As is widely known, studying in Australia allows you to apply without providing English test scores upfront. That is, you do not need to submit IELTS/PTE scores when applying. Once you receive a conditional offer, it will specify the English score required. You then submit a qualifying English score, to convert it into an unconditional offer.

(Note: the Australian National University is an exception — it is the only Australian university that requires a qualifying English score before processing your application.)

If your English scores still fall short of the requirements in your conditional offer, there is no need to worry. You can also apply for a packaged English language course. Depending on your scores, the language course may run for 5, 10, 15, or 20 weeks. Each university has different application requirements and course durations. Generally speaking, the closer your English score is to the target, the shorter the language course..

Here is the challenge: for students in China who are not living and studying in an English-speaking environment — especially those juggling work alongside exam preparation — the pressure can be immense. Moreover, IELTS/PTE exam fees increase every year, booking a seat is competitive, and the format of each test varies, requiring students to invest extra time and effort to prepare.

Today, we introduce Australian universities where you can gain admission without IELTS/PTE scores!

Some require no English exam at all — direct enrolment in a language course

Some universities offer internal English proficiency tests, allowing students to complete the English assessment efficiently and quickly secure a full offer.

Internal English Tests

First of all, internal English tests are not standardised. They are independently designed by each Australian institution. Some institutions offer online testing, while students can also sit the test at authorised partner offices in China.

If your test results meet the requirements, you can skip the English language course and proceed directly to your main programme.

If a student already has an IELTS score but sits the internal test, the internal test result will take precedence.Universities base their decision on the most recent test result — they choose the latest, not the best.

Overall, internal tests are scheduled quickly and results are issued promptly, which largely resolves the difficulty of students not being able to book IELTS in time.

Next, let us look at which universities offer IELTS/PTE exemptions.

Universities Offering Internal Tests

Group of Eight

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

UNSW Global offers an English language test that allows direct entry into UNSW undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. The test covers speaking, writing, reading, grammar, and listening, and can be taken online from anywhere in the world. It meets UNSW admission requirements and satisfies the visa requirements for studying in Australia.

The test is divided into two parts, similar in format to other English proficiency exams used for Australian university admission. Students have 3 hours to complete the test.The first part covers listening, grammar, and reading; the second part is a short speaking test.

If your test results do not meet the requirements for your main programme, you can improve your English through UNSW College’s University English Entry Course (UEEC) and subsequently progress directly to your degree.

Monash University

Monash University uses the Duolingo online testing platform, allowing students to complete the test online anytime, anywhere, . The exam takes approximately 1 hour, with results issued in around 2 days.

However, please note that Monash will recommend the number of language course weeks based on the internal test results. Except for foundation programmes, results can only be used for language courseplacement (not direct-entry classes). This means that while you can apply for a packaged language course and main programme offer, you will still need to provide a qualifying English score before progressing to your main programme.

Universities Offering Internal

Language Tests

RMIT

RMIT University’s internal test is the QPT (Quick Placement Test). The test consists of two parts: the first is 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 30 minutes; the second is a writing component, requiring 30-40 minutes to complete.The final test results are assessed by the university, with results issued within 2-3 business days. The results can be used directly for university applications or language course placement.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS’s internal English test is designed for students who have received a UTS offer but have not yet met the English language requirements. The test is officially certified by the university, offers flexible scheduling and can be taken at any time. Passing the test demonstrates that the student has met the English requirements set by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

The test covers four areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The listening section lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes multiple short passages with related questions. The reading section runs about 40 minutes and contains three to five articles with questions. The speaking section is 30 minutes, requiring discussion of two topics, each lasting 3–5 minutes. The writing section is approximately 45 minutes, requiring a short essay on the topic of “University of Technology Sydney”.

The overall difficulty is moderate, comparable to IELTS. The pass rate is approximately 60%.

Other non-Group of Eight universities that offer internal testing opportunities include:

University of Tasmania, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, University of Newcastle, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, and Griffith University.

No English Scores and No Internal Test

Full Exemption

Which university requires no English scores, no internal test — a complete exemption from all English exams?

University of Wollongong (UOW)

The University of Wollongong has launched a brand-new English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programme. The EAP programme is a 24-week language course. Upon completion, there is no need to sit IELTS/TOEFL. It can be packaged with undergraduate/diploma/foundation programmes, as well as postgraduate/pre-masters courses.(International students frequently receive a 20% scholarship with their main course offer)

Students without English scores can apply directly for the 24-week language course, with new intakes every 6 weeks, running year-round. Campus options include the Wollongong campus, Sydney CBD campus, and Liverpool campus.
Programmes available for direct progression: standard programmes such as Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Management, and more.

Note: Teaching/Social Work/Nursing — programmes with high English requirements — cannot progress directly through this language pathway. Students must still meet the relevant PTE/IELTS English requirements.

Additional Reminders

Internal tests typically offer only one attempt — multiple sittings to improve scores are not accepted. If the internal test result does not meet the university’s requirements, you will need to sit the standard IELTS/PTE exams.

Moreover, this is an English exemption provided by the university for packaged language course + main programme enrolment. It does not mean the Department of Home Affairs waives English requirements, . As visa officers have recently been conducting random checks on students’ English proficiency, if you are asked to provide IELTS/PTE scores during your visa application, you will still need to sit the exam. Please keep this in mind!

To apply for a university’s internal English test, the prerequisite is that you have already received a conditional offer (con-offer) for the main programme from that university. The outstanding condition is the English score. Therefore, if you want to bypass IELTS/PTE and apply for Australian study through internal testing, start by selecting your university and programme, submit your application, and arrange the language test afterwards.

For personalised study abroad planning, contact our senior consultant Vera.

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