Australia is one of the friendliest countries in the world for students around the globe. The universities in Australia value the individual freedom of their students in their diverse communities. The country has excellent educational facilities for international students. In providing quality education to international students, Australian universities lead the way. 

For an easy and well-coordinated life in Australia, students need to know English so they can communicate effectively with people around them.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is trusted worldwide for its credibility and fairness to all test holders, irrespective of their nationality, cultural background, special needs, or gender. The minimum overall acceptable IELTS band score after intermediate is 6.0 bands and after graduation minimum, overall IELTS band score is 6.5 bands.

It is the most popular among the acceptable English language tests for an Australian study visa. It’s a great test to prove that you are fluent in English and are qualified to enter Australian Universities.

Why take the IELTS exam for an Australian Study Visa?

As Australia is an English-speaking country, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency so that you can communicate at a basic level in common situations such as ordering food or interacting with your peers or coworkers. Australia expects its future students to be fluent in English. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that assesses the English language proficiency of a student. 

There are two types of an IELTS test

1. IELTS Academic: To get admission to a university
2. IELTS General: To achieve migration

The organization in which you wish to work or study sets forth the requirements. It’s a good thing to figure out which one is ideal for you before scheduling your exam. All Australian Colleges accept IELTS Academic. A variety of institutions, companies, and immigration authorities also recognize IELTS General.

Who is excluded from taking IELTS? 

Some students don’t have to prove their English proficiency and can get a visa without taking any English language test. These are:

• Foreign Affairs or Defence-sponsored students
• Citizens and passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
• Students who have completed a minimum of 5 years of study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.
• Students enrolled full time in school studies as a principal course, postgraduate work, or a standalone ELICOS program.

All other students need to prove their English proficiency and take English language tests for an Australian study visa. 

Scope of the IELTS for Australian Study Visa

Over 10,000 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations, and governments in almost 140 countries around the globe, recognize the IELTS test. The IELTS test costs almost 395 AUD.

• IELTS provides a valid assessment of four language skills: writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
•  The test assesses language skills instead of vast knowledge.
•  The questions asked are easy and general and most of the students with good English language skills can answer them. 
• The test is focused on finding practical communication skills. It includes a one-on-one and a face-to-face speaking test. 

The minimum overall acceptable IELTS band score after intermediate is 6.0 bands and after graduation minimum, overall IELTS band score is 6.5 bands.

Modules of IELTS

There are four modules for an IELTS test:

1. IELTS Listening
2. IELTS Reading
3. IELTS Writing
4. IELTS Speaking

IELTS Listening

There is only one listening test for all IELTS candidates. It means that both academic and general IELTS candidates will take the same listening test. The IELTS listening lasts for 40 minutes and the listening recording will last for 30 minutes. 

There are four parts to the listening test:

1. A conversation between two people
2. A talk with just one person
3. Conversation with up to 4 people
4. A talk by one person on an academic topic

The paper-based listening test consists of listening and writing at the same time. You listen and then write the answers on paper. It continues for 30 minutes and then you are given 10 minutes to transfer the answer from the paper to an answer sheet.

 But in computer-based tests, you directly put your answers on the computer and you are not given 10 minutes to transfer your answers. You will be given 2 minutes in a computer test to review and change your answers. There is a specific word limit for each answer and a specific pattern. If you made a spelling mistake, then your answer will be considered wrong. 

Minimum acceptable score: 

The minimum IELTS band score acceptable in the listening module after intermediate is 5.5. After graduation, the minimum acceptable IELTS band score for listening is 6.0.

IELTS Reading

The reading test is 1 hour long, and it comes directly after your listening test. There are a total of 40 questions for a reading test. You will not be provided any extra minutes for transferring your answers. There are three reading passages for the IELTS Academic. 

You get one point for each correct answer, but you don’t lose a point for a wrong answer. There are different reading tests for IELTS Academic and General tests. There will be a variety of questions that you will have to be prepared for.

You can also write all your answers in capital letters. It is useful to write your all answers in capital letters as they will avoid the problem of capitalizing the proper nouns. It will also make your answers easier to read if all are capital words.

Minimum acceptable score: 

The minimum IELTS band score acceptable in the Reading module after intermediate is 5.5. After graduation, the minimum acceptable IELTS band score for reading is 6.0.

Also read: 5 Reasons to choose Australia as a Study Abroad Destination

IELTS Writing

The IELTS writing section assesses your ability to compose a response adequately, and how you organize your thoughts and utilize a range of vocabulary and grammar correctly.

There are two tasks for a writing test.

Task 1

For the first task, candidates are to be required to write a minimum of 150 words to describe, summarise, or explain some given visual information in their own words. The visual information can be graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams.

Task 2

This task requires you to reply to a point of view, argument, or problem by discussing the pertinent problems. Answers should be specific rather than broad. The word count for task 2 is a minimum of 250 words.

Like the other three modules, you will be given scores according to your performance in the test. During the writing test, be mindful of your word count, as it is really important. You must write above the word count or else you will lose points even if you are just a few words behind. 

Manage your time wisely and give almost 20 minutes to task 1 and 40 minutes to task 2 as it is a major contributor to your scores. You should understand the requirements of both tasks and then answer the questions properly. 

Minimum acceptable score: 

The minimum IELTS band score acceptable in the Writing module after intermediate is 5.5. After graduation, the minimum acceptable IELTS band score for writing is 6.0.

IELTS Speaking

The speaking test is a face-to-face test with an examiner in a room. The speaking test for both IELTS Academic and IELTS general has the same test. If you are taking the test from then still it’s a face-to-face test with an examiner. 

This is an informal test and is recorded so that if you wish, you can ask for comment later. Your score will be determined by the examiner who asked you the questions. The exam will take between 10-15 minutes. 

There are four marking criteria for a speaking test.

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Fluency and Cohesion

And each of the four criteria contributes 25% of the score.

Minimum acceptable score:

The minimum IELTS band score acceptable in the speaking module after intermediate is 5.5. After graduation, the minimum acceptable IELTS band score for speaking is 6.0

How StudyWise can help?

At StudyWise, we provide you with all the help you will need for your Australian study visa. We recommend top institutes for ILETS preparation with promising results to our students. Contact StudyWise to apply for your Australian study visa and preparation for IELTS or download the StudyWise app to find out which universities and courses you can apply to.