Learn more about the minimum academic and English language entry requirements for our courses.
We have minimum entry and language requirements for undergraduate, postgraduate and graduate research study at La Trobe University. However, some La Trobe courses need a higher level of English language proficiency and academic requirements. Our course pages list the required minimum entry requirements, English levels and accepted test methods needed for entry.
We may also consider other factors when assessing if you meet the language requirements for your course, such as whether you’ve studied or worked in an English-speaking country. Learn more about other ways to meet our English language standards.
We’ve put together this guide to the minimum academic and English language entry requirements that apply for your preferred course. Any scenario that isn’t outlined in this section will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Accepted alternatives to IELTS test scores
While IELTS scores are our primary measure of English proficiency, we may accept tests other than IELTS if your overall score is the equivalent of the required IELTS score.
Once you know your course’s minimum accepted IELTS score, check that score against the information below to see its equivalent score in other English proficiency tests.
International English Language Test (IELTS) Academic
IELTS Overall 6.0, no band less than 6.0
IELTS Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0
IELTS Overall 7.0, no band less than 6.5
IELTS Overall 7.0, no band less than 7.0
IELTS Overall 7.5, no band less than 7.0
United Kingdom Visa and Immigration International English Language Test (IELTS)
IELTS Overall 6.0, no band less than 6.0
IELTS Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0
IELTS Overall 7.0, no band less than 6.5
IELTS overall 7.0 no band less than 7.0
IELTS Overall 7.5, no band less than 7.0
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE)
Overall score of 50 with no communicative skill score less than 50
Overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50
Overall score of 65 with no communicative skill score less than 58
Overall score of 65 with no communicative skill score less than 65
Overall score of 73 with no communicative skill score less than 65
TOEFL Internet based (iBT) – TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes
Overall score of 64 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
Overall score of 79 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
Overall score of 94 with 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing
Overall 98 with 24 in Reading, 24 in Listening, 23 in Speaking and 27 in Writing
Overall 102 with 24 in Reading, 24 in Listening, 23 in Speaking and 27 in Writing
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) / Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
When it comes to demonstrating your minimum English requirements, a few important things to note:
we use IELTS (Academic) and other English proficiency tests for entry into our courses
where you have results from more than one of these English language tests, only your most recent single achievement will be considered in our admission decision
if you qualify from a La Trobe program and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, you may need to meet the relevant professional accrediting agency’s English language registration standard
your evidence demonstrating English language proficiency must be no older than two years, unless stated otherwise
we reserve the right to require that any applicant undergo an English language test you’ll still need to meet the academic entry requirements of your course. Specific requirements may differ between degree programs, so check our courses page for details.
Don’t meet the minimum language requirements?
La Trobe College Australia provides English language training for students requiring it before they commence tertiary study in Australia.
Courses with specific English test requirements
Undergraduate programs
At an undergraduate level we offer:
Diploma programs
Bachelor’s degrees.
To enter our undergraduate programs, at a minimum you’ll need to have completed Australian Year 12 (or an accepted international equivalent) with a certain grade and minimum English language requirements. You may also need to meet subject prerequisites.
Some undergraduate courses also have specific English test requirements. These are:
Courses accepting IELTS test only
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Oral Health Science
Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours)
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Honours)
Courses accepting IELTS and TOEFL test only
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
Courses accepting IELTS, TOEFL and PTE test only
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway)
Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry Pathway)
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Learn more about specific entry requirements when you find your preferred undergraduate course.
Postgraduate coursework
For postgraduate coursework, we offer:
Graduate Certificate programs
Graduate Diploma programs
Masters degrees by coursework.
To enter our postgraduate degree programs, at a minimum you’ll need to have completed an Australian Bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) with certain grades. For some degrees, we may also consider prior learning that you’ve developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, if we deem it to be at least equivalent to the education you’d receive in a Bachelor’s degree.
Some postgraduate coursework programs also have specific English test requirements. These are:
Courses accepting IELTS test only
Master of Education
Courses accepting IELTS and TOEFL test only
Master of Dietetics
Master of Speech Pathology
Courses accepting IELTS, TOEFL and PTE test only
Master of Clinical Audiology
Master of Clinical Psychology
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Master of Social Work
Master of Teaching (Primary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
For more information about specific entry requirements, find your preferred postgraduate course.
