The University of New England

Updated English language requirements

On December 11th 2023 the Australian Government announced that from early 2024, English language testing requirements for student visa English language requirements will increase from 5.5 to 6.0 and the minimum temporary graduate visa will increase from 6.0 to 6.5.

Here is an overview of the English language requirement changes:

• Temporary Graduate visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 6.0 to 6.5
• Student visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0
• ELICOS will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 4.5 to 5.0
• University foundation or pathway programs that deliver English language training will be an IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5

Locations

Armidale

''Quietly sitting 475 kilometres north-west of Sydney in the NSW Northern Tablelands, Armidale balances a city-esque vibe amid a country landscape.'' - Australian Traveller

Students living in Armidale will experience the best of both worlds, both regional and city life. Students will have an active balanced lifestyle with gourmet food, the best sports facilities, shopping outlets, cultural delights and all at affordable prices.

Sydney

Students can enjoy iconic Sydney attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and discover popular destinations in the Sydney region from Manly and Bondi Beach, to the Blue Mountains region, a World Heritage site.

Parramatta

Parramatta offers easy access to countless restaurants, bars and clubs and retail outlets. The university also participates in various events within the local business community.

Parramatta is home to the Heritage listed Parramatta Park and Commbank Stadium, where students will find Rugby League team Parramatta Eels and soccer team Western Sydney Wanderers. Close by is Sydney Olympic Park where students can attend concerts, sports and Western Sydney Giants AFL games.

UNE maintains excellent teaching quality, given its small student-to-teacher ratio and the access that students have to its award-winning teachers. In the 2024 edition of the Good Universities Guide, UNE received five stars for teaching quality and student support.

With strengths in subject areas such as business, IT, agriculture, and nursing, UNE offers its international students the best educators in Australia. Academics at UNE are active in research, and many of them are international experts in their fields. UNE's research ranks at or above world standard in almost 40 areas, according to the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia by the Australian Research Council.

Recent rankings

UNE has a proud history of providing an exceptional educational experience that has led to strong outcomes in university rankings and a reputation for excellence.

In the 2024 edition of the Good Universities Guide, UNE was awarded 5-star ratings for:

• Overall experience - undergraduate and postgraduate
• Teaching quality - undergraduate and postgraduate
• Student support - undergraduate
• Full-time employment - undergraduate

These achievements demonstrate UNE's commitment to creating future-fit graduates, its excellence in research and strong partnerships with communities and industries. By choosing to study with UNE, students will be collaborating with a university that knows how to help them respond to rapid workplace change.

Study options are offered across:

Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

The faculty supports an outstanding learning and student experience through provision of a range of courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and prepares graduates to achieve their potential in a complex and changing global environment. It comprises:

• School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
• School of Education

Faculty of Medicine and Health

This faculty comprises:

• School of Health
• School of Psychology
• School of Rural Medicine

Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law

The faculty is an innovative collaboration of scientists, researchers, and academics designed to deliver cutting-edge education and real-world learning. It has over 700 staff and postgraduate students with international reach and active industry collaborations and partners across Asia and Africa. It comprises:

• School of Science and Technology
• School of Environmental and Rural Science
• UNE Business School
• School of Law

Undergraduate entry requirements

Qualification at least equivalent to Year 12 completion in Australia.

Postgraduate entry requirements

Qualification equivalent to an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) bachelor's degree.

Students can consult the UNE Course and Unit Catalogue and general entry requirements for more information.

Standard English language requirements

• English is the applicant's first language or
• Satisfactory completion, within five years of applying to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the official language or co-official language
• A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent or
• An IELTS (academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5 or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50
• Satisfactory completion of the EAP programme at the UNE English Language Centre, or an equivalent

Some courses have higher English language requirements.

English Language Centre (ELC)

ELC offers direct entry English for Academic Purposes programmes to help students prepare for further study at UNE. ELC teachers are dedicated to helping students reach their goals, and will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout their studies.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) CRICOS Course Code: 083280M

UNE's EAP is offered at Armidale campus or online

The EAP course helps students improve their English language skills for entry into higher education study in Australia. On completion, students who meet the academic requirements may be eligible for direct entry into UNE.

EAP is also suitable for any student who wants to learn English at an advanced level.

Bursaries for international students

The UNE International Bursary offers full-time international students, starting their study in 2024, a reduction of up to 20 percent to their annual tuition. To benefit from this, students can study on campus, or online from anywhere. They can also choose to transition to on-campus after commencing study online.

HDR scholarships

Students can also apply for higher degree research (HDR) scholarships at the university. All applicants are required to enrol in a higher degree research course, or must have submitted a candidature application for an HDR course.

Some of UNE's on-campus facilities include:

• Residential colleges - UNE has an extensive network of seven colleges offering a wide range of accommodation options on campus.
• Sport UNE - Offers students a great range of on-campus sporting facilities, including group fitness classes a state-of-the-art gym indoor pool tennis courts indoor rock climbing, soccer, yoga hockey and basketball.
• Cafe Life - Located in the centre of the campus, the cafe is a great place for lunch, snacks or an espresso coffee during the day.
• The Bistro - Located in the heart of campus, the Strop bar is the place for students to hang out, play a game of pool or get lunch.
• The Booloominbah Collection - The Brasserie and Courtyard Cafe are located in the historic Booloominbah homestead. Students can relax with coffee and cake or enjoy excellent food for breakfast or lunch throughout the year at Booloominbah.
• Campus Essentials - A retail shop, newsagent and post-office rolled into one, Campus Essentials has everything needed for life at UNE, including purchasing textbooks.
• Sleek Hair Studio - UNE's very own hair salon, with great deals for students on haircuts, massages, beauty treatments and products.
• Natural History Museum – A great place to take in the wonders of our natural world, enjoy the cafe and meeting room.
• UNE Medical Centre - International students are able to access this facility and use their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for a number of different health services. The UNE Medical Centre is located adjacent to Armidale Public hospital in the School of Rural Medicine building.
• Museum of Antiquities - This is Australia's only museum of regional ancient history and archaeology.