• Section 1 - Preamble
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Policy
• Section 5 - Procedure
• Minimum English language proficiency requirements
• Time limitations
• Waivers
• Minimum English language proficiency requirements: Bands A- D and course-specific
• Part A: Prior study
• Part C – International equivalents
• Section 6 - Definitions

Section 1 - Preamble

(1) This Procedure is effective from 16 September 2020.

(2) This Procedure includes Schedule A: Course-specific English language proficiency requirements.

Section 2 - Purpose

(3) This Procedure sets out the minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission into the University's courses, and the evidence of achievement accepted by the University.

Section 3 - Scope

(4) This Procedure applies to all applicants seeking to gain admission to the University's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework courses and higher degrees by research, Study Abroad and exchange programs.

Section 4 - Policy

(5) This Procedure is pursuant to the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) policy and Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) policy.

Section 5 - Procedure

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

(6) The University sets minimum English language proficiency requirements to ensure that all students can participate in their chosen studies and have a good chance of success.

(7) All applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.

(8) In addition to meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements applicants must meet the course admission criteria set out in Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) procedure or Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) policy as appropriate.

(9) Applicants for combined degrees must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for both degrees. Where the individual degrees that comprise a combined degree are at different levels, the higher band applies.

(10) International applicants who are required to obtain a student visa to study in Australia must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs’ English language criteria. This requirement is in addition to the applicant meeting the University’s minimum English language proficiency requirements.

(11) Inbound Deakin Study Abroad or exchange applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for each unit in their proposed program. Requirements are determined according to the level that applies to the Deakin course in which the unit is offered. Where a unit is offered in courses at different levels, the minimum (lowest band) applies.

(12) Where an applicant is considered to have equivalent English language proficiency but is unable to provide evidence that meets the requirements set out in this Procedure, an Admissions Officer may apply for equivalent English language proficiency approval from Academic Board by completing an English language proficiency request form. The application must include a rationale and evidence to substantiate the case. Academic Board will determine if the evidence demonstrates equivalent proficiency.

Time limitations

(13) Evidence of English language proficiency must be current when the applicant commences their studies at Deakin. Time limitations apply to the age of the evidence used to demonstrate English language proficiency:

1. tests must be completed no more than 2 years prior to commencement at Deakin unless otherwise specified; and
2. qualifications must be completed no more than 5 years prior to commencement at Deakin unless otherwise specified.

(14) Time limitations do not apply for qualifications if an applicant can demonstrate that:

1. English is their primary language or they completed at least the final four years of their schooling in a recognised English-speaking country (see clauses 21 and 22); or
2. they have continuously resided or worked in a recognised English-speaking country between the completion of their studies and commencement at Deakin (see clauses 21 and 22).

Waivers

(15) The University will not approve any waivers in relation to this Procedure.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements: Bands A- D and course-specific

(16) Academic Board approves minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to Deakin University courses. These requirements are defined in four bands (Bands A-D).

(17) Academic units may seek approval to set a higher level of English language proficiency for specific courses, in accordance with the Higher Education Courses Approval and Review procedure. For these courses, Bands A-D do not apply and applicants must meet the requirements specified for their proposed course of study.

(18) Applicants must demonstrate that they meet minimum English language proficiency requirements for the relevant Band by providing evidence from one of the following categories:

1. Prior study, as set out in Part A; or
2. English-speaking experience, as set out in Part B; or
3. International equivalents, as set out in Part C.

Part A: Prior study

(19) The following table sets out the requirements for demonstrating minimum English language proficiency through prior study. Applicants must provide evidence of meeting one of the following categories of prior study in the required band.

(20) Applicants may demonstrate that they meet minimum English language proficiency requirements through test results:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Fiji
4. Ireland
5. Kenya
6. New Zealand
7. Papua New Guinea
8. Samoa
9. Singapore
10. Solomon Islands
11. South Africa
12. United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
13. United States of America
14. Zambia.

(23) Evidence of residence or employment is assessed on a case by case basis, and may include but is not limited to:

1. a passport
2. an interview
3. residency/citizenship documentation
4. supporting statements from employers, community leaders, sports coaches, or professional practitioners who know the applicant. Supporting statements must include current contact details to allow for verification.

Part C – International equivalents

(24) The following table sets out international equivalents for demonstrating minimum English language proficiency requirements. Applicants must provide evidence of meeting one of the following international equivalents in the required band.

Section 6 - Definitions

(25) For the purpose of this Procedure:

1. international applicant: a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, is not a citizen of New Zealand or a person holding an Australian permanent refugee, humanitarian or protection visa. Temporary permanent residents are considered international applicants.
2. primary language: means the language primarily used for reading, writing, listening, and speaking and the language known best and most comfortable with.
3. tertiary studies: also referred to as post-secondary studies, is the educational level following secondary education. Tertiary studies includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).
4. recent secondary education: means completion of secondary education (Year 12 or overseas equivalent) in the current year or within the previous two years.