English language requirements
English language proficiency framework
Macquarie University requires applicants to provide evidence that their English language proficiency is appropriate for the linguistic demands of their intended course of study.
English proficiency descriptors and standards
The descriptors below outline the minimum levels of English proficiency required for entry to coursework and non-award courses at Macquarie University and the Macquarie University College with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Minimum standards for entry to Macquarie University College courses
Minimum standards for entry to Macquarie University courses
What level of English does my course require?
How can I demonstrate my proficiency in English?
Macquarie University accepts a range of evidence to demonstrate your English language proficiency. This includes either:
- An approved English language proficiency test
- A recognised qualification with English as the language of instruction
- An approved Foundation Program
- A Macquarie University College English Language Program (ELP)
- Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs
- Other approved evidence deemed to satisfy minimum standards
English language tests
The following section outlines English language proficiency tests accepted by Macquarie University and the minimum test scores required to satisfy English entry standards to various courses.
Accepted tests
Validity period
Required Scores
Qualification with English as the Language of Instruction
Approved Foundation Program
The University accepts the following Australian foundation programs for purposes of meeting Functional, Vocational, or Competent English proficiency requirements:
| Provider and Course | Level of English | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Macquarie University Foundation or Intensive Program | Functional or Vocational | n/a |
| Competent | Completion | |
| ANU College Foundation Studies Program | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English |
| Competent | 65% in Academic English or Advanced Academic English | |
| Monash College Foundation Year | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English 1 and 2 |
| Competent | 65% in English | |
| University of Adelaide College Foundation Studies | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) |
| Competent | C | |
| University of Melbourne – Trinity College Foundation Studies | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) |
| Competent | 65% in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) | |
| University of Queensland – IES College Foundation Year | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) |
| Competent | 65% in Academic English for University Studies | |
| University of Sydney – Taylors College Foundation Program | Functional or Vocational | Grade D in English A and B |
| Competent | C | |
| University of Western Australia – Taylors College Perth Foundation Program | Functional or Vocational | 50% in Academic English A and B |
| Competent | 65% in English | |
| UNSW Global Foundation Program (Standard and Transition) | Functional or Vocational | Grade D in Academic English |
| Competent | C+ | |
| Western Australian Universities’ (TISC) Foundation Program | Functional or Vocational | 50% in English Language and Australian Culture Studies (ELACS) |
| Competent | 65% in English Language and Culture Studies (ELACS) | |
| UTS College Foundation Studies Program | Functional or Vocational | 50% in Foundation or Advanced English 1 and 2 |
| Competent | Credit (65%) in English |
MQ College English Language Program (ELP)
Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
The University also accepts other English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs from selected providers for the purpose of meeting English language requirements for courses requiring up to Competent English proficiency.
A successfully completed EAP program will only be considered if it has been completed within one year prior to the date the applicant will commence the course at Macquarie University. Unless otherwise specified, only CRICOS-registered AEP programs completed onshore in Australia are recognised.
| Provider | Location | Level of English | EAP Program and Requirement | For Admission To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Education Management Group | China | Competent | EAP2DEP with minimum overall score of 70% and no section less than 65% | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses |
| Australian Pacific College | Australia | Functional | EAP A - Grade B | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | EAP A - Grade B | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | EAP A with a minimum overall of B+ | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| ELS Universal English College (UEC) | Australia | Functional | AEP2 Grade B | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | AEP2 Grade A or AEP3 Grade B | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | Academic English Program 3 (AEP3) with a minimum overall grade of A | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| English Language Company | Australia | Functional | AE1a with minimum overall of 60% or above | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | AE1b - with minimum overall of 60% or above | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | Academic English 2a (AE2a) with minimum overall of 75%. The EAP Level 3 Certificate can also be recognised as equivalent to this academic standard. | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| Greenwich English College | Australia | Functional | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with a minimum overall grade of Pass (50%) | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with a minimum overall grade of Pass (50%) | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with a minimum overall score of Credit | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
Kaplan International English (KIE) | Australia | Functional | EAP 1 - minimum overall of 65% | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | EAP 2 - minimum overall of 65% | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | EAP 2 with a minimum overall of 75% | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| Sydney English Language Centre (SELC) | Australia | Functional | AEP 2 - 60% | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | AEP 1 - 70% | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | Academic English Program 1 (AEP 1) (minimum 10 weeks) with a minimum overall of 75% | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| UNSW Global | Australia | Functional | FEEC - D+ | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | FEEC - C | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | UEEC with a minimum overall grade of C+ and a minimum grade of C in the writing component | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| UTS College | Australia, China, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, and Vietnam | Functional | AE3 - Pass | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | AE4 - Pass | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | Academic English Level 5 (AE5) with a minimum of Pass (includes programs delivered offshore in China, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, and Vietnam) | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses | ||
| Western Sydney University | Australia | Functional | EAP 3 with a minimum overall of 50% (and pass in tests) | Standard Foundation Program |
| Vocational | EAP 4 or 5 with a minimum overall of 50% (and pass in tests) | Intensive Program, Undergraduate Certificate, or Diploma | ||
| Competent | EAP 5 with a minimum overall of 55% (and pass in tests) | Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses |