Academic assessment tests like the SAT, GRE, and GMAT are less common and typically relevant only for specific situations or competitive postgraduate programs (especially MBA). Always confirm the specific test requirements and minimum scores with your chosen universities and the Department of Home Affairs.
So, you’ve decided to study in Australia?
Planning to study in Australia is an exciting venture! As part of the application process for universities and visas, you may encounter several standardised tests. While requirements can vary significantly between institutions and visa categories, this guide provides a brief overview of common tests, helping you understand their purpose and general relevance in the Australian context. It is crucial to always verify specific score requirements and test acceptance directly with the Australian universities you are applying to and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for visa purposes, as policies can change.
| Full form | Purpose | Grade Range | Validity | Approx. Fee (NPR) in Nepal (subject to change) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Language proficiency | 0–120 | 2 years | ~26,000 – 30,000 |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | Language proficiency | 0–9 band | 2 years | 28,800 – 31,500 |
| PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) | Language proficiency | 10–90 | 2 years | ~28,000 – 30,000 |
| SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | Academic aptitude | 400–1600 | 5 years | ~14,800 (US$111) |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Graduate academic aptitude | Verbal/Quant 130–170 each | 5 years | ~29,400 (US$220) |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | Graduate business aptitude | 200–800 | 5 years | ~33,400 – 36,800 (US$250 – US$275) |
English Proficiency Tests. These tests assess your English language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and are commonly required for international students from non-English speaking backgrounds.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is a test to assess your ability to use and understand English. The total score range is 0-120, with scores from 0-30 for each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing). It is valid for 2 years. The test cost is approximately US$195.
- Purpose: English language proficiency assessment.
- Relevance: Accepted by 100% of Australian universities and for Australian visas.
Important Note: The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not currently accepted for Australian student visa purposes by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Only tests taken at official test centers are valid for visas. It’s crucial to check the DHA website for any specific date restrictions on test acceptance, as policies can change. - Scoring: 0-30 per section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), total 0-120.
- Typical University Scores: Varies widely. General minimums might be around 80, but top universities often require 94-100+, with specific minimums per section.
- Validity: 2 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal: ~US$195 + 15% Government Tax + Bank Charges (approximately NPR 26,000 – 30,000, subject to exchange rates).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is a language proficiency test. It is scored on a 0-9 band scale for each section and the overall score. It is valid for 2 years. The cost in Nepal is NPR 31,500 for paper-based and NPR 28,800 for computer-based tests.
- Purpose: English language proficiency assessment.
- Relevance: Widely accepted by all Australian universities (IELTS Academic) and for visas (Academic or General Training, depending on visa type). For student visas to Australia, IELTS Academic is generally required for university admissions.
- Scoring: Band scores 0-9 for each section and overall.
- Typical University Scores (Academic): Generally, Undergraduate requires Overall 6.0 (no band < 5.5), Postgraduate requires Overall 6.5 (no band < 6.0). Top universities/competitive courses often require 7.0+.
- Validity: 2 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal:
- IELTS on Paper (Academic and General Training): NPR 31,500
- IELTS on Computer (Academic and General Training): NPR 28,800
- (Costs are subject to change by British Council/IDP Nepal)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English Academic and is a language proficiency test. The score range for PTE is 10-90 overall and per communicative skill. It is valid for 2 years. The cost in Nepal is approximately NPR 28,000 to 30,000.
- Purpose: English language proficiency assessment.
- Relevance: Accepted by 100% of Australian universities and the DHA for all visa categories. Known for fast, AI-scored results.
- Scoring: 10-90 overall and per communicative skill.
- Typical University Scores: Generally, an Undergraduate requires 50-65 overall, Postgraduate requires 58-79 overall. Minimums vary, with some universities requiring 65+ for certain programs.
- Validity: 2 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal: Approximately NPR 28,000 to 30,000 (includes US$215 exam fee + 13% VAT + 15% Government Tax, subject to exchange rates).
Academic Assessment Tests. These tests assess general academic aptitude (reasoning, quantitative skills) and are less commonly required in Australia compared to the US, primarily relevant for specific postgraduate programs or as alternative entry pathways.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test and is an academic assessment test. The total score range for SAT is 400–1600. It is valid for 5 years. The base cost for the SAT exam in Nepal is US$111.
- Purpose: Assess readiness for college (Reading, Writing, Math). Primarily used in the US.
- Relevance: Not generally required by Australian universities, especially for domestic students. May be considered by some universities for international students (particularly with US qualifications) or specific pathway programs, but acceptance is limited. For most undergraduate programs in Australia, your high school results (e.g., NEB or A-Levels) and English proficiency test scores are usually sufficient.
- Scoring: 400–1600 total.
- Typical University Scores: Highly variable if accepted, potentially 1150-1450+ range for competitive entry.
- Validity: 5 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal: US$111 (includes US$68 general fee and US$43 country-specific fee). This does not cover bank charges or taxes. Other fees like late registration or test center changes apply.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination and is an assessment test for graduate school. The score range for GRE is 130–170 for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, and 0-6 for Analytical Writing. It is valid for 5 years. The cost in Nepal is US$220.
- Purpose: Assess readiness for graduate school (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing). Primarily used in the US.
- Relevance: Not required for most Australian postgraduate programs. It may be considered or required for highly competitive Master’s, PhD, or MBA programs at some top-tier universities.
- Scoring: Verbal/Quant 130–170 each, Analytical Writing 0–6.
- Typical University Scores: Highly variable if required, competitive programs might look for 305+ (Verbal + Quant).
- Validity: 5 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal: US$220 (approximately NPR 26,550, subject to exchange rates).
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and is an assessment test for graduate business programs. The total score range for GMAT is 200–800. It is valid for 5 years. The cost for the GMAT in Nepal is US$250 for the test center exam and US$275 for the online exam.
- Purpose: Assess readiness for graduate business/management programs (Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing).
- Relevance: Primarily relevant for MBA programs in Australia. Not required for all, but often recommended/required by top business schools, especially for highly ranked programs.
- Scoring: Total 200–800.
- Typical University Scores: Highly variable. Minimum is often cited as 550, but top MBA programs typically require 650+.
- Validity: 5 years.
- Approx. Cost in Nepal:
- Test Centre GMAT: US$250
- Online GMAT: US$275
- (Approximately NPR 33,400 – 36,800, subject to exchange rates).
