As an international student, your priority is to pursue quality education. However, at the same time, you want to keep the cost as low as possible. If Australia is your preferred study destination and you have no IELTS, then I will be showing you the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS.
Australian universities are home to many courses across various fields, but the cost of studying in Australia can be higher for international students compared to locals. Typically, universities require proficiency in English, often demonstrated through tests such as the IELTS or similar assessments. However, some Australian universities do accept other forms of English proficiency tests in place of IELTS. So, let’s explore the most budget-friendly university in Australia for international students who haven’t taken the IELTS:
Cheapest University in Australia for International Students Without IELTS
Many students find English language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL challenging, especially if you don’t have a strong English foundation where you come from. So, what if you could study in Australia without these tests? Let’s look at the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS.
1. Central Queensland University
In Queensland, Central Queensland University offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields such as business, education, engineering, health, humanities, and sciences.
If you haven’t taken the IELTS, you can enroll in an English language course at CQU’s English Language Centre. Interestingly, if you bundle an English course with an academic course, you can study the English course for free.
2. University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales stands as the third-best university in Australia and is ranked 45th in the world. You can gain admission to UNSW without IELTS in these ways:
- If you have conditional acceptance to UNSW, you can enroll and complete their Pre-Seasonal English Language Program.
- Additionally, UNSW considers other English proficiency tests like PTE or Cambridge English: Advanced, as alternatives to IELTS or TOEFL for admission purposes.
3. Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University is also the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS. This school is located in the Northern Territory of Australia and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines like business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, and nursing. As the most affordable university for international students without the IELTS, Charles Darwin University accepts alternative English proficiency tests, such as:
- PTE
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency
However, it’s important to note that some specific courses at Charles Darwin University still require the IELTS.
4. Macquarie University
When talking about some top-ranked universities in Australia, Macquarie University ranks within the top 10 locally and the top 250 universities globally. This university will give you admission without IELTS if you meet certain criteria, like higher academic grades. Instead of IELTS, you can submit scores from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or PTE Academic Online.
If you meet all admission requirements except English Language Proficiency, Macquarie University allows you to take an English preparation course at their English Language Centre.
5. University of New England
Situated in New South Wales, the University of New England offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, health, humanities, law, and sciences. It ranks as one of the most budget-friendly universities in Australia for international students without IELTS. Here, you can provide a TOEFL or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) score, with a minimum overall score of 57 and no individual skill score below 50.
6. Federation University
Federation University is based in Victoria, Australia. The school offers undergraduate and graduate courses in fields like business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and sciences. For international students without IELTS, eligibility is still possible if you meet the criteria for:
- Cambridge-CAE
- Pearson (PTE)
- TOEFL iBT.
7. University of Southern Queensland
Still in Queensland, Australia, you’ll find the University of Southern Queensland, which provides many undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas like business, engineering, health, humanities, and sciences.
It’s easily the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS. Instead of IELTS, they accept Pearson (PTE Academic), both electronic and computer-based TOEFL, as well as paper-based TOEFL. You can check out the specific score requirements on their website.
8. University of the Sunshine Coast
If you are considering Queensland as your study location in Australia, the University of the Sunshine Coast is another go-to university without IElTS here. You will be able to study a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, covering areas like business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and sciences.
For English language proficiency, the university recognizes tests like:
- Pearson Test of English
- TOEFL: Paper-based
- TOEFL iBT
There are additional tests accepted, which international students should review on the university’s website to confirm their eligibility, especially those seeking affordable education options in Australia without IELTS.
9. Southern Cross University
Located in New South Wales, Australia, Southern Cross University offers undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields such as business, education, health, humanities, law, and sciences.
English proficiency can be proven through tests like TOEFL iBT, CAE, CPE, CEFR, and ISPLR. These acronyms stand for:
- CPE: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
- TOEFL iBT: Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-based test
- PTE: Pearson Test of English
- ISPLR: International Second Language Proficiency Rating
- CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
10. Bond University
Bond University ranks among the top 500 universities worldwide, specifically at 443rd, Bond University offers a unique pathway. You can complete their English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 3 course at Bond University College before your program starts, which makes you eligible for admission.
