Complete Roadmap to Study in Australia: Exams, Scores, Visa Requirements (2026 Edition)
Studying in Australia has become a dream for millions of international students because of its world-class universities, post-study work opportunities, safe environment, and multicultural exposure. Every year, more than 700,000 international students choose Australia — and the number continues to grow.
Why Are Exams Required to Study in Australia?
Before applying for admission to an Australian university in 2026 or beyond, understanding the mandatory and optional exams for eligibility is extremely important. These exams help institutions assess your language skills, academic preparation, reasoning abilities, and professional understanding based on the program you choose.
This Ultimate 2026 Guide will help you understand:
- Which exams are required to study in Australia
- Which test is the best for you? (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo)
- Minimum scores for top universities
- Exams for undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and medical programs
- Alternative options — Can I study in Australia without IELTS or Entrance Exams?
- Step-by-step timeline for exam preparation
Australian institutions want to ensure that international students:
- ✔Can communicate confidently in English
- ✔Understand professional terminology in their domain
- ✔Handle the coursework and live independently
- ✔Have the technical knowledge for advanced degrees
These exams are generally divided into two major categories:
| Category | Type of Exams |
|---|---|
| English Language Tests | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, OET |
| Academic & Competitive Exams | GRE, GMAT, UCAT, GAMSAT, LSAT |
2026 Updated List of Exams Required to Study in Australia
| Exam Name | Required For | Compulsory? |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, Diploma, PR Pathway | Yes (or alternative test) |
| PTE | All programs including VET | Accepted |
| TOEFL iBT | UG, PG, Research | Accepted |
| Duolingo | Many universities | Partially accepted |
| OET | Healthcare programs | Required |
| GRE | STEM & research masters | Optional |
| GMAT | MBA & Business masters | Common requirement |
| GAMSAT | Medical programs (Graduate) | Required |
| UCAT | Undergraduate medicine | Required |
| LSAT | Law programs | Required in some universities |
1️⃣ English Language Exams Required to Study in Australia
English language proficiency is mandatory for all international students.
📌 English Test Comparison Table (2026 Updated)
| Exam | Test Type | Score Validity | Accepted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Paper / Computer | 2 years | Universities + Immigration |
| PTE Academic | Computer | 2 years | Universities + Immigration |
| TOEFL | Computer | 2 years | Universities |
| Duolingo | Online at Home | 2 years | Some universities |
| OET | Paper / Computer | 2 years | Healthcare councils |
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Why take it? Most widely accepted test for admissions and visa processing.
Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Band Scale: 0–9
Minimum IELTS Score Requirement
| Program | Minimum Band |
|---|---|
| Diploma & Vocational | 5.5 |
| Bachelor’s | 6.0 |
| Master’s | 6.5 |
| Healthcare Programs | 7.0+ |
PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English
Growing rapidly in popularity because it is computer-based and gives faster results.
- Advantages: Combination of AI and Human evaluation
- Result in 2–3 days
- Accepted by Australian immigration
Minimum Score Requirement (PTE)
| Course | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 50–58 |
| Master’s | 58–65 |
| Medicine/Nursing | 65–79 |
TOEFL iBT
Trusted worldwide; accepted by many universities. Ideal for students comfortable with U.S.-accent listening and academic-style writing.
Minimum Score: 70–100 depending on institution.
Duolingo English Test
The fastest, lowest-cost test — can be taken from home. Some universities accept admission with Duolingo but may require IELTS/PTE for visa later.
Minimum Score Range: 90–120
OET (Occupational English Test) – For Healthcare Professionals
Mandatory or highly recommended for healthcare fields including Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Pharmacy. Focuses on medical-context language, not general English.
2️⃣ Academic & Competitive Exams for Australia
GRE – Graduate Record Examination
Required for: Master’s and PhD in Engineering, Science, IT, and Research-based programs.
Who should take the GRE? Students applying to competitive universities or research programs.
Scoring: Verbal: 130–170 | Quantitative: 130–170 | Analytical Writing: 0–6
GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test
Required for: MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics. Ideal Score: 600+ (Top universities prefer 650–700).
UCAT – University Clinical Aptitude Test
For Undergraduate Medicine / Dentistry. Tests problem-solving, logical reasoning, abstract thinking and situational judgment. Taken by students immediately after high school.
GAMSAT – Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
For postgraduate medicine & healthcare. Difficulty: High. Tests writing, humanities, and biological sciences.
LSAT – Law School Admission Test
Required for LLB and JD programs in some universities. Tests analytical reasoning, logical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Exams Required to Study in Australia Based on Course Type
| Level | English Test | Other Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma / VET | IELTS / PTE | None |
| Bachelor’s | IELTS / PTE | UCAT (Medicine), LSAT (Law) |
| Master’s | IELTS / PTE | GRE/GMAT (Optional but recommended) |
| MBA | IELTS / PTE | GMAT |
| Medicine UG | IELTS + UCAT | Required |
| Medicine PG | IELTS + GAMSAT | Required |
| Nursing | IELTS/OET | Sometimes interview |
Can You Study in Australia Without IELTS in 2026?
Yes — You may be exempt from IELTS if:
- ✔ You studied in an English-medium school
- ✔ You completed previous education in UK/US/Canada/NZ
- ✔ The university offers internal English placement tests
- ✔ You choose PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo as alternatives
Important: For VISA, English proof may still be required even if the university grants an exemption.
Which Exam Should You Choose? (Fastest Decision Guide)
| Situation | Best Test |
|---|---|
| Need fast results | PTE |
| Want easy speaking module | PTE |
| Prefer face-to-face speaking | IELTS |
| Applying for MBA | GMAT |
| Applying for Medicine PG | GAMSAT |
| Nursing / Healthcare | OET |
| Study from home | Duolingo |
| Research & STEM | GRE |
Exam Fees (Approximate in INR)
| Exam | Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 18,000 INR |
| PTE | 18,000 INR |
| TOEFL | 17,000–18,000 INR |
| Duolingo | 5,500–6,000 INR |
| OET | 32,000–35,000 INR |
| GRE | 22,000 INR |
| GMAT | 23,000–24,000 INR |
| UCAT | 12,000–20,000 INR |
| GAMSAT | 31,000–37,000 INR |
| LSAT | 3,999–7,999 INR |
How Early Should You Start Preparing? (Timeline Guide)
| Stage | Time Required |
|---|---|
| English Test Prep | 1–3 months |
| GRE/GMAT | 3–6 months |
| Medicine Entrance | 6–12 months |
| Visa Filing | 1–2 months |
| Total Planning | 12–18 months |
For 2026 Intake: Begin your tests by mid-2025.
Expert Tips to Score Higher in Exams
- 🔹 Take weekly mock tests
- 🔹 Practice writing — most students lose marks here
- 🔹 Improve English consumption (movies, news, articles)
- 🔹 Read scientific & business journals if preparing for GRE/GMAT
- 🔹 Use official preparation books and apps
- 🔹 Join coaching if you need structured guidance
- 🔹 Don’t ignore speaking — practice daily
Conclusion: Which Exam Is Best to Study in Australia in 2026?
There is no single best exam — it depends on your goals:
- IELTS / PTE — For all general programs
- GMAT — Essential for MBA applicants
- GRE — Good for STEM & research programs
- OET / UCAT / GAMSAT — Mandatory for medical fields
Choosing the correct exam improves your chances of admission, scholarship, and visa success. Whether you plan to pursue Engineering, Business, Healthcare, IT, or Law, understanding the exam structure and preparation timeline can make the journey smooth and stress-free.
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