Yes. You do not have to study in Australia with IELTS provided you pass English rules with other accepted tests or through passed English pathways courses and still meet the visa requirements. StudyLead Consultant assists the candidates in following such paths.
The brief response and what the visa is actually requesting
There are over one English test that Australia accepts regarding student visas. Home Affairs approves tests since 7 August 2025 which contain PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, OET and IELTS. The tests need to be conducted at a secure test centre. Home versions are unaccepted online. Bring in the level required in your visa and time constraints on scores.
In March 2024 the government also raised the minimum test score for the Student visa and for packaged English courses. This matters if you plan to do an English course before your main degree.
What this means for admissions
Universities have their own entry requirements and most of them allow you to study in Australia without IELTS by providing PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge scores or by undertaking an authorized English for academic purposes course. As an example, the University of Sydney has a table that maps IELTS to TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge and provides the description of the valid formats. According to the University of Queensland, IELTS or equivalent provides English pathways.
Some universities give direct entry after you finish their English pathway course. RMIT and Swinburne both run English for Academic Purposes that can lead to direct entry if you pass the required level.
Without IELTS study in Austrailia University List
Below are real examples where you can qualify with alternatives. Always check the exact score for your course.
University of Sydney
Accepts TOEFL iBT, PTE, Cambridge, and sets validity rules.
University of Queensland
States IELTS or equivalent and provides pathway options through UQ College.
RMIT University
Allows you to meet English through a recognised prior qualification, an approved English provider or through an accepted test.
Swinburne University of Technology
English for Academic Purposes can meet entries for many courses.
Victoria University
Lists TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and accepts VU English EAP Level 6 for some programs.
Western Sydney University
Publishes TOEFL and PTE score routes alongside IELTS.
University of Tasmania
Accepts TOEFL and PTE and offers a direct entry EAP option.
These examples show that medical study in Australia was the prior topic, but for this question the key is that many medical universities in Australia and non medical faculties alike accept more than one way to show English. The same logic applies if you want to study medicine in Australia for international students.
Key routes to study in Australia without IELTS
- Route one Use another approved test for both admission and visa. Students can choose other tests including PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT with required score for Visa and Admission.
- Route two Take an English for Academic Purposes course that gives direct entry when you pass. This is common at RMIT, Swinburne, and several others. It can support study in Australia without IELTS if you finish the required level. Note that the visa may still require an approved test unless your package and evidence settings meet Home Affairs rules.
- Route three Show an accepted prior qualification taught in English where the university recognises it for entry. Some universities list this as a pathway. You still need to check visa evidence.
Pakistani students study in Australia without IELTS
Pakistani applicants are able to do the same. Most will need to show an approved test for the Subclass 500 visa unless an exemption applies. Home Affairs explains which tests are accepted and that at home tests are not valid. Study Australia notes how evidence is checked during processing. Plan your file so your admission evidence and visa evidence match. This will help you pursue your dream to study in Australia without an IELTS.
Final Words
- Pick three target courses and note their English scores and accepted tests. Use the university pages linked above. That keeps your study in Australia without IELTS options clear.
- Choose your path. Either book PTE or TOEFL at a secure centre, or enroll in an EAP with guaranteed entry on completion. Align this with visa rules
- Prepare your visa file. Use the current Home Affairs list of approved tests and new minimums. Avoid online test formats. This will save your time for applying to study in Australia without an IELTS.
For a personal shortlist, a match without IELTS study in Australia university list, and end to end filing for study in Australia without IELTS, contact Studylead Consultant.