English Language Proficiency

For future international or domestic students born outside of an approved English-speaking country, in addition to specific academic requirements, you will also need to meet the English Language Proficiency set for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) is required regardless of citizenship status and can be met by country of birth, secondary or tertiary education study, or an ELP test.

For specified CQU courses, countries of birth that meet ELP requirements include:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America.

ELP requirements differ by course. Find the details for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree on your course page ‘Entry Requirements’ section. 

TAFE, short courses and micro-credentials do not require ELP but may have other literacy entry requirements as outlined on the course page.

ELP List for Undergraduate Courses

For a quick view of the ELP requirements for our undergraduate degrees, view our ELP list.

Recognised ELP tests

If you need to undertake an ELP test, ensure you understand which of the recognised tests below are valid and the accepted score you will need to attain for your course.

The IELTS assesses your English listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, and to meet English language requirements at CQU you must choose the Academic IELTS. This test takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes and must be completed in a test centre. Online IELTS tests will not be accepted. The release of test results can be between 3 – 13 days.

Find out more and book your test

The Pearson PTE Academic test is a computer-based English test that measures your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in a single two-hour test. You must take your test at a test centre; typically, you will receive your results in 48 hours. There are frequent test dates with last-minute availabilities.

Find out more and book your test.

The OET has been developed specifically for 12 healthcare professions: Dentistry, Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Speech Pathology and Veterinary Science. The OET will assess your English listening, reading, writing and speaking skills with options to complete the test on a computer or paper at a range of test centres. When booking your test, ensure you choose from the schedule that is relevant to your prospective profession. Generally, there is one date per month that tests are administered.

Find out more and book your test

The TOEFL tests your English reading, listening, speaking and writing skills and takes approximately three hours to complete, including a 10-minute break. CQU requires the TOEFL iBT testing option which you can complete at a test centre, with many testing dates scheduled each year. Typically, you can expect your results within 4-8 days of testing.

Find out more and book your test.

Tips For Your ELP Test

  • Plan ahead - research when you can book your test and how long you will have to wait before receiving your results. Remember you need to supply them with your application before the deadline.
  • Prepare and practice - all the ELP test websites provide resources on what to expect with your test and how to prepare, some also share practice tests.
  • Know what to achieve - check the course requirements, so you know exactly what score you need to achieve.
  • Check fees - fees for these tests can range from $200 - $600.