Procedures

English Language Proficiency Admission - Procedures

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1.0 Purpose and Scope

These Procedures address the level of English language proficiency required for entry to the University.

These Procedures apply to all prospective students applying for entry into award and non-award programs delivered by the University, at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels, including Study Abroad and exchange students, and students articulating from Study Abroad or exchange programs into UQ academic programs. The following are not within the scope of these procedures: secondary school enrichment studies, professional and continuing education programs, or other short courses delivered on-shore and offshore.

2.0 Process and Key Controls

These Procedures address the level of English language proficiency required for entry to the University.

These Procedures apply to all prospective students applying for entry into award and non-award programs delivered by the University, at undergraduate, postgraduate and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) levels, including Study Abroad and exchange students, and students articulating from Study Abroad or exchange programs into UQ academic programs.

This procedure does not apply to  secondary school enrichment studies, professional and continuing education programs, or other short courses delivered externally. English language proficiency requirements for shorter form credentials are covered under the Shorter Form Credentials Admission, Enrolment, Fees, and Assessment Procedure.

 

3.0 Key Requirements

3.1 Applicants will be considered to have satisfied the University's ELP requirements provided they meet the criteria applicable for their program.

Minimum ELP requirements for admission to UQ programs are provided in section 3.2. ELP requirements for higher-than-minimum ELP programs are provided in PPL 3.40.14d1—Table 1.

3.2 Applicants will meet minimum ELP requirements if:

a) they demonstrate achievement of the following grades in English language proficiency tests:

  • IELTS Academic: Overall Band Score of 6.5 AND a minimum score of 6 in each sub-band of Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening; or
  • TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition): Overall score 87 with a Writing score of 21 and Reading, Speaking and Listening scores of 19; or
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 64 with 60 in each communicative skills section; or
  • CAE/CPE: Overall Cambridge English Scale (CES) score of 176 with a minimum score of 169 in each skill; or
  • BE: A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all four macro skills; or

Note: test scores are considered to be valid for English Language Proficiency purposes for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at the University.

b) they have completed senior secondary schooling in designated countries listed in Part A of PPL 3.40.14d2—Table 2 (but not listed in Part B of PPL 3.40.14d2-Table 2) where the medium of instruction is English; or

c) they hold qualifications and satisfy relevant conditions set out in Part B of PPL 3.40.14d2—Table 2; or

d) they have successfully undertaken at least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study (at diploma level or higher) in a designated country as listed in Part A of PPL 3.40.14d2—Table 2, from an accredited university or institution which is recognised by The University of Queensland as one where:

  • English was the medium of instruction, and
  • English was the medium of assessment; or

e) they have successfully completed a bachelor or master's degree program from an accredited university or institution which is recognised by The University of Queensland as one where:

  • English was the medium of instruction, and
  • English was the medium of assessment, and
  • the final year of study has been undertaken during the five (5) years immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University (see note below); or

f) they have successfully undertaken at least two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study (at diploma level or higher), from an accredited university or institution which is recognised by The University of Queensland as one where:

  • English was the medium of instruction, and
  • English was the medium of assessment, and
  • the final year of study has been undertaken during the five (5) years immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University; or

g) they provide evidence of sufficient English language skills developed through substantial paid and/or voluntary work experience in a primarily English-speaking professional environment, in designated countires listed in Part A of 3.40.14d2-Table 2, for a period of at least three (3) years full-time immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University.

Note: The time limits specified in 3.2 e) do not apply where the applicant has held ‘predominant residence’ in a designated country, as defined in section 9.1 Definitions, Terms, Acronyms and as listed in Table 2 of PPL 3.40.14d2. Evidence of language of instruction and residence must be submitted.

3.3 Applicants who cannot demonstrate ELP specified for their program may be referred, as follows, for consideration of relevant evidence to ascertain whether they meet the University's ELP requirements:

  • By the Domestic Admissions Manager or the International Admissions Manager to the Academic Registrar (coursework applications)
  • By the Admissions Manager, UQ Graduate School to the Director, UQ Graduate School (HDR applications).

3.4 Applicants who cannot demonstrate that they satisfy ELP requirements for their program may consider one of UQ's English language pathways as outlined in Section 4.

3.5 Where an applicant has provided evidence that they have met the ELP requirements for their program but concerns have been raised about their English language ability through the admissions process, the Academic Registrar may be asked to seek an objective assessment of the applicant’s abilities by UQ College.

Note for Section 3

[1] Applicants with grades in the high school subject English for ESL Learners (or equivalent) must:

  • for applications received in 2017 or 2018, achieve an overall 'High Achievement' (or equivalent) or greater for entry into UQ programs with higher-than-minimum ELP entry requirements (refer to PPL 3.40.14d1—Table 1 for details)
  • for applications received in or after 2019, achieve an overall 'Sound Achievement' (or equivalent) or greater for entry into all UQ programs.

