• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Section 2 - Process and Key Controls
• Section 3 - Key Requirements
• English Language Pathways to UQ Programs
• English Language Proficiency Requirements Review Process
• Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• Vice-Chancellor
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
• Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
• Faculties
• Academic Board and committees
• Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance
• Section 6 - Recording and Reporting
• Section 7 - Appendix
• Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) This Procedure addresses the level of English language proficiency (ELP) required for entry to the University.

(2) This Procedure enacts the English Language Proficiency Admission Policy and is supported by the following tables:

1. Table 1 - English Language Proficiency Requirements for Higher-than-minimum ELP Programs
2. Table 2 - Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications
3. Table 3 - English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ Admission
4. Table 4 - English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ English Language Pathway Program Entry Requirements.

(3) This Procedure applies 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.

(4) 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.

Section 2 - Process and Key Controls

(5) Proficiency in the English language is a requirement for admission to all award and non-award studies at The University of Queensland.

(6) The ELP requirements have been established for admission to all academic programs, and are detailed in this Procedure and in the associated Tables. The requirements take into consideration the level of English language skills needed to commence and successfully progress through a program, and the requirements of external accreditation bodies.

(7) The ELP requirements will not be waived for any domestic or international applicant seeking entry to undergraduate, postgraduate coursework or HDR award programs or to non-award study.

Section 3 - Key Requirements

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

(9) Test scores are valid for ELP purposes for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at the University. Where ELP is demonstrated using the IELTS One Skill Retake, together with the original IELTS Academic test, the 2-year validity applies to the date of the original IELTS Academic test.

(10) Minimum ELP requirements for admission to UQ programs are provided in clause 11. ELP requirements for higher-than-minimum ELP programs are provided in Table 1 - English Language Proficiency Requirements for Higher-than-minimum ELP Programs. 

(11) Applicants will meet minimum ELP requirements if:

1. they demonstrate achievement of approved grades in English language proficiency tests outlined in Table 3 - English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores Approved for UQ Admission; or
2. they have completed senior secondary schooling and achieved the required English result in one of the designated countries^[1] listed in Part A of Table 2 - Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications where:
   1. English was the medium of instruction, and
   2. English was the medium of assessment; or
3. they hold qualifications and satisfy relevant conditions set out in Part B of Table 2 - Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications; or
4. 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 Table 2 - Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications, from an accredited university or institution which is recognised by The University of Queensland as one where:
   1. English was the medium of instruction, and
   2. English was the medium of assessment; or
5. they have successfully completed a bachelor degree or higher program from an accredited university or institution which is recognised by The University of Queensland as one where:
   1. English was the medium of instruction, and
   2. English was the medium of assessment, and
   3. the final year of study has been undertaken during the five (5) years immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University^[2]; or
6. 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:
   1. English was the medium of instruction, and
   2. English was the medium of assessment, and
   3. the final year of study has been undertaken during the five (5) years immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University; or
7. 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 countries listed in Part A of Table 2 - Designated Countries and Other Recognised English Language Proficiency Tests or Qualifications, for a period of at least three (3) years full-time immediately prior to the commencement of study at the University; or
8. they have current registration with one of the following professional regulatory authorities:
   1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): Applications listed on the AHPRA register of practitioners without cancellation or conditions, or
   2. Australian Teacher Registration Authorities: Current teacher registration with an accredited state body.

(12) A domestic undergraduate applicant from a non-English speaking background can satisfy the ELP requirement concurrently with satisfaction of the English subject prerequisite set out in Schedule 1 - Undergraduate, Doctor of Medicine, Non-Award and CSP Admissions and Table 1 - Undergraduate, Doctor of Medicine, Non-Award and CSP Admissions. A domestic undergraduate applicant will be informed by QTAC or GEMSAS if the ELP requirement is not satisfied.

(13) 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:

1. By the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions or the Senior Manager, International Admissions to the Academic Registrar (coursework applications)
2. By the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions, or the Team Leader Admissions or Senior Manager (Administration), Graduate School, to the Director, Graduate School (HDR applications).

(14) Applicants who cannot demonstrate that they satisfy ELP requirements for their program may consider one of UQ's English language pathways as outlined in the ‘English Language Pathways to UQ Programs’ provisions below.

(15) 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.

English Language Pathways to UQ Programs

(16) 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.

(17) The University of Queensland offers English language pathway entry options through the UQ College. More information on pathway options, including entry requirements, is available on the English Language Requirements website.

English Language Proficiency Requirements Review Process

(18) 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.

(19) 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 Proposal to Change English Language Proficiency Requirements for Current Programs 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.

(20) 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.

(21) 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 International Agreements Policy).

Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Vice-Chancellor

(22) 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.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)

(23) 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.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

(24) 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.

Faculties

(25) 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.

Academic Board and committees

(26) The Coursework Admission Standards Sub-Committee is responsible for the ongoing review of ELP requirements for academic programs, and considering requests for higher-than-minimum ELP requirements for particular programs.

(27) The Committee for Academic Programs Policy reviews items referred by CASSC.

(28) The Academic Board reviews items referred by CAPP and will recommend proposals for approval by the Vice-Chancellor. 

Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance

(29) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will:

1. oversee the academic program approval process where English Language Proficiency requirements are endorsed; and
2. review the English Language Proficiency Admission Policy and this Procedure periodically.

(30) The Coursework Admission Standards Sub-Committee will oversee the setting and review of English Language Proficiency requirements. 

(31) The Academic Registrar is required to monitor the University’s compliance with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.

Section 6 - Recording and Reporting

(32) The records of all proposals initiated and maintained through these Procedures shall be managed in accordance with Information Management Policy.

(33) The Planning and Business Intelligence, the Admissions (Domestic) 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.

Section 7 - Appendix

Definitions, Terms, Acronyms