Exams to Study in Australia

Exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT PTE, and CAE are required to be taken by international students to study in Australia.  International students aiming for their dream universities in Australia must clear entrance exams as part of the admission criteria. These entrance exams primarily evaluate applicants' English proficiency and determine if they have knowledge related to their chosen degree.

Australia is the best choice among students due to its top-ranked universities, affordability, high standard of living, and quality education. This blog aims to provide students with information about the entrance exams to study in Australia, including the minimum scores required and registration fees in detail.

Entrance Exams to Study in Australia

Students are required to attend two types of entrance exams to get into their desired universities in Australia. One is English proficiency tests to assess their language skills, while the other assesses their knowledge in the respective field of study. The exams are classified as below.

• English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE)
• Exams for Undergraduate programs (SAT, UMAT, ACT, ISAT, LSAT)
• Exams for Postgraduate programs (GMAT, MSAT, LSAT)

International students looking to take these exams need to register and submit the necessary fees. Most exam fees can be paid through online fund transfers or debit/credit cards. There could be extra charges for late registration.

English proficiency tests required to study in Australia

Students whose native language is not English are required to undergo English language tests and submit the scores when applying for a student visa. Universities will provide information on the required English test and the minimum scores to be achieved. The Australian Immigration Department accepts various English proficiency tests which are detailed below.

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is the popular English language proficiency test accepted by Australia. Every University has different band score requirements based on their field of study.

• The IELTS exam pattern consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The duration of the exam is 2 hours 45 minutes. Individual scores are assigned to students for each section.
• Australian universities require a minimum overall band score of 6.5 in the IELTS examination.
• In India, there are over 800 examination centers for the IELTS, and the registration fee for the exam is INR 17,000. The IELTS score is acceptable for 2 years from the exam date.
• International students have the option to register for the IELTS exam either online via the official website or through offline means. When registering online, they are required to complete the online application form and make the registration fee payment through the online platform. For offline registration, they can visit the nearest IDP branch office to submit the online application form. 

2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• TOEFL is a widely recognized English proficiency examination comprising four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each section is scored out of 30, contributing to a total score of 120. The duration of the exam is approximately 2 hours.
• A minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT is required for admission to Australian universities.
• A score of 100 -110 is considered higher and students will get admission to their desired universities of their choice.
  Students can visit the official ETS TOEFL website to register for the
• TOEFL exam. A registration fee of ₹16,900 INR must be paid for the examination.

3. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)

• The PTE is a computerized exam that spans a duration of 2 hours. It includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with a total score of 90. This score remains valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.
• A minimum score of 65 and above is considered good enough while scores ranging from 74 to 84 will help students to get admission into Australian universities of their choice.
• Candidates can register for the PTE exam via the official website by creating an account. The registration fee of INR 15,900 is required to be paid for the exam.

4. The Cambridge Advanced English Test (CAE)

The CAE test also called C1 advanced is taken by students who want to apply for undergraduate programs. The University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations offers this test.

• The CAE test consists of 5 sections: Reading, Use of English, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. The test is valid for 2 years.
• The exam is either paper-based or computerized. The application form can be downloaded online and registered by visiting the authorized exam center. The registration fee in India is INR 6000.
• The CAE exam utilizes a scoring system ranging from 180 to 210, presented in the form of grades. Achieving a score between 200 and 209 corresponds to Grade A. For scores falling within the range of 193 to 199, Grade B is assigned, and for scores ranging from 180 to 192, Grade C is awarded. A minimum CAE score of 162 is required for the Australia entrance exam.

Exams required to study UG programs in Australia

International students wishing to pursue undergraduate courses in Australia after studying 12th have to clear entrance exams. The entrance exams differ based on the education stream they opt for.

Students can take SAT and ACT exams if they wish to pursue management, arts, and commerce programs. Students planning to get admission in medicine, healthcare programs, and speech and language pathology can take exams like UMAT and ISAT. LSAT is taken by students deciding to pursue law.

Let’s take a look at the above entrance exams in detail.

1. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is an entrance exam applicable to various fields of education such as management, arts, and commerce. It is a widely accepted test by Australian Universities and the test is valid for 5 years.

• SAT consists of 2 sections: Evidence-based reading, writing, and Mathematics. The essay section in the test is optional and some universities require students to take the essay part too. The duration of the exam is around 3 hours which does not include the essay section.
• The total score on the SAT is out of 1600. Australian Universities consider a score of 1200 as a good score. Some Australian universities expect a score of 1500 and are considered for admission.
• Students can register for the test online. The registration fee for Indian students is $60 (INR 4994.93), and an additional regional fee of $43 (INR 3579.70) applies. Thus, Indian students need to pay a total of $103 (INR 8574.63) as examination fees for the SAT.
• The fee varies depending on the type of SAT exam and the region where the test will be taken.

