Study in Australia without IELTS through alternatives like PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Many top universities including University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, Macquarie University, Bond University and UNSW Sydney, accept these pathways or offer bridging English programs. With average living expenses and multiple scholarships, Australia remains one of the best destinations for international students.
Studying in Australia has become a dream for thousands of Indian students, but one thing that often stands in the way is IELTS. The International English Language Testing System is the most widely accepted test, yet not every student wants to go through the stress, cost or preparation time it takes. The good news? You can study in Australia without IELTS.
Several top universities in Australia now offer pathways, alternative tests or waive the IELTS requirement if you studied in an English medium school or meet other conditions. From Sydney to Adelaide, you have multiple options. Let’s look at the Australian university without IELTS, what alternatives they accept, and how you can apply in 2025.
Why Study in Australia?
Australia’s education system is ranked among the best in the world, offering both academic excellence and a supportive international student environment. Some reasons why it is a top destination:
- Globally ranked universities – University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and ANU consistently feature in top global rankings.
- Post-study work rights – Graduates can work in Australia for 2–4 years depending on their qualification.
- High employment opportunities – Growing demand in healthcare, engineering, IT, data science and finance.
- Multicultural environment – Over 700,000 international students from 190+ countries study here every year.
- Affordable compared to the US/UK – Tuition and living expenses in Australia are 10–20% cheaper on average.
How to Study in Australia Without IELTS?
Studying in Australia without IELTS is very much possible. Universities offer multiple alternatives to prove English proficiency:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate – If your previous education was in English, many universities accept an MOI letter from your school/college.
- Alternative Tests – TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge English and OET are widely accepted.
- University-Run English Programs – Enroll in an English language preparatory or bridging course offered by the university.
- Direct Interviews – Some institutions conduct video or in-person interviews to test your communication skills.
So, even if you don’t have an IELTS score, you still have multiple ways to secure admission.
Universities in Australia Without IELTS
Here’s a list of some of the most well-known universities that allow admission without IELTS, explained in detail:
University of Queensland (UQ)
- Why it matters: One of Australia’s top Group of Eight universities, UQ is ranked among the world’s best for research and teaching.
- Without IELTS? Yes, if you can show you studied in an English medium institution or provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. UQ also accepts TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge English.
- Pathway options: If you don’t meet the English requirements, UQ offers bridging English courses that prepare you for your degree.
- Tip: For competitive courses like Medicine, higher English proof may still be required.
Swinburne University of Technology
- Why it matters: Located in Melbourne, Swinburne is known for its technology, design, and business programs.
- Without IELTS? Swinburne accepts alternatives like PTE Academic, TOEFL or proof of English-medium education.
- Prep courses: They run the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Students who don’t have IELTS can take this course before beginning their degree.
- Tip: This is a great option for students wanting a tech-focused career but lacking IELTS scores.
Bond University
- Why it matters: A private university on the Gold Coast, Bond is small but highly reputed for law, business, and health programs.
- Without IELTS? Bond accepts TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or a Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous studies.
- What’s unique: Bond has a trimester system, meaning you can finish your degree faster than in most universities.
- Tip: Since it’s private, fees are higher than public universities. Budget carefully for tuition and living costs.
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Why it matters: A Group of Eight university in Sydney, UNSW ranks among the top 50 universities worldwide.
- Without IELTS? UNSW offers alternative English tests, pathway programs and waivers for students from English-speaking institutions.
- Prep courses: Students can enroll in the UNSW Foundation Studies program, which includes English training.
- Tip: Highly competitive courses like engineering and business may still expect strong proof of English proficiency.
University of Adelaide
- Why it matters: Another member of the Group of Eight, located in South Australia, with strong programs in medicine, engineering and sciences.
- Without IELTS? You can apply with PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge English or a Medium of Instruction certificate. If you don’t qualify, you may need to take an English Language Centre (ELC) course at the university.
- Tip: Adelaide is more affordable to live in compared to Sydney or Melbourne, so its a budget friendly choice.
University of South Australia (UniSA)
- Why it matters: Located in Adelaide, UniSA is modern and career-focused, offering courses linked with industries.
- Without IELTS? Accepts MOI, PTE, TOEFL, and also has its own bridging English programs for international students.
- Unique feature: Many courses offer internships or work placements, helping students gain experience in Australia.
- Tip: A great choice for students who want applied learning and industry exposure.
Macquarie University
- Why it matters: Based in Sydney, Macquarie is globally known for business, actuarial science and engineering.
- Without IELTS? Macquarie accepts alternative tests and offers its own English Preparation Program (EPP). If you studied in English previously, you might qualify for a waiver.
