English language proficiency tests for international students

English language proficiency tests for international students

Information about types of English language proficiency tests and minimum scores for your study level.

RMIT accepts a range of English proficiency tests (please see table below). 

Minimum English language requirements may differ between programs at the same study level.

Applicants are strongly advised to confirm the minimum English requirements required for their preferred program in the Entry Requirements section of the program summary information which you will find in our Study with us section. 

Please note that IELTS (General) is not accepted for admission into RMIT university programs.  

Where an English language proficiency test is used for admission, the test must be taken no more than two years prior to the RMIT program commencement date.

Where an RMIT English Worldwide (REW) proficiency certificate is used, the REW certificate must be obtained no more than 24 months prior to the program commencement date.

COVID-19: Temporary Admissions Arrangement

In response to COVID-19 which has caused a number of cancellations and delays in English language testing, RMIT will temporarily accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, IELTS Indicator and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Online for programs that require up to IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with no band less than 6.5 (or equivalent) for 2022 intakes. The requirements are the same as for their respective traditional tests.

We will also temporarily extend the validity period for an approved English proficiency test for admission from two years to three years prior to the RMIT program commencement date for 2022 intakes (some exclusions apply where required for accreditation purposes).

English language proficiency score tables

English proficiency tests

Foundation Studies and Vocational Education

Associate Degrees

IELTS (Academic) 

5.5 (no band less than 5.0)

 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)

TOEFL (Internet Based Test - iBT

Overall score of 50 (with minimum score of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)

Overall score 60 (with minimum score of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A))

42 (no communication band less than 36)

50 (no communication band less than 42)

B2 First (formerly known as Cambridge English: First (FCE))

162 with no less than 154 in any component

Not applicable

C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))

162 with no less than 154 in any component

169 with no less than 162 in any component

C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))

Not applicable

 169 with no less than 162 in any component
English proficiency tests          

IELTS (Academic) 

6.5 (no band less than 6.0)

7.0 (no band less than 6.5)

 7.5 (no band below 7.0)

8.0 (no band below 7.5)

 8.0 (no band below 8.0)

TOEFL (Internet Based Test - iBT

Overall score 79 (with minimum score of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)

Overall score 94 (with minimum score of 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing)

Overall score 102 (with minimum score of 24 in Reading, 24 in Listening, 23 in Speaking and 27 in Writing)

Overall score 110 (with minimum score of 27 in Reading, 27 in Listening, 24 in Speaking and 29 in Writing)

Overall score 110 (with minimum score of 29 in Reading, 28 in Listening, 26 in Speaking and 30 in Writing)

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A))

58 (no communication band less than 50)

65 (no communication band less than 58)

72 (no communication band less than 65)

79 (no communication band less than 72)

79 (no communication band less than 79)

B2 First (formerly known as Cambridge English: First (FCE))

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))

 176 with no less than 169 in any component
 185 with no less than 176 in any component
 191, with no less than 185 in any component
 200 with no less than 191 in any component

Not applicable

C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))

176 with no less than 169 in any component

185 with no less than 176 in any component

191 with no less than 185 in any component

 200 with no less than 191 in each component

Not applicable

Visit the websites below for more information on English Language proficiency tests.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information