7.0 in every band, and Education needs 7.0 with 6.5 in reading and writing.
For coursework, tests meet the requirement for two years from the test date. UWA does not say whether IELTS Online, PTE Academic Online or TOEFL Home Edition are accepted for coursework.
If you miss the score, the UWA Centre for English Language Teaching runs an Academic English and Study Skills Bridging Course. You need 70% with no band below 60% for the minimum standard, or 75% with 70% in each band for the higher standard.
Requirements vary by course, and UWA 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 UWA accept Duolingo?+
Yes, for the minimum standard: 125 overall with at least 115 in speaking, 125 in writing, 115 in reading and 110 in listening.
Does UWA accept PTE?+
Yes. The minimum standard is PTE Academic 64 with no band below 60; the higher standard is 70 with no band below 64.
Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted at UWA?+
Yes for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. It is not accepted for higher degrees by research.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at UWA?+
6.5 with no band below 6.0 for most coursework masters. Higher-standard courses such as the MBA and Master of Laws need 7.0 with no band below 6.5.
Does UWA accept the new TOEFL 1–6 scale?+
Yes. The minimum standard is 4.5 overall with 4 in writing and 3.5 in listening, speaking and reading.
How long is IELTS valid for UWA?+
Two years from the test date.
Keep reading
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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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