- Special highlight: Macquarie’s modern campus and strong links with employers in Sydney make it attractive for career growth.
- Tip: Sydney is expensive, so factor in high living expenses.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
- Why it matters: USQ offers affordable education and is known for flexible online and on-campus programs.
- Without IELTS? USQ has English language pathway programs. Students who don’t have IELTS can first study at USQ’s English Language and Pathways College.
- Tip: This is a popular choice for budget-conscious students or those who prefer regional universities with lower living costs.
Comparison of Australian Universities Without IELTS
| University | Location | Ranking (QS 2025) | IELTS Alternatives Accepted | English Pathway Program |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | Brisbane, QLD | #43 | PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, MOI | Bridging English Programs |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Melbourne, VIC | #285 | PTE, TOEFL, MOI | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) |
| Bond University | Gold Coast, QLD | #481-490 | PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, MOI | English Language Preparation |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Sydney, NSW | #19 | PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, MOI | UNSW Foundation Studies (with English) |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide, SA | #89 | PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, MOI | English Language Centre (ELC) |
| University of South Australia (UniSA) | Adelaide, SA | #326 | PTE, TOEFL, MOI | Bridging English Programs |
| Macquarie University | Sydney, NSW | #130 | PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, MOI, Duolingo (some courses) | English Preparation Program (EPP) |
| University of Southern Queensland (USQ) | Toowoomba, QLD | #651-700 | PTE, TOEFL, MOI | English Language & Pathways College |
Alternatives to IELTS in Australia
If you want to study in Australia without IELTS, here’s what universities usually accept instead:
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English (CAE/CPE)
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from previous English-medium education
- Pathway / foundation English programs (EAP/ELICOS) offered by the university
IELTS vs Without IELTS in Australia
| Parameter | With IELTS | Without IELTS |
| Admission Requirement | IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 (UG) or 6.5–7.0 (PG) | Alternatives accepted: PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate, or university English pathway programs |
| Accepted Universities | Almost all Australian universities | Select universities like University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, Macquarie University, Bond University, UNSW Sydney, University of Southern Queensland |
| Ease of Admission | Direct entry with IELTS score | May require additional English program, MOI proof, or conditional admission |
| Visa Requirements | IELTS accepted as proof of English | MOI, PTE, TOEFL, or other English tests also valid for student visa |
| Cost Factor | Extra cost for IELTS test (INR 16,250 approx.) | Saves IELTS exam fee, but may need to pay for English bridging program |
| Flexibility | Single standardized pathway | Multiple pathways → MOI, Duolingo, PTE, internal tests |
| Popularity | Traditional and widely recognized | Increasingly popular, especially among Indian students avoiding IELTS |
| Processing Time | Faster, as results directly meet criteria | Slightly longer if conditional admission or pathway program is required |
If you want a quick, hassle-free admission, IELTS is the traditional route. But if you’re confident in your English and already studied in English medium, the MOI certificate or alternatives like PTE/Duolingo can save you money and time.
Conclusion
So yes, you can study in Australia without IELTS in 2026. Universities like UQ, UNSW, Swinburne, Macquarie, and Adelaide give you plenty of alternatives. Whether through PTE, TOEFL, MOI certificates, or English prep courses, the doors are wide open.
The key is to check the exact requirements of your chosen university and prepare your documents in advance. If IELTS feels like a barrier, remember Australia offers many other ways to start your study-abroad journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Indian students study in Australia without IELTS?
Yes, if they provide a Medium of Instruction certificate or take alternatives like PTE, TOEFL, or pathway programs.
2. Is IELTS compulsory for an Australian student visa?
Not always. If your university accepts other proof, you can apply for a visa with that, but check with the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Which universities in Australia accept MOI instead of IELTS?
Universities like Queensland, Adelaide, UniSA, and Swinburne often accept MOI certificates.
4. Do all courses allow admission without IELTS?
No. Highly competitive courses (medicine, law, engineering) may still require formal proof of English.
5. What is the cheapest university in Australia without IELTS?
Universities like USQ and UniSA are known for lower tuition and living costs.
6. Can I apply for scholarships in Australia without IELTS?
Yes, if you meet other academic requirements. Scholarships don’t always depend on IELTS.
7. What’s better—PTE or IELTS for Australia?
Both are widely accepted. PTE is often faster in results and popular among Indian students.
8. Does Macquarie University accept Duolingo English Test?
Yes, for some courses, but check the official site for the latest updates.
9. How much does an English pathway program cost in Australia?
Anywhere between AUD 3,000–6,000 depending on the university and course length.
10. Can I get PR in Australia if I study without IELTS?
PR requires English proficiency proof. If you skip IELTS at university, you may still need it (or PTE) later for immigration.