Graduate Research Admissions Policy
Schedule 1: English Language Admission Requirements for Graduate Research
Courses
Purpose
This Schedule sets out English Language requirements for applicants to Graduate Research awards.
Schedule
English proficiency descriptors and standards
Macquarie University requires applicants to provide evidence that their English language proficiency is
appropriate for the linguistic demands of their intended course of study and research.
The descriptors below outline the levels of English proficiency required for entry to Graduate Research
courses, with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
Level of
English
De
scription of English Proficiency Standard
Indicative
CEFR
Level
Minimum proficiency standards for entry to Macquarie University Graduate Research courses
Co
mpetent
Students have effective command of English, using fairly complex language in
general situations and some complex language in their own field. They can use
fluent and nuanced expression to engage with familiar topics and social
communication, though
some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and
misunderstandings may still be evident. They can effectively structure and
communicate arguments, clearly articulate detailed information,
and summarise
or report on previous interactions.
They can provide and transmit solutions to sometimes complex problems,
demonstrating understanding of knowledge, with depth in some areas.
B2+
Pr
oficient
Students have fully operational command of English. Communication is fluent and
generally spontaneous. They can use language flexibly for social and professional
purposes, with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies, or misunderstandings.
They can engage with complex, lengthy texts on familiar and unfamiliar topics,
understanding nuanced shades of meaning. They convey ideas clearly and
precisely, cohesively and coherently organising information using various formats
for various purposes.
C1
Superior
Students have fully operational command of English, demonstrating fluency and
strong familiarity with natural expression. Any misunderstandings, inaccuracies,
or inappropriacies are generally restricted to unfamiliar situations or contexts.
They can engage with complex, lengthy texts on familiar and unfamiliar topics,
locating directly stated information in a range of text types and identifying
textual attitudes and opinions. They convey ideas clearly and precisely,
cohesively and coherently organising information using various formats for
various purposes. They can provide and transmit solutions to sometimes complex
problems, demonstrating understanding of knowledge, with depth in some areas.
Mid-C1
Accepted evidence of English language proficiency
Applicants may demonstrate their level of English proficiency through one of the following methods
accepted by the University:
a. an approved English language proficiency test
b. a recognized qualification with English as the language of instruction
c. a Macquarie University College English Language Program (ELP)
d. Other approved evidence deemed to satisfy minimum standards
Section 1: Approved English language tests
The following section outlines English language proficiency tests accepted by Macquarie University and the
minimum test scores required to satisfy English entry standards to various courses.
The following English language tests are recognised by the University:
Acronym
Full Name
IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: Academic version
TOEFL iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language: Internet-based Test
PTE Academic Pearson Test of English Academic
C1A
Cambridge English C1 Advanced
(previously CAE or Cambridge English: Advanced)
C2P
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency
(previously CPE or Cambridge English: Proficiency)
Test validity period
Unless otherwise specified, all English language test scores must be less than two years old at the date of
application for a Graduate Research course at the University.
Minimum test scores
To meet English proficiency requirements for a course, the following minimum scores must be achieved on
the relevant test.
Academic IELTS
Level of English Overall
Reading
Writing Listening
Speaking
For admission to
Competent English 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 Most Graduate Research courses
Proficient English
7.0
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.5
Graduate Research courses in
Macquarie Law School
7.0
6.5
7.0
6.5
6.5
Graduate Research courses in
English Literature
Section 2: Recognised study with English as the Language of Instruction
The University may accept as meeting English proficiency requirements:
a. A minimum of five (5) years’ study in one or more of the following countries:
i. Australia
ii. Canada
iii. New Zealand
iv. South Africa
v. Republic of Ireland
vi. United Kingdom
vii. United States of America
b. Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Australia (Australian Qualifications
Framework AQF7) or higher, within two year of submitting your application.
TOEFL iBT
Level of English Overall
Reading
Writing Listening
Speaking
For admission to
Competent English
83
13
21
12
18
Most Graduate Research courses
Proficient English
94
19
24
20
20
Graduate Research courses in
Macquarie Law School
94
19
27
20
20
Graduate Research courses in
English Literature
PTE Academic
Level of English Overall
Reading
Writing Listening
Speaking
For admission to
Competent English
58
52
52
52
52
Most Graduate Research courses
Proficient English
66
58
58
58
58
Graduate Research courses in
Macquarie Law School
66
58
66
58
58
Graduate Research courses in
English Literature
Cambridge English (C1A or C2P)
Level of English Overall
Reading
Writing Listening
Speaking
For admission to
Competent English
180
169
169
169
169
Most Graduate Research courses
Proficient English
185
176
176
176
176
Graduate Research courses in
Macquarie Law School
185
176
185
176
176
Graduate Research courses in
English Literature
Section 3: Macquarie University College English Language Programs (ELP)
Applicants who do not meet English Language requirements, but who otherwise meet academic entry
requirements for a course, may be issued a packaged offer of study that includes an English Language
Program (ELP) at the Macquarie University College. These programs enable students to meet English entry
requirements to most courses at Macquarie University.
Section 4: Other approved evidence deemed to satisfy minimum standards
On a case-by-case basis, the University may accept other documentary evidence as meeting minimum
English proficiency requirements up to the level of Competent English for admission to Graduate
Research courses.
Competent
English
A reference letter on official letterhead confirming a minimum of three
(3) year working experience or equivalent in an approved English
speaking country from their employer or equivalent, which states
their position title, the duties they undertook and an idea of what
level of English was spoken and how English was used in terms of
written or verbal communication, for the endorsement of the
Associate Dean (RTP) of the Faculty and recommendation to the GRA.
Australia, Canada,
New Zealand, South
Africa, Republic of
Ireland, United
Kingdom and United
States of America
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Provider & Course Level of English Program & requirement For admission to
Macquarie University
College English Language
Programs
Competent English
Direct Entry Program - Minimum
grade of Pass in the Overall Score
and Pass in each skill component
Most Graduate
Research courses
Status and Details
Status
Current
Effective
Date
31 May 2023
Review
Date
31 May 2026
Approval Authority
Academic Senate
Amendment History
Approval Date
30 May 2023
Expiry Date Not Applicable
Responsible Executive
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Responsible Officer
Operations Director, Graduate Research
Enquiries
Contact
Operations Director, Graduate Research
