Frequently Asked Questions about University of Tasmania English Language Centre

What is the minimum length I can enrol for as a Direct Entry student?
As a Direct Entry student you must apply for a minimum enrolment period of 10 weeks and complete Levels 6 & 7. However, if you are able to satisfy admission conditions at the end of Level 6, and you have existing IELTS scores that place you in Level 6 at the start your course, a 5 week enrolment is allowed. Where exceptional circumstances exist, such as if you have achieved the overall IELTS score required for your degree but have one band score 0.5 under the requirement, requests for a 5 week enrolment at Level 7 will be considered. Such enquiries should be directed to Admissions staff and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If I have already achieved the English requirement for my degree course and want to become familiar with the university or local environment before commencing my course, can I enrol in English study for 5 or 10 weeks?
Yes, 5 or 10 week enrolments are encouraged even if you have already met your English entry requirement. This is a great way for you to make friends and ease into Australian life before commencing tertiary studies. It also allows you opportunity to brush-up on your English and hone the research writing and note-taking skills you’ll need for success at university.

What score do I need to pass each level?
For Levels 1 to 5, you must achieve a grade of 60% with no skill below 50%. Level 6 requires a grade of 60% with no skill below 55%. If you require Level 7, you need to achieve the level specified on your degree offer.

What score do I need to achieve Direct Entry to university?
You achieve Direct Entry by completing Levels 6 or 7 with the required score as set by the Faculty of your chosen UTAS degree course. Students requiring an overall IELTS Band 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 need an overall Level 6 result of at least 60% with no skill less than 55%. If you require a score of IELTS 6.0, no band less than 6.0 or higher, you must complete Level 7. The entry requirements vary at this Level and so it is important that you check the English requirement for your chosen course of study.

How do I know how long to enroll for?
If you have a recognised international test score (such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE), look at the UTASAccess Entry requirements table to identify what level you will begin in. If, for example, you have an IELTS of 5.0, with no individual band less than 4.5, you will be placed in Level 4. Each level is 5 weeks long. If you successfully progress through the levels it will take you 20 weeks to complete studies through to Level 7 to achieve Direct Entry. Progression rates vary depending on study habits and motivation and it is possible that you may need to re-take a level or even some of the levels. The study can be challenging and we recommend you allow some extra time to re-take a level before your degree if needed. If you are successful in passing each level, you may have some free time before commencing your university studies.

What if I haven’t done an IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test?
All applications for English courses now require evidence of English level in order to receive an offer of enrolment. If, however, there are unusual circumstances, such as someone already in Australia and wanting to apply, our placement test is available and you will be put in a level according to the results.

If I fail to achieve Direct Entry before my university course commences, what are my options?
Apart from our Direct Entry programs, you can also satisfying the English requirement for your degree by achieving the required IELTS, TOEFL or other recognised test score. The UTAS English Language Centre is an official IELTS Test Centre and so you can take the IELTS test onsite as long as you book in time to secure a place. Alternatively, you can continue to develop your English and work to achieve Direct Entry in time for the next start date of your chosen degree.

How old do I need to be to study English?
Students must be 18 years of age at the commencement of studies at the English Language Centre.