Over the last couple of decades, Australia has become one of the most popular destinations for higher education. Although international student mobility dropped sharply during COVID-19, Australia remains a major study destination. The Australian Government reported 622,043 international students studying in Australia across all education sectors in the year-to-date February 2026.
There are plenty of reasons why Australia attracts thousands of students worldwide. First, students can compare the cost of studying and living in Australia with other education destinations like the UK or the USA when planning their budgets. Second, Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural countries, providing a welcoming environment for international students. Lastly, Australian universities offer research, professional, and work-integrated learning opportunities across a wide range of fields.
Without a doubt, studying in Australia has much to offer international students. However, Australian universities also have high expectations for applicants. Each university sets its own admission criteria for international students, depending on the area of study, degree level, and program.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in Australia
Many universities in Australia accept TOEFL iBT scores; however, the minimum score varies depending on the university, course, degree level, intake, and test format. The following table summarizes current published TOEFL iBT requirements at selected Australian universities. Applicants should always confirm the requirement on the official course page before applying.
1. University of Melbourne
Like every university in Australia, the University of Melbourne’s medium of instruction is English, which means international applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. The University of Melbourne is highly prestigious in Australia, so applicants should carefully review the English level required for their chosen course.
The University of Melbourne accepts the TOEFL iBT, but the minimum score differs by course. Current published English levels list overall TOEFL iBT scores from 81 to 100. For Australian visa-related testing, applicants should also follow the university’s instructions on test format and registration.
2. University of Sydney
Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest universities. Since its foundation, the University of Sydney has offered opportunities for international students pursuing academic study in Australia.
The University of Sydney’s standard English requirement is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 85, but some courses require higher scores. Applicants should carefully research the language requirements for their chosen program using the university’s course search and English language requirements page.
3. Monash University
Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Monash University is the largest university in Australia. Named after the engineer and military leader Sir John Monash, Monash University is recognized for its research activities and high-quality education.
Monash University’s standard TOEFL iBT requirement is an overall score of 79, with minimum section scores. Some programs and graduate research areas have higher English language requirements, so applicants should check the official requirements for their course or faculty.
4. Australian National University
Another Australian university accepting TOEFL certificates is the Australian National University. It is based in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, and was established in 1946. ANU offers a wide variety of programs for international students, including business and commerce, law, arts and culture, engineering, computer science, and more.
ANU’s English language policy lists a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall for most applicants commencing before January 1, 2027, with minimum section scores. Some programs require higher scores, and requirements may change for later intakes. Applicants should visit the university’s program catalog here and check the current English language policy before applying.
5. University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide was founded in 1874 and has a rich academic history. For students commencing study from 2026, admissions information is now provided through Adelaide University, which was formed from the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
Adelaide University’s English language requirements differ by degree. Its equivalency table maps IELTS 6.5 to a TOEFL iBT score of 79 and IELTS 7.0 to a TOEFL iBT score of 94, while some degrees require higher English levels. Applicants should check the degree page and the university’s current English language requirements before applying.
Here is what University of Adelaide scholars say about TOEFL:
“To meet the language criteria, I appeared on the TOEFL and scored 103. It took me one week to practice the test modules and improve my speed and accuracy.”
Zulfiqar Ali
6. University of Queensland
Hosting students from around the world across its campuses, the University of Queensland (UQ) is a major research university in Australia. UQ offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as architecture, humanities, social sciences, business, engineering, law, health and medicine, and computer science.
The University of Queensland has specific TOEFL iBT score requirements by program. UQ’s minimum published TOEFL iBT requirement is 87 overall, and higher program requirements can go up to 115. Applicants should thoroughly research the program they want to apply to before submitting test scores.
Here is what University of Queensland scholars say about TOEFL:
“The key thing I would advise people to do when taking an IELTS or TOEFL test is to relax and treat it as you would an everyday conversation or university reading, as it’s intended to simulate situations a student would likely encounter when studying at a university overseas.”
Ilham Ramzy
7. University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales, or UNSW Sydney, has a strong reputation for research, teaching, and industry connections. These connections make the university popular among international students who wish to continue their stay in Australia for work after graduation.
UNSW accepts TOEFL iBT scores for English language proficiency. Current published requirements commonly list TOEFL iBT scores of 90 or 94 by faculty or program, while some programs require 102. Applicants should check the official English language requirements page for their program before applying.
TOEFL Scores of Students Studying in Australia
FAQs: TOEFL Acceptance in Australia
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in Australia?
TOEFL iBT® is one of the English tests accepted for Australian Student visa purposes when it is taken under the approved conditions. For tests taken on or after August 7, 2025, applicants should use the approved test list and, for TOEFL iBT, select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” when registering. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted for Australian visa purposes.
Universities may also set their own TOEFL requirements, so applicants should check both the university course page and the current Department of Home Affairs visa rules.
What TOEFL score should I aim for to be competitive?
A strong target depends on the university and course. Many standard TOEFL iBT requirements on this list sit around 79 to 90, while selective or professionally accredited programs can require 94, 100, 102, 107, or higher. Soklyneth Khun (Swinburne) shares how meeting English benchmarks was part of her preparation, and many recipients emphasize early test prep.
What if my TOEFL score is below the university minimum?
Some universities and scholarship programs may offer English preparation or pathway options if you do not initially meet the English requirement, but this depends on the university, scholarship, and applicant profile. Rhema Wijaya (ANU) explains that Australia Awards support can include English for Academic Purposes in some cases, and Kingkin Fitoriani mentions pre-departure IELTS preparation through Australia Awards.
Can I submit IELTS or PTE instead of TOEFL?
Usually yes. Most Australian universities accept multiple English tests, such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English, but accepted tests and formats vary by university, course, and visa purpose. Several Australia Awards scholars, like Sokmeng Chan (RMIT) and Baiq Nabila Tazkya (Monash), used IELTS, and applicants should always check each program’s accepted exams.
International students who plan to apply to Australian universities should remember that TOEFL requirements can change by course, intake, and visa policy. Even if your TOEFL iBT score is above the minimum requirement, it is still best to aim for a higher score where possible so you can strengthen your application.
Do you want to know more about Australian universities? Please visit our Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students!