[2] For Study Abroad and Exchange applicants, the changes take effect from 1 December 2018 for applications received from that date onwards (refer to pre-1 June 2018 PPL 3.40.14b procedures).

4.0 English Language Pathways to UQ Programs

If an applicant has the academic qualifications required for entry into a University program but does not satisfy the University’s ELP requirements for that program, they may be eligible for a package offer. Package offers are not available to undergraduate domestic applicants, or to HDR applicants wishing to be considered for the UQ Graduate School Scholarship.

The University of Queensland offers English language pathway entry options through the UQ College. More information on pathway options, including entry requirements, is available at https://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/english-language-requirements.

5.0 English Language Proficiency Requirements Review Process

5.1 The Academic Board’s Committee for Academic Programs Policy (CAPP), through its Coursework Admission Standards Sub-Committee (CASSC), is responsible for the setting and the ongoing review of the University’s English Language Proficiency requirements. English Language Proficiency entry requirements are reviewed formally on an annual cycle and reported to CASSC.

5.2 Schools, Faculties and Institutes that wish to establish higher requirements for admission to particular programs, based on professional registration standards or particular program requirements, must submit such requests, using the PPL 3.40.14d5 The Proposal to Change ELP Requirements—Form, and then to the  CASSC for consideration. Submissions to change the ELP requirement for a program must include the academic justification for the change and must be submitted for consideration by CASSC and Academic Board by July each year for implementation in the following admissions cycle.

If endorsed by CASSC, such requests will be referred to CAPP and the Academic Board for further consideration, and to the Vice-Chancellor for approval. If approved, these changes will be clearly and widely promulgated, in advance of implementation, to prospective students and other relevant stakeholders.

5.3 A case may be made to vary the ELP requirements for student exchange or study abroad cohorts from key strategic partners. Such arrangements are limited to formal University partners and are underpinned by a program of study that recognises the University’s duty of care to both domestic and international students. Such exchange or study abroad cohorts may be restricted to undertaking specific UQ courses and arrangements documented via a written agreement (see PPL 3.30.12 International Agreements).

 

6.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

6.1 Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor exercises delegated authority from Senate, on advice from the University’s Academic Board, to approve the English language proficiency requirements of new academic programs, and changes to the English language proficiency requirements of existing programs.

6.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) provides assurance to the Vice-Chancellor that proposals to establish higher requirements for admission to particular programs are made in accordance with the University’s overall engagement strategy.

6.3 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) provides assurance to the Vice-Chancellor on the University’s academic program approval process and the maintenance and development of high standards of teaching and learning.

6.4 Faculties

Faculties are responsible for the determining the English language proficiency requirements for admission into the programs they administer, and subsequent monitoring of student performance in engaging with academic content of their programs.

7.0 Monitoring, Review and Assurance

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), is required to monitor the academic program approval process, and review of the policy and procedures through the Academic Board and its committees.

The Academic Registrar is required to monitor the University’s compliance of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.

8.0 Recording and Reporting

The records of all proposals initiated and maintained through these procedures shall be managed in accordance with PPL 6.40.01 Information Management.

Planning and Business Intelligence and the Domestic Admission and International Admissions teams shall provide, as required, reports to Academic Board and its committees, members of the University Senior Executive Team and/or Senate.

9.0 Appendix

9.1 Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Academic Program – sequence of study leading to the award of a qualification such as an undergraduate degree or diploma, postgraduate coursework qualification or Higher Degree by Research (HDR).

BE – Bridging English.

CAE/CPE – Cambridge English: Advanced / Cambridge English: Proficiency.

ELP – English language proficiency, the ability of an individual to communicate competently in English. ELP at the University is further categorised into general proficiency (general communicative competence), academic proficiency (skills in the specialised vocabularies, concepts, and knowledge associated with particular disciplines) and professional proficiency (intercultural competence and interpersonal skills in the discourses and behaviours associated with particular professional domains).

English-rich Disciplines – disciplines that require extensive use of, and assessment in, the English language. An English-rich discipline is a discipline that develops English language skills and includes in-depth study and analytical, critical and creative engagement with a range of texts, allowing students to acquire understanding of stylistic conventions and participate in extended writing.

English Language Skills – the four macro skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.

Higher-than-minimum ELP Program – a UQ program that requires an applicant to demonstrate higher-than-minimum ELP, as specified for that program in PPL 3.40.14d1—Table 1.

UQ College UQ College.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System.

Minimum ELP requirement – the standard English language entry requirement for entry into UQ programs; applied unless specified otherwise in PPL 3.40.14d1—Table 1.

Minimum ELP Program – a UQ program that requires an applicant to demonstrate minimum ELP, as specified in Section 3. All UQ programs are minimum ELP programs unless specified otherwise in PPL 3.40.14d1—Table 1.

