- Class 12 English marks of 70-75% from CBSE/ICSE can replace IELTS for Australian Masters admissions by proving an English-medium education background.
- ELICOS programmes at Australian universities waive IELTS through 10-20 weeks of certified English training accepted for admission and visa processing.
- TOEFL iBT score of 79-80 equals IELTS 6.0 for Australian university admissions, offering globally recognised alternatives accepted by all institutions.
Pursuing a Masters degree in Australia is an exciting opportunity, and the good news is that the IELTS test does not have to stand in your way. Many universities across Australia accept alternative English proficiency proofs that make the application process accessible and straightforward for Indian students.
In this blog, we will explore the legitimate pathways, university options, visa considerations, and practical steps to successfully apply for a Masters course in Australia without taking the IELTS exam.
Can You Pursue a Masters in Australia Without IELTS?
The short answer is yes, but understanding the complete picture is important for your success.
Many Australian universities accept alternative English proofs, such as:
- Class 12 English marks (CBSE / ICSE)
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
The 3 Legitimate IELTS-Free Pathways for Indian Masters Students
There are three legitimate and safe ways for Indian students to apply to Australia without taking the IELTS test. Understanding these pathways helps you choose the option that aligns best with your academic profile and timeline.Â
Pathway 1: Class 12 Marks + Medium of Instruction (MOI)
This is the most common way to study in Australia without IELTS. Many Level 1 universities (lower risk) accept a high score in your most recent English-medium education. MOI (Medium of Instruction) is a letter from your school confirming that all your subjects were taught in English. It strengthens your application because it shows you studied in an English-speaking academic environment, you used English for daily learning and communication, and you already meet the minimum language exposure needed for university study.
Requirements for this Pathway:
- Eligibility: Typically 70-75% in Class 12 Core English (CBSE/ICSE). Select State Boards are also accepted.
- Validity: Your Class 12 qualification must generally be within the last 2-5 years; a longer gap will likely require a fresh test score.
- Important Context: For applications from all states, especially those with high visa risk rates, the university may still strategically demand a standardised test like PTE or TOEFL for maximum visa security.
Pathway 2: PTE & TOEFL – The Safest IELTS Alternatives
These tests are fully accepted by both Australian universities and the DHA visa office, offering the smoothest route.
English Score Comparison in Australia (Minimum Visa and University Levels)
| English Level | IELTS Score | PTE Score | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational (Min. for Visa) | 5.5 | 42 | 46 |
| Competent (Standard Entry) | 6.0 | 50 | 80 |
| Proficient (High Entry) | 7.0 | 65 | 94 |
| Superior | 8.0 | 79 | 110 |
Why PTE & TOEFL Are the Safest IELTS-Free Pathways:
- Both tests are officially recognised by DHA, with no visa risks
- Universities process these results smoothly
- Scoring is transparent, consistent, and easier to plan for
- They avoid the unpredictability of IELTS speaking/writing
- Students who fear face-to-face speaking often find PTE much easier
Pathway 3: ELICOS – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (Packaged Offer)
If you are slightly below the English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.5 when the university needs 6.0), universities allow you to take an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) English programme before starting your course.
What it is: You take an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) programme for 10-20 weeks before starting your main degree.
Outcome: After successful completion of the ELICOS programme, you begin your main course without needing to retake a standardised test.
Advantage: This is an excellent route for students who do not want to retake IELTS/PTE but need to demonstrate competency for their visa.
Top Universities in Australia for Masters Without IELTS
Understanding which universities accept alternative English proofs helps you build a strategic application list. These institutions maintain high academic standards whilst offering flexibility in English requirements.Â
Group of Eight (Go8) – Top Research Universities
| University | English Requirement Alternative |
|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Accepts CBSE/ISC English scores (typically 75%+) for select programmes; MOI considered for PG in certain faculties |
| Australian National University (ANU) | May accept CBSE/ISC 75% in English for some courses; however, many programmes still require IELTS/PTE for visa compliance |
| UNSW Sydney | Accepts CBSE C1 grade or ISC 70-75% in English as evidence of English proficiency |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 70% in English (within last 5 years) |
| Monash University | Maps Indian marks to VCE; usually 70-75% |
Technology & Innovation Universities
- Swinburne University: Accepts CBSE/ICSE 65-70%
- Macquarie University: Accepts most major State Boards
- RMIT University: Accepts 70%+, but Nursing still requires IELTS
Regional Universities (Easier Entry + Lower Competition)
- Bond University: Highly flexible; MOI accepted
- University of Southern Queensland: May consider English-based work experience
Key Takeaways
Masters degrees in Australia remain accessible without IELTS through three verified pathways that Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs officially recognise. Indian students can qualify using Class 12 English marks of 70-75% from CBSE/ICSE (within 2-5 years) combined with a Medium of Instruction certificate, though high-risk visa states may still require standardised tests.Â
PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT provide the safest alternatives to IELTS, with equivalent scores (PTE 50 = IELTS 6.0) accepted by all Australian universities and immigration authorities without complications. ELICOS pathway programmes allow students scoring slightly below requirements to complete 10-20 weeks of intensive English training before beginning their Masters, eliminating the need for test retakes.Â
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- University Selection Guidance
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FAQs
Can I get an Australian student visa without IELTS for Masters?
Yes, using Class 12 English marks (70-75% from CBSE/ICSE within 2-5 years), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or ELICOS pathway as recognised alternatives.
What Class 12 English score do I need for IELTS waiver in Australia?
Typically 70-75% in CBSE/ICSE Core English, completed within the last 2-5 years with Medium of Instruction certificate.
Is PTE easier than IELTS for Australian university admission?
PTE offers computer-based testing with algorithmic scoring and no face-to-face speaking component, which many students find less stressful.
What is ELICOS and how does it replace IELTS?
ELICOS provides 10-20 weeks of intensive English training before your Masters, eliminating the need for standardised test retakes.
Can I work whilst studying for Masters courses in Australia?
Yes, international students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during official course breaks.
How long is the post-study work visa after completing Masters in Australia?
Masters coursework graduates receive 2 years, whilst Masters research graduates receive 3 years under the 485 visa (subclass 500).
Which Australian cities offer the lowest cost of living for Masters students?
Adelaide, Brisbane, and regional cities offer lower living costs (AUD 1,400-2,000 monthly) compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Can I bring my spouse on an Australian student visa for Masters?
Yes, your spouse receives dependent visa rights to work 48 hours per fortnight; unlimited if you’re studying Masters research or PhD.
Which Masters courses in Australia have the highest graduate employment rates?
Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Data Science, and Accounting show 85-95% full-time employment rates within six months of graduation.
Do I need to show proof of funds for an Australian student visa?
Yes, you must demonstrate AUD 29,710 (₹17L) annual living costs plus first-year tuition fees and return airfare for visa approval.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