Additional notes
La Trobe only uses IELTS academic test for entry into our courses.
Where you have results from more than one of these English language tests, only your most recent single achievement will be considered in our admission decision.
If you qualify from a La Trobe program and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, you may need to meet the relevant professional accrediting agency’s English language registration standard.
Your evidence demonstrating English language proficiency must be no older than two years, unless stated otherwise.
We reserve the right to require that any applicant undergo an English language test.
You’ll still need to meet the academic entry requirements of your course. Specific requirements may differ between degree programs, so check our courses page for details.
ELICOS program
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) are designed for students who require English language training before they commence tertiary study in Australia.
Find out more about the La Trobe approved ELICOS programs available at La Trobe College Australia.
Other proof of English proficiency
We may also consider other factors when assessing if you meet the language requirements for your course, such as whether you’ve studied or worked in an English-speaking country.
All international applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs Genuine Student requirement as part of the student visa assessment process. To satisfy Genuine Student (GS) requirements you need to demonstrate that studying in Australia is your primary reason for applying for a student visa, through evidence of genuine access to funds or financial support, ongoing links to your home country and explaining why you have chosen to study your selected course at La Trobe University.
If you need to complete this assessment as part of your admission process, our team will include the “GS and Financial check” condition in your offer letter. You won’t be able to accept your offer to study at La Trobe until the GS and financial assessment is completed, and we remove the conditions from your offer letter.
You can find more information on required documentation for GS assessment on the Home Affairs website under Step 2: Gather your documents.
If you wish to discuss your circumstances or have any questions about the requirements, you can discuss them with your agent or contact us at StudyInternational@latrobe.edu.au and provide your full name and La Trobe student ID or application number.
All Courses
About La Trobe University
Find out how our strategic vision, values and mission keep us connected with our local communities.
2025–2030 Strategic Plan
La Trobe’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is the University’s ambitious strategy for the next five years. It is focused on fields in which the University is a recognised leader and that will deliver growth – health, science and education – underpinned by innovation and an AI-first mindset across both curriculum and research, and with an overarching skills through equity lens.
Our vision
We are a university where inclusion and innovation produce real-world impact – through world-class research, strong industry partnerships, expanding access to higher education, and relentless focus on student success and career outcomes.
Our Strategic Foundations
At La Trobe, our people, values and partners are at the heart of everything we do, laying the foundation of our success as a university.
Our people
People are the heart of our strategy. Our success is driven by the leadership, accountability, capabilities, and commitment of our people.
Our values
Our values underline everything we do. We are proud to be a university founded on and driven by social justice.
Our partners
Our partners are essential for realising our ambitions to produce research and career-ready graduates with real-world impact.
“La Trobe University is proud of our past and the impact we have achieved. We are invested in our staff, our partners, and most of all our students. We are determined to shape a future that is better for Australia, our region, and the world.”
Our strategy in under two minutes
Our plans for the future
Accelerating our growth
Growth is crucial for the success of our university. It will enable us to invest in world-class research capabilities, teaching innovations and facilities, enhanced student support, and further upgrades to infrastructure.
Maximising our impact
Impact is more than just a promise, it’s our purpose. We’re globally recognised for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we’re committed to achieving even more impact through research, education, and community engagement.
Shaping our future
We’re driven by purpose and a belief in a better tomorrow. Through research, education programs and engagement with our partners, we aim to shape a better future where inclusion and innovation produce real-world impact.
Governance
The La Trobe University Council is the governing authority of the University and is chaired by the Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor is appointed by Council to be the chief executive officer of the University.
Discover our unique history, including our motto and coat of arms.
We have been one of Australia’s pioneering universities for more than 50 years. In 1967, 552 students enrolled at La Trobe University, the third university to open in Victoria, which has grown to accommodate more than 36,000 students, with over 7,000 international students from 110 countries.
We now have a network of campuses, with over 28,000 students at our Melbourne Campus and over 7,500 at our campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Melbourne City (Collins Street), Shepparton and Sydney.
Past Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors
Our commitment to teaching excellence has been overseen by some truly inspirational people – leaders who have shaped the University, and the lives of the thousands of students who have attended here over the past five decades.
