What IELTS score do you need for Victoria University?

VU's guide lists higher IELTS scores for some courses. The Bachelor of Nursing needs 7.0 overall with 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing. The Bachelor of Education (P-12) and the Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) need 7.0 with 7.5 in listening and speaking and 6.5 in reading and writing. The Master of Education needs 7.0 (listening and speaking 7.0, reading and writing 6.5).

The Bachelor of Social Work and the Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation need 7.0 in every band, the Bachelor of Biomedicine 7.0 with no band below 6.5, and the Bachelor of Laws, Psychological Studies (Honours) and Early Childhood Education degrees 6.5 with no band below 6.0.

VU recognises IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (reported on the 0–120 scale), PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced (169 for bachelor's, 176 for postgraduate). It says it may accept tests not on that list in some cases, but does not name Duolingo, IELTS Online or PTE Academic Online.

You must take the test no more than two years before your course starts. VU's English Language Admission Requirements Procedure adds that this validity may be extended by up to four months to cover the gap between offer and start, and that multiple tests cannot be combined except through IELTS One Skill Retake. VU English's English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5B for bachelor's, EAP 6B for postgraduate) is another way in.

Requirements vary by course, and Victoria University 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.