English language requirements

Understand language requirements to study at UNSW Bengaluru.

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Courses at UNSW Bengaluru are delivered in English. If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements.

Here are some ways you can achieve the language requirements at UNSW Bengaluru:

UNSW Bengaluru accepts a number of English language qualifications to meet our English language requirements provided:

  1. You completed the test no more than two years before your intended start date. The English test must be dated on or after the 1st of July (two years prior) for August commencement, and
  2. You achieved the minimum scores for your desired program.

Check below to see the list of tests we accept and if your results meet our English language requirements.

  • *To be eligible, you must book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of the original test date and you can take only one retake for each full IELTS test. Your result will be valid for two years from the original test date which you can find on your Test Report Form.
    FacultyUndergraduate Postgraduate coursework
    Arts, Design & Architecture6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
    Engineering6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
    Science 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
    UNSW Canberra6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

  • Note: TOEFL MyBest Score is not accepted. 
    FacultyUndergraduate Postgraduate coursework
    Arts, Design & Architecture90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
    Engineering90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
    Science 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
    UNSW Canberra90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
  • FacultyUndergraduate Postgraduate coursework
    Arts, Design & Architecture64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
    Engineering64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
    Science 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
    UNSW Canberra64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
  • FacultyUndergraduate Postgraduate coursework
    Arts, Design & Architecture176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
    Engineering176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
    Science 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
    UNSW Canberra176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
  • FacultyUndergraduate Postgraduate coursework
    Arts, Design & Architecture180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) 
    Engineering180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
    Science 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest) 
    UNSW Canberra180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)

UNSW Bengaluru accepts prior study results to meet our English language requirements on certain conditions. The acceptance depends on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background.  

English-speaking background:  

  • Citizens of English-speaking countries, or 
  • Permanent Residents of English-speaking countries, or 
  • Minimum of ten years in an English-speaking country and completed secondary or tertiary education in an English-speaking country.  

  • Senior Secondary qualifications from a recognised English-speaking country will meet our English language requirements if they were:

    • taught and examined in English
    • attempted no more than two years before your intended start date if you are from a non-English speaking background.

    Applicants who completed the GCE A Levels through a UK examining board (e.g. CIE, Pearson/Edexcel) in non-English speaking countries must meet the following criteria:

    • a minimum Grade C in one of the following approved essay-based A Level subjects:
      • English Language
      • English Literature
      • English Language and Literature, or
      • a Humanities subject, such as Sociology, History, Law, or Psychology

  • UNSW Bengaluru recognises some academic qualifications completed in non-English speaking countries.

    1. Qualifications from Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Switzerland will meet UNSW Bengaluru English language requirements provided they were:

    • completed no more than two years before your intended start date, and
    • meet the minimum scores for your desired course.

    Check the table below to see if your qualification is eligible for your desired course.

    QualificationMinimum Requirement
    German AbiturGrade 12 in English
    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)Level 4 in English Language or Literature in English
    All India Senior School Certificate – CBSEGrade of C1 in English Core

    International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) not undertaken in English* 

    *English language requirement is met if English is the main language of instruction. 

    		Grade 4 in IB English A at Higher Level or Grade 5 in IB English A at Standard Level or Grade 7 in IB English B at Higher Level
    Indian School Certificate – ICSE70% in English 
    Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)C pass in 920 English 
    Swiss MaturaA grade of 5 (good) or better in English

     

    2. Qualifications from Denmark, Sweden or Norway will meet UNSW Bengaluru English language requirements provided they were:

    • completed within four years before your intended start date, and
    • meet the minimum scores for your desired course.

    Check the table below to see if your qualification is eligible for your desired course.

    QualificationMinimum Requirement
    Denmark - Danish Studentereksamen or Higher Preparatory ExaminationGrade 7 in English in the final year (English B or English A)
    Norway - Norwegian Certificate of Upper Secondary Education Grade 4 in the First Year of Upper Secondary English (if this is the only completed English subject); or average Grade 4 in all completed Upper Secondary English subjects
    Sweden - Swedish Secondary School Leaving CertificateGrade D in English in the final year (English 6/English Course B)

  • Check to see if your qualification meets UNSW Bengaluru minimum entry scores for your desired course.

    QualificationMinimum Requirement
    UNSW Foundation StudiesC+ in Academic English

    Foundation Program from an Australian Group of Eight (Go8) University

    • Monash University
    • The Australian National University
    •  Adelaide University
    • The University of Melbourne
    • The University of Queensland
    • The University of Sydney
    • The University of Western Australia
    		Grade C+ or 70% in English
    • UMELB Foundations students need to complete English for Academic Purposes
    Australian TAFE / Private Provider StudiesCompleted AQF Diploma or completed AQF Advanced Diploma

  • UNSW Bengaluru accepts completed or incomplete post-secondary or tertiary qualifications completed in English to meet our English language requirements depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 

    English-speaking background: 

    • Citizens of English-speaking countries, or
    • Permanent Residents of English-speaking countries, or
    • Minimum of ten years in an English-speaking country and completed secondary or tertiary education in an English-speaking country.   