Non-Award study – enrolment in a course or courses offered by the University without being enrolled in a program that leads to an award of the University. Examples include students enrolled in the Enhanced Studies Program, cross-institutional students, exchange students and Study Abroad students.

Package Offer – a combined offer comprising an offer of English Language Studies plus the conditional offer of the principal UQ program once ELP requirement has been met.

Predominant residence - residence in the country for more than half of the total time between completing the tertiary qualification and the start of the semester for which the applicant has applied.

PTE – Pearson Test of English.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Custodians
Academic Registrar

Policy

English Language Proficiency Admission - Policy

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1.0 Purpose and Scope

1.1 Purpose

The University recognises that English language proficiency plays a critical part in academic success and in the development of discipline appropriate discourse.  This policy sets out the English language proficiency requirements for admission to the University’s undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, research programs and non-award studies.

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to all prospective students applying for entry into award and non-award programs delivered by the University, at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels, including Study Abroad and exchange students, and students articulating from Study Abroad or exchange programs into UQ academic programs.

The policy does not apply to secondary school enrichment studies, professional and continuing education programs or other non-award short courses delivered on-shore and offshore.

2.0 Principles and Key Requirements

The University acknowledges that English is not only the medium of instruction, but the language of academic, administrative, and most social and community activities that are part of the University experience.  To ensure students are sufficiently competent in the English language to participate effectively in their studies, the University’s admissions process will:

  1. Establish English language proficiency requirements for each program in accordance with the program content and requirements of external accreditation bodies.
  2. Ensure students applying for admission to award programs and non-award studies are able to demonstrate each of the English language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at a level required for admission to the program or non-award studies.
  3. Recognise that students have an adequate level of English to enable them to successfully engage linguistically with the academic content of the course or program. 
  4. Be consistent with the Good Practice Principles for English Language Proficiency for International Students in Australian Universities. 

The University provides post-admission English language proficiency support to students under the English Language Proficiency Concurrent Support Policy and other Commonwealth requirements.

3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

3.1 Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor exercises delegated authority from Senate, on advice from the University’s Academic Board, to approve the English language proficiency requirements of new academic programs, and changes to the English language proficiency requirements of existing programs.

3.2 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) provides assurance to the Vice-Chancellor on the University’s academic program approval process and the maintenance and development of high standards of teaching and learning.

3.3 Faculties

Faculties are responsible for the determining the English language proficiency requirements for admission into the programs they administer, and subsequent monitoring of student performance in engaging with academic content of their programs. 

4.0 Monitoring, Review and Assurance

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), is required to monitor the academic program approval process, and review of the policy and procedures through the Academic Board and its committees.

The Academic Registrar is required to monitor the University’s compliance of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, and when required, provide reports to members of the University Senior Management Group and Senate.

5.0 Recording and Reporting

The records of all proposals initiated and maintained through this policy shall be managed in accordance with PPL 6.40.01 Information Management.

6.0 Appendix

6.1 Definitions

Academic Program – the sequence of study leading to the award of a qualification such as an undergraduate degree or diploma, postgraduate coursework qualification or Higher Degree by Research (HDR).

ELP – English Language Proficiency, the ability of an individual to communicate competently in English. ELP at the University is further categorised into general proficiency (general communicative competence), academic proficiency (skills in the specialised vocabularies, concepts, and knowledge associated with particular disciplines) and professional proficiency (intercultural competence and interpersonal skills in the discourses and behaviours associated with particular professional domains).

Non-Award Enrolment – enrolment in a course or courses offered by the University but not enrolment in a program that leads to an award of the University. Examples include students enrolled in the Enhanced Studies Program, cross-institutional students, exchange students and Study Abroad students.

Custodians
Academic Registrar

Forms

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Proposal to Change ELP Requirements - Form

Proposal to Change ELP Requirements - Form

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Description: 

Faculties must use this form to submit proposals to amend English Language Proficiency requirements for current programs.

Completed forms should be submitted to the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) (dvcee@uq.edu.au) at least 12 months prior to preferred intake date for implemented change.

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Academic Registrar
Table 1: English Language Proficiency Requirements for Higher-than-minimum ELP programs

Table 1: English Language Proficiency Requirements for Higher-than-minimum ELP programs

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English language test scores and other qualifications accepted as per Table 1 are considered to be valid for English Language Proficiency purposes for two (2) years from the date of the test or five (5) years from the date of qualification being granted to the date of commencement at The University of Queensland.

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Academic Registrar
Table 2: Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications

Table 2: Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications

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Table 2: Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications

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Academic Registrar
Table 3: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ Admission

Table 3: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ Admission

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Table 3: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ Admission. 

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Academic Registrar
Table 4: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ English Language Pathway Program Entry Requirements

Table 4: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ English Language Pathway Program Entry Requirements

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Table 4: English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ English Language Pathway Program Entry Requirements

Custodians
Academic Registrar
Custodians
Academic Registrar
Custodians
Academic Registrar