Past Chancellors
Sir Archibald Glenn OBE: 1967 – 1972
Hon Mr Justice Reginald Smithers: 1972-1980
Hon Mr Justice Richard McGarvie: 1980-1992
Emeritus Professor Nancy F Millis AC: 1992-2006
Dr Sylvia Walton AO: 2006 – 2011
Professor Adrienne E Clarke AC: 2011-2017
Professor Richard Larkins AC: 2017-2018
Hon Mr John M Brumby AO: 2019 – present
Past Vice-Chancellors
Professor David Myers: 1965 – 1976
Professor John Scott AO: 1977 – 1989
Professor Michael Osborne: 1990 – 2006
Professor Brian Stoddart: 2006
Professor Paul Johnson: 2007 – 2011
Professor John Dewar: 2011 – 2023
La Trobe University Coat of Arms
Our Armorial Bearings combine significant symbols that encapsulate its history, goals and pride in its Victorian genesis.
Australia is represented by the Australian wedge-tailed eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles. Victoria is represented by the sprigs of heath, the state’s floral emblem. The eagle is represented in La Trobe’s brandmark.
The open book refers to the University’s commitment to learning. The scallop shells are part of the La Trobe family bearings, and have been included to acknowledge the La Trobe name.
University motto
The French motto “Qui cherche trouve” (Whoever seeks shall find) is a modern version of the La Trobe family motto.
Over 200,000 students have graduated from La Trobe University thus far, and have gone on to achieve great things in all walks of life, giving us our well-deserved reputation.
Campus locations
Find a campus near you – or the place you want to be
Get the benefits of a big university, close to home. At La Trobe, we believe everyone should get to study at a globally-renowned university, wherever you choose to live. The solution? We’ve got campuses across Victoria and New South Wales so you can match your study with your lifestyle.
To determine the cost of a La Trobe course, search for the course on our find a course page. The ‘Overview’ section will list the annual tuition fee in Australian dollars (A$) for the displayed year. Be sure you’re viewing the international student version of the course page.
Fees are based on an annual load of 120 credit points unless stated otherwise. Changes to your study load will affect your course fees. You can estimate the total cost based on the annual fee, but note that fees may change yearly.
We reserve the right to adjust fees annually, typically not above a seven percent increase per year. Any fee increases will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
For refund policies and procedures, visit our refunds page.
Pay your tuition fees
If you have received your letter of offer, it will contain indicative annual tuition fees. You can pay your fees using one of the following methods:
Studying in Australia is a major investment, and La Trobe supports international students with a wide range of scholarships and financial aid. These awards recognise academic excellence, reward ambition and help make study more accessible across undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs.
The scholarships listed below represent opportunities that may be available to international students, with eligibility depending on factors such as academic performance, course, discipline, country of citizenship and campus. Some are tailored to specific campuses or fields of study.
Each scholarship has its own criteria and application process, so we encourage you to review the details carefully to see what support may apply to you.
Scholarship details
Eligibility
Amount
Alumni Advantage Available for La Trobe graduates applying for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program.
50% tuition fee reduction for the entirety of the course
La Trobe Vice Chancellor Scholarship Awarded to international students who have excelled not only in their studies but also in extracurricular activities.
High-achieving international students who go beyond academics to create real change.
A reduction of either 50% or 100% off the total course tuition fee.
Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious awards administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scheme offers scholarship opportunities to international students from developing countries, particularly from the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia.
Are you an Indonesian student thinking of undertaking postgraduate study at La Trobe University? LPDP is a scholarship scheme funded by the Indonesian Government for citizens who want to complete postgraduate study at an Indonesian or overseas university.
How are international scholarships assessed and awarded by La Trobe?
Scholarship assessment is a part of the course application process done by our Admissions team. In most cases, scholarship eligibility is based on students’ academic merits.
To be considered for our international scholarships, you will only need to submit a fully-documented course application per normal. There is no separate application required on your end.
Our course pages list detailed information on duration, intakes, entry requirements, fees, any much more. Find your course now.
Are there any research scholarships for international students?
Scholarships are available for students applying for Doctoral (PhD) only.
If you are intending to apply for a Graduate Research scholarship, you will need to select a project from a list of available projects and submit your application by the specified deadline. You will need to contact the nominated contact person for your preferred project to obtain their in-principle agreement for you to apply. Only these projects and supervisors will have the potential to be awarded a research scholarship.
