English Entry Requirements

The English Entry Requirements at TasTAFE are reviewed annually to ensure that they meet industry standards and are in-line with expectation of the Department of Home Affairs.

TasTAFE will accept a combination of two English tests, in a 12-month period, as evidence of meeting English requirement as follows:

1. Two tests: when the overall results on both tests meet the required English entry, but a score on one skill (RLWS) is lower than required and meets the requirement on the second, in this case two valid results can be combined.  The earliest test will be deemed the test result with 2-year validity.
2. When overall results meet the required English entry, but one individual score is lower than required, in this case an English Placement Test for vocational qualification entry in one skill can be combined with the results.
3. The acceptance of the combined tests also applies to the Diploma of Nursing, however, the individual score that is lower, must only be one level lower than the requirement.  This requirement, including the acceptance of the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is subject to change and can be confirmed via the NMBA Registration Standards – English Language Skills.

Circumstances where English language test requirements can be waived (evidence required)

Satisfactory completion of one of the following, completed no more than 2 years prior to the date of application unless otherwise specified.

1. Previous studies in a specified English-speaking country where English was the only language of instruction:
   • Secondary studies equivalent to Australian Year 12.
   • Post‐Secondary studies, equivalent to 1 academic year at an Australian Certificate IV or higher level.

   OR

2. Previous Australian studies where English was the only language of instruction:
   • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Australian Year 12)
   • Australian Foundation Course
   • Certificate IV or higher AQF qualification – for entry into VET programs
   • At least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) in higher education studies at AQF Level 5 or higher

   OR

3. Completion of at least 5 years study in English in Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the Republic of Ireland.

   OR

4. A citizen and hold a passport from United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Canada or Republic of Ireland.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment used by TasTAFE to determine English levels on eligible applications. The test is available online, on demand.

You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam.

The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker.

The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results.

Please note: the Duolingo English Test is currently not accepted for student visa applications by the Department of Home Affairs.

ELICOS Packages

For applicants who do not meet the minimum English Entry Requirements, TasTAFE offers ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) packages to assist improve English levels.

The TasTAFE National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) Accredited ELICOS program is benchmarked against Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and program delivery is designed to improve the international learner experience. This matrix provides guidelines to international admissions staff with any variation to be approved by ELICOS Academic Manager.

English Test Equivalencies