International Students Applying to JCU Entry requirements English language requirements
English language requirements
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If your native language is not English you are required to demonstrate your English language proficiency by undertaking an English Language Test.
The table below provides details on the English Language Test score requirements, and tests accepted. Applicants who have successfully completed two years of full-time study in which the language of instruction and assessment was English may satisfy the English requirement.
English language pathways
Many students who meet the academic entry requirements for entry into a James Cook University (JCU) degree, but not the English language entry requirements, receive a ‘packaged offer’ consisting of a period of academic English language studies, plus an offer into a JCU course. Please note, some courses may require an IELTS test after completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program and this condition will be stipulated in your Offer letter if it is an entry requirement.
English Language Tests Minimum Scores
Important update
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® due to public health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, JCU is temporarily accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test. This test is accepted by JCU as equivalent to the TOEFL iBT and applicants with TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition will meet the English proficiency requirements for JCU courses as per our English Language requirements in the table below.
English Language Requirements for Students from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
Band P | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3a | Band 3b | Band 3c | |
IELTS | 5.5 (no component lower than 5.0) | 6 (no component lower than 6.0) | 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) | 7 (no component lower than 6.5) | 7 (with 7.0 in three components and 6.5 in one component) | 7 (no component lower than 7.0) |
TOEFL (internet based) | 56 (no component less than 16) | 74 (no component less than 18) | 86 (no component less than 21) | 94 (no component less than 23) | 94 (23 in Speaking, 24 in Listening and Reading, and 27 in Writing) | 94 (23 in Speaking, 24 in Listening and Reading, and 27 in Writing) |
Pearson (PTE Academic) | 46 (no component less than 42) | 52 (no component less than 52) | 58 (no component less than 54) | 65 (no component less than 58) | 65 (with 65 in three components and 58 in one component | 65 (no component less than 65) |
C1 Advanced/ | 162 (no component less than 154) | 169 (no component less than 169) | 176 (no component less than 169) | |||
ISLPR | At least 2 in each skill area | At least 3 in each skill area | ||||
OET* | No component less than B | No component less than B | No component less than B | No component less than B | No component less than B | |
JCUCEAP | EAP Level 2 | EAP Level 3 | EAP Level 4 | EAP Level 5 | EAP Level 5 |
*OET is only accepted for the following undergraduate courses: Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Psychological Science, Occupational Therapy, Nursing Science, Medicine, and Dental Surgery.
Approved by Academic Board 29 April 2019
The Department of Home Affairs has certain rules relating to student visas which, depending on the visa assessment level of your country of citizenship, may require you to sit an English test. This may be required even though you meet other English language requirements set by JCU.
For more information, email InternationalAdmissions@jcu.edu.au.