You will be required to submit additional documents:
A Research Statement form [DOCX 46.0 KB] for your nominated project (You can nominate only 1 project)
Research Proposal is NOT required unless specifically requested under Special Conditions under the relevant project details
Any other documents specified under Special Conditions under the relevant project details.
Am I eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP as an international student?
The Australian Government offers the HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes to help cover university fees. These fee assistance schemes can’t be used for other costs like accommodation or textbooks.
If you’re from overseas, you’re only eligible to access these fee assistance schemes if you hold an Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa. If you’re in Australia on a student visa, or if you were in Australia on a student visa and you’ve obtained permanent residency, you won’t be able to access these schemes.
Studying in Australia: Your Guide to Universities, Programs, and Student Visas
Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering quality education, diverse campuses, and vibrant cities. From affordable universities to top-ranked institutions, Australia has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about studying in Australia.
Top Universities in Australia
Australia’s Top Universities
Australia is home to some world-renowned universities, consistently ranking among the best globally. Australian National University (ANU), University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and University of Queensland are a few examples of prestigious institutions that attract international students.
QLD Universities
Queensland offers a range of universities, including Griffith University, James Cook University in Brisbane, and Central Queensland University. These institutions provide various programs suited to different interests and career paths.
Universities in Perth, Australia
Perth is a vibrant city with reputable universities such as Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University, and University of Western Australia. Known for their high quality of education, these universities offer excellent options for both local and international students.
University in Melbourne List
Melbourne is a hub for quality education with universities like Deakin University, University of Melbourne, and RMIT University, each offering diverse programs and a dynamic student life.
University in Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane hosts renowned institutions like Griffith University and James Cook University, providing a range of study options with excellent facilities and support for international students.
Universities in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is home to leading universities, including the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales (UNSW), and Macquarie University.
Affordable and Cheapest Universities in Australia
Cheapest University in Australia
For those on a budget, Australia offers affordable education options without compromising quality. Central Queensland University and Edith Cowan University are known for providing affordable programs.
Low-Cost Universities in Australia
Universities like Western Sydney University and Victoria University offer lower tuition fees, making education accessible for international students.
Affordable Universities in Australia
Many Australian universities provide scholarships and affordable courses. University of Sunshine Coast and Charles Darwin University are among those that offer value without high costs.
Popular Programs and Courses in Australia
Masters Degrees and Programs in Australia
Australia offers a wide range of master’s programs in fields like IT, business, engineering, and more. Universities such as University of Queensland and Monash University offer specialized programs designed to boost your career prospects.
MBA in Australia Cost
The cost of pursuing an MBA in Australia varies by institution, with top programs available at University of Melbourne and Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM). While MBA programs can be expensive, many universities offer financial aid and scholarships.
Best IT University in Australia
Australia’s top IT programs can be found at institutions like University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and RMIT University, providing cutting-edge knowledge and skills for a career in tech.
MBBS Cost in Australia
Medical education in Australia is rigorous and offers high-quality training. The cost of an MBBS in Australia is typically high but provides excellent career opportunities globally.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically for Indian students. Scholarships can help reduce tuition costs, making education more accessible for international students.
Student Visas and Living Costs
Student Visas Australia
To study in Australia, you’ll need a student visa. The visa application process is straightforward, but it’s essential to meet the requirements for acceptance. Ensure you apply early to secure your visa on time.
Living Cost in Australia for International Students
Living expenses vary depending on the city. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while places like Brisbane and Perth offer more affordable options. On average, international students should budget for accommodation, food, and other personal expenses.
Universities by Location and Specialty
Griffith University (Queensland)
Known for its research and industry connections, Griffith offers a variety of programs in fields like health, business, and environmental studies.
Deakin University (Melbourne)
Deakin is popular among international students for its flexible learning options and strong support services.
James Cook University (Brisbane)
Located in Queensland, James Cook is recognized for its programs in tropical health, marine science, and environmental studies.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) (Perth)
ECU provides a range of programs and is known for its focus on teaching quality and graduate outcomes.
Murdoch University (Perth)
Murdoch offers a student-centered approach and is known for courses in law, psychology, and veterinary science.
List of Australian one of the Best Universities
For a complete list of universities, Australia has a diverse range of institutions across various cities. Here are some popular ones:
Central Queensland University: Known for affordability and strong industry ties.
University of Western Australia: Highly regarded for research and academic excellence.
CQ University: Offers practical, career-focused courses in multiple disciplines