2. American College Test (ACT)

ACT is an alternative exam to the SAT and can be taken by students willing to pursue the UG program in the fields of management, arts, and commerce.

• ACT consists of 4 sections: English, Maths, Reading, Science, and an optional essay section. The test is valid for 5 years.
• ACT is a computerized test and the registration fee for the exam in India is INR 4,835.25, without writing, or INR 6,754 with optional writing.
• The minimum score of 28 is to be achieved out of 36 to get admission to universities in Australia.

3. Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission (UMAT)

UMAT is an entrance exam conducted by the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER). Students enrolled in undergraduate healthcare programs, medicine, and dentistry have to take this entrance exam to get admission to top universities.

• This test consists of 4 sections: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Understanding people, and abstract non-verbal reasoning. The duration of the exam is 3 hours.
• UMAT exam is out of 300 and a minimum raw score of 150 is required to get admission to Australian institutions.
• The registration fee for UMAT exam costs in India is INR 17,833 and the exam score is valid for only 1 year.

4. International Student Admission Test (ISAT)

Another exam for admission to Australian medical, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and healthcare programs is the ISAT.

• ISAT is a 3 hours computerized exam where they assess student’s critical and quantitative reasoning skills.
• ISAT total score ranges from 100 -200 and the universities expect students to achieve a minimum score of 150.
• The exam can be registered online by paying a registration fee of AUD 427 or INR 23382.52. The ISAT score is valid for up to 2 years.

5. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

• LSAT is an entrance exam taken by students who want to pursue law in Australia.  It has four sections: Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning in 2 sections, and Reading Comprehension.
• The exam spans 2 hours and 20 minutes, consisting of a total of 92 questions. The resulting scores remain valid for 5 years.
• The exam can be registered online by paying a fee of INR 3799. 

Exams required to study MS programs in Australia

To pursue master's programs in Australia, international students must pass specific entrance exams tailored to their chosen fields. Individuals aspiring to enroll in management and administration courses, such as MBA, typically undertake the GMAT. Those seeking a Master of Science (MS) degree in medicine commonly take the MCAT. For students aiming to pursue a master's in Law, the LSAT is a requisite examination, and clearing this test is essential for admission to law schools in Australia. 

The entrance exams taken during MS are elaborated below.

1. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• GMAT is attempted by students who want to secure admission to business school. The test is divided into 4 sections: Analytical writing assessment, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
• The GMAT is a computerized exam with a duration of 3 hours. A minimum score of 550 is required to get admission to Australian universities. Students who score above 600 have a higher advantage in getting into universities of their choice.
• The GMAT score is valid for up to 5 years. The exam can be registered online by visiting the official GMAT website and the registration fee is approx. INR 23,000 in India.

2. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

Students who want to pursue an MS in medicine can take the MCAT to get admission to medical schools in Australia.

The test consists of 4 sections:

• Biological and Biomedical Foundations of Living Systems.
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems.
• Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour.
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

The exam can be registered online and the registration fee is around INR 26,990. The exam is conducted often between January and September. The MCAT total score falls within the range of 472-528, and a score of 511 and above is considered a good MCAT score.

In conclusion, these are the entrance exams required to study in Australian universities. It is important to apply before deadlines and submit the required minimum score based on the area of study. Moreover, a minimum of two entrance exams and the obtained scores should meet the minimum requirements set by the institution.

FAQ

1. Is there any entrance exam in Australia?

Yes. Students have to take entrance exams to get admission to Australian Universities.

2. What exams should I take to study in Australia?

• Individuals must take proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, and PTE to meet English language requirements for Australian visas. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) accepts these scores.
• GMAT is required for business administration courses, while LSAT is for pursuing law in Australia.
• SAT and ACT exams are necessary for admission to management, arts, or commerce fields.
• ISAT and UMAT serve as entrance exams for undergraduates pursuing healthcare-related programs.

3. Why are English exams required to study in Australia?

English is Australia's native language, used for communication and instruction in all educational institutions. The government assesses international students' English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking to ensure they can make the most of their opportunities.

4. Is the minimum score for entrance exams standard across all universities and courses?

No. The minimum score for entrance exams differs based on the university's requirements. It is advisable to check the minimum score requirements of each university you wish to apply to and prepare for the entrance exams accordingly.

5. Do I need to take an entrance exam for a Masters in Australia?

Yes. GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT are the entrance exams taken if you want to pursue MS programs in business, medicine, and law. 

6. What is the hardest exam in Australia?

The GAMSAT, or "Graduate Medical School Admissions Test," stands as one of the most challenging academic exams in Australia and the UK.