English language proficiency is essential to succeed in postgraduate studies in Australia. To be accepted into most courses, recipients require an IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or acceptable iBT-TOEFL/ PTE equivalent. Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook (April 2023) states in regards to iBT-TOEFL/ PTE score equivalent to 6.5 IELTS score: an internet-based TOEFL score of at least 84 with no band score less than 21, PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50. Some courses require higher levels and if they do, recipients must meet that entry requirement before they can be placed.
Every recipient of an Australia Awards Scholarship must attend compulsory English Language Training or Academic Preparation Program. Applicants must understand this commitment and discuss it with their employers before they apply.
Recipients who have satisfactory IELTS (Academic) scores for entry into courses when they apply, do not undertake English Language Training but must complete the Academic Preparation Program. This is compulsory and recipients require full-time work release to attend.
Recipients with IELTS (Academic) scores below 6.5 (or equivalent iBT-TOEFL/ PTE score) complete a compulsory English Language Training program targeted to their individual needs.