• Section 1 - About this Policy
• Introduction
• Purpose
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy Principles
• Section 3 - English Language Proficiency Standard
• Table 1 – English Language Proficiency Standard

Section 1 - About this Policy

Introduction

(1) The University of Newcastle (University) is committed to offering educational programs to students from a broad range of backgrounds, cultures, and languages. In doing so, it recognises a responsibility to ensure all students have the academic preparation and proficiency in English needed to participate in their intended study, without unexpected limitations that may impede their progression and completion.

Purpose

(2) This Policy sets the principles for the application and assessment of English language proficiency requirements for admission to the University.

(3) This Policy should be read in conjunction with the English Language Proficiency Procedure.

Scope

(4) This Policy applies to:

1. all domestic and international applicants seeking admission to the following University programs including if delivered by a controlled entity or a partner institution:
   1. undergraduate programs and postgraduate coursework programs;
   2. Higher Degree by Research programs; and
   3. non-award programs at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, including Study Abroad, exchange, cross-institutional study or credit-bearing micro-credentials; and
2. international applicants seeking admission to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, Foundation programs, and other non-award preparatory or pathway programs.

(5) This Policy does not apply to domestic applicants seeking admission to enabling programs.

(6) This Policy applies to University staff, and staff of controlled entities or partner institutions who are delivering University programs, who are involved in assessing applications for admission.

(7) This Policy addresses the University's English language proficiency requirements only. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they satisfy any additional English language proficiency requirements imposed by:

1. the Department of Home Affairs, where an international applicant is seeking to study in Australia on a student visa; 
2. any external professional organisation responsible for accreditation or registration to practise in a profession or industry; or
3. any other government departments, authorities, or external body relevant to the applicant.

Section 2 - Policy Principles

(8) Applicants seeking admission to a program within the scope of this Policy must meet the minimum English Language Proficiency requirements as part of the admission criteria for the relevant program.

(9) The University's English Language Proficiency Standard sets the minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to programs offered by the University, expressed in terms of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test equivalency.

(10) The English Language Proficiency Standard is approved by Academic Senate and is set out in Section 3 of this Policy.

(11) The Program and Course Approval Committee (PCAC) may approve a higher English language proficiency requirement for an individual program, where this is necessary to:

1. ensure students are adequately prepared for the requirements of the program; and/or
2. align with accreditation requirements set by a professional body.

(12) Programs that are not listed in Table 1 do not have a standard English language proficiency requirement. The minimum English language proficiency requirements for such programs will be approved on a case-by-case basis by PCAC, having regard to the nature and purpose of the program.

(13) The English language proficiency requirement for each program within the scope of the Policy will be recorded in the University's curriculum management system and published in the relevant Program Handbook.

(14) The University reserves the right to amend published English language proficiency requirements at any time.

(15) The English Language Proficiency Procedure sets out how an applicant may demonstrate they meet English language proficiency requirements.

(16) International applicants may also be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that their English language proficiency satisfies the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs for student visa applications.

(17) Decisions in assessing an applicant's English language proficiency are final and are not able to be appealed internally. An applicant may seek to appeal such a decision via the National Student Ombudsman (NSO).

Section 3 - English Language Proficiency Standard

(18) The University's English Language Proficiency Standard for admission to any program at the University is outlined in Table 1.

Table 1 – English Language Proficiency Standard