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.
All international student applicants must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency as stated below:
| Test | All other qualifications | Nursing |
|---|---|---|
IELTS | Overall 6.0 (no band less than 5.0) | IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (with minimum score of 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking) and minimum score of 6.5 in Writing. |
PTE | Overall 47 (no communicative skills less than 36) | Overall score of 63 Component scores needed: Listening 58, Reading 59, Speaking 76, Writing 60. |
TOEFL - iBT | Overall 74 (each section no less than: 9 – Listening; 10 – Reading; 19 – Writing; 16 – Speaking) | Overall score of 91 Component scores needed: Listening 22, Reading 22, Speaking 24, Writing 23. |
OET | Minimum score of C in all four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) | Component scores needed: Listening 350, Reading 360, Speaking 360, Writing 350. |
Cambridge C1 Advanced | 161 | Minimum overall score of 178 Component scores needed: Listening 175, Reading 179, Speaking 194, Writing 180. |
| CELPIP General | Overall band score 7 and minimum score of 5 in each component | N/A |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall band score of 61 and minimum of 47 in each component | N/A |
| MET | Overall band score of 1210 and minimum of 45 in each component | N/A |
DET | 105-115 | N/A |
TasTAFE also accepts a combination of two English tests, in a 12-month period, as evidence of meeting English requirement as follows:
- Two tests: when the overall results on both tests meet the required English entry, but one individual score is lower than required on one test but 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
| Program | Entry (IELTS overall or equivalent) | Exit (IELTS overall or equivalent) | Recommended Duration | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Program - General | 4.0 | 4.5 | 10 weeks | Monthly Intakes |
| English Language Program - General | 4.5 | 5.0 | 10 weeks | Monthly Intakes |
| 5.0 | 5.5 | 10 weeks | Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct | |
| 5.5 | 6.0 | 10 weeks | Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct |
English Test Equivalencies
| CEFR | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL-ibt | DET | LANGUAGECERT Academic | MET | CELPIP Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2-B1 | 4.0 (3.0) | 28 | 30 | 60-80 | 38 | 38 | 4 |
| B1-B2 | 5.0 (4.5) | 36 (30) | 35 (14WS) | 90-105 | 46 | 44 | 5 |
| B2 | 5.5 (4.5) | 42 (36) | 46 (14WS4RL) | 95-100 | 54 | 49 | 6 |
| B1-B2 | 5.0 (4.5) | 36 (30) | 35 (14WS) | 85-95 | 46 | 44 | 5 |
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025*
TasTAFE still accepts test scores from the following tests, up until certain timeframes, that are undertaken at a secure test centre:
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
| Test | All other qualifications | Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 6.0 (no band less than 5.0) | Overall 7.0 (with minimum score of 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking) and minimum score of 6.5 in writing. |
| PTE Academic | Overall 50 (no communicative skills less than 36) | Overall 66 (minimum score of 66 in listening, reading, and speaking) and minimum score of 56 in writing. |
| TOEFL - iBT | Overall 64 (each section no less than): 9 - Listening 10 - Reading 19 - Writing 16 - Speaking | Overall 94 (each section no less than): 24 - Listening 24 - Reading 24 - Writing 23 - Speaking |
| OET | Minimum score of C in all four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) | Minimum score of B in the three components: listening, reading, and speaking); minimum score of C+ in writing. |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 | Minimum score of 185 in the three components: listening, reading, and speaking; minimum score of 176 in writing. |