    • If you are from an English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if your qualification was:

      • an AQF Diploma or higher from a recognised institution in an English-speaking country or 
      • from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction.

      Please provide:

      • official academic transcript
      • proof of citizenship or residency.

      If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you will meet UNSW Bengaluru English language requirements if your qualification was:

      • an AQF Bachelor or higher from a recognised institution in an English-speaking country, or
      • from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction
      • completed within the five years before you start your degree at UNSW Bengaluru.

      If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if your qualification was:

      • an AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree from a recognised institution in an English-speaking country, or
      • from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction
      • gained within the two years before you start your degree at UNSW Bengaluru.

      For programs that are jointly delivered by two institutions, leading to one or more qualifications, please provide:

      • official academic transcript and
      • official statement or certificate from the Registrar (or equivalent) confirming English as the sole language of instruction and assessment, issued on official letterhead and provided in original form.

    • If you are from an English-speaking background, you will meet UNSW Bengaluru English language requirements if:

      • You have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study at an AQF Bachelor or higher from a recognised institution from a recognised institution in an English-speaking country, or
      • from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction.

      Please provide:

      • official academic transcript
      • proof of citizenship or residency.

      If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you will meet our English language requirements if:

      • You have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent study at an AQF Bachelor or higher from a recognised institution in an English-speaking country, or
      • from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction.
      • And completed within the two years before you start your degree at UNSW Bengaluru.
What is an English waiver?

An English waiver is a decision by UNSW Bengaluru to waive the English language requirements based on life experience and circumstances. To apply for an English waiver, you will need to meet any two of the conditions listed below.

How can I apply for an English waiver?

You can apply for an English Waiver during your online application – just submit a personal statement with your supporting documentation under the English Language Requirements section of the online application form.

Is my country recognised as an English-speaking country?

Check whether your country is one of the UNSW Bengaluru-recognised English-speaking countries.

Conditions for an English Waiver

  • English Language Test Scores – between two-five years ago

    You completed the IELTS, TOEFL IBT, TOEFL PBT, PTE, C1 Advanced Cambridge or C2 Proficiency Cambridge between two to five years ago and achieved our minimum scores.

    Please refer to English tests section above to see UNSW Bengaluru minimum scores.

    Please provide:

    • Your test results.

    English Language Test Scores – no more than two years before your intended start date

    You completed the IELTS, TOEFL IBT, TOEFL PBT, PTE Academic, UNSW UEEC, C1 Advanced Cambridge or C2 Proficiency Cambridge within the last two years. Use the table to see if your English Language Test scores meet the scores required for your desired course.

    Please provide:

    • Your test results.

    Applicable to which program/sIELTS - Academic version onlyTOEFL IBTTOEFL PBTPTE AcademicC1 Advanced CambridgeC2 Proficiency Cambridge
    All programs except where specified below6.0 overall (min. 5.5 in each subtest)79 overall (min. 21 in writing, 12 in reading, 11 in listening, 17 in speaking)500 overall (min. 4.5 in TWE)50 overall (min. 42 in each subtest)169 overall (min.162 in each subtest)

    N/A

    All Business programs.

    6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

     

    		90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)58 overall (min. 50 in each subtest)176 overall (min.169 in each subtest)180 overall (min.180 in each subtest)

  • Directly relevant Work Experience for at least the last two years – any program

    You have at least two years of directly relevant work experience, in the relevant industry or equivalent discipline practice, in an English-speaking country or workplace where the sole language of business was English.

    Please provide:

    • A letter from your employer on company letterhead which states your position title, the duties you undertook and an idea of what level of English was spoken and how English was used in terms of written or verbal communication.

  • You successfully completed at least one year of full-time study, in an assessable qualification, at a university or other post-secondary educational institution in an English-speaking country or from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) with English clearly stated as the sole language of instruction.

    Please provide:

    • Official academic transcript and
    • Official statement or certificate from the Registrar (or equivalent) confirming English as the sole language of instruction and assessment, issued on official letter head and provided in original form.

  • You lived in a recognised English-speaking country for at least five years before you plan to start your course at UNSW Bengaluru.

    Please provide:

    • References which state whether a basic, medium, high or academic level of English speaking and writing skills was needed.
    • Copies of passports and/or visas to prove your residency in the English-speaking country was for at least five years.

  • You hold a current valid NAATI accreditation as a Professional Interpreter or Translator, formerly known as Level 3 accredited.

    Please provide:

    • Your certificate of NAATI accreditation.

Things to know

List of UNSW Bengaluru recognised English speaking countries

UNSW Bengaluru recognises the following countries as English-speaking: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Gibraltar, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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