For those searching for an affordable university in Australia for international students without IELTS, Bond University accepts the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English Academic
- C1 Advanced language requirements
11. Edith Cowan University
Western Australia is a unique location for international students who prioritize the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS. Here, we have the school Edith Cowan University. This school provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields including business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, and nursing.
The university accepts various English proficiency tests such as:
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Prior Study of English course
- TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
- WAUFP, among others.
For more information, make sure you visit the Edith Cowan website. Here, you will navigate to “An international” under the section “I want to be” for additional tests recognized by Edith Cowan University in Australia.
12. Victoria University
Victoria University is listed among the universities on the IELTS Study in Australia list. It accepts several other English proficiency certificates, such as:
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
- Cambridge English – First Certificate in English (FCE)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Note that most universities with English Language Courses on campus have varying fees for these courses. These costs are not included in your tuition, application, or academic fees and vary independently. This information is helpful if you’re looking to study in Australia without taking the IELTS. The Australian Government and many Australian universities recognize the PTE (Pearson Test of English) as valid proof of English proficiency.
13. University of Tasmania
You can also study in the Australian state of Tasmania at the University of Tasmania, where you can get the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS. This school has a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in disciplines such as business, education, health sciences, humanities, law, and sciences.
Accepted English proficiency tests include:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL (iBT)
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)
- Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- Cambridge BEC (Business English Certificate), among others.
Further details on accepted qualifications can be found on the university’s website.
14. University of South Australia
The University of South Australia is known for being one of the more affordable options for international students without IELTS. This university is ranked 264th globally. The university has flexible English language requirements, and you can gain admission without IELTS if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Achieve a score of 169 in the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency (CPE).
- Complete at least one year of college or university education in Australia.
- Spend one year in secondary school or college in a country selected by the University.
15. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology ranked as the 387th best university in the world, offers admission if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Complete your secondary and/or post-secondary education in an institution where English was the medium of instruction and assessment. You’ll need to provide a letter confirming this.
- If you are from Denmark, Hong Kong, Germany, Norway, Sweden, or the Netherlands, you are exempt from providing English proficiency proof.
- Complete the English for Academic Purposes course at Swinburne University of Technology and perform well, allowing direct entry into their program.
16. University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is highly regarded in Australia and globally, holding the 114th rank in the world. There are ways to apply to this university without IELTS or TOEFL:
- First, obtain conditional acceptance from the University of Adelaide and then complete their English Pathway Program.
- Alternatively, if your most recent degree was taught and assessed entirely in English, you can apply without IELTS or TOEFL.
- You’ll need to provide a letter from your institution confirming that your degree was conducted in English, both in instruction and assessment.
Alternative Ways to Study Without IELTS as an International Student in Australia
If you are an international student who doesn’t meet the English language requirements for your chosen course in Australia, there are other alternative pathways you can consider.
1. Study a Pathway Program
Enrolling in a pathway program is another option. These programs are designed to prepare you for university-level study and simultaneously enhance your English language abilities.
Universities often offer pathway programs specifically for international students. These programs focus on improving both language skills and academic knowledge before you start your degree.
2. Study an English Language Course
You can join an English language course at a language school or university in Australia to enhance your language skills. Many universities provide English language courses specifically for international students who don’t meet the language requirements for their desired course of study.
3. Apply for a Waiver
In some cases, Australian universities might waive the English language requirement. This can apply to international students who have completed their previous education in English or those who have previously studied in Australia.
What You Need to Apply for Australian Student Visa Without an IELTS Score
To apply for an Australian student visa online, you need to submit several documents:
- Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) form
- A CV
- Academic transcripts
- Receipt for overseas health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds
- A valid passport
- Two photographs
Conclusion
So, in this list, we have looked at the cheapest university in Australia for international students without IELTS. Note that there is no order in the arrangement. It’s now left for you to research each school to know whether they are worth it for you to apply to study in Australia.
Read also: Free Scholarship to Study Abroad for Undergraduate