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Australia · Regional Australian universities

Destination Australia Scholarships

IELTS Requirement & Application Guide

IELTS
6
Components
L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
Level
UG, PG, PhD
Deadline
Varies by institution

Last verified: 2026-03

About Destination Australia Scholarships

Destination Australia is an Australian Government scholarship programme encouraging domestic and international students to study in regional Australia. It provides up to $15,000 per year towards living costs and relocation expenses. The programme is available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at participating regional institutions.

Official Website

IELTS Required

OverallLRWS
65.55.55.55.5

Accepts: Academic / General

Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 64, PTE Academic 50

Tips for Meeting the Requirement

  1. 1Destination Australia requires IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band — one of the more accessible thresholds among Australian scholarships. This is achievable with consistent preparation over 2–3 months for most intermediate English speakers.
  2. 2Since this scholarship targets regional institutions, research the specific IELTS requirements of your chosen university, as some may require higher scores than the programme minimum.
  3. 3Deadlines vary by institution. Contact your target regional university early to confirm their specific application timeline and ensure your IELTS scores are submitted before their deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IELTS score do I need for Destination Australia?
Destination Australia requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. TOEFL iBT 64 and PTE Academic 50 are also accepted. Individual institutions may have higher requirements.
Does Destination Australia accept TOEFL?
Yes, Destination Australia accepts TOEFL iBT 64 and PTE Academic 50 as alternatives to IELTS Academic. Verify with your specific institution as requirements may differ.
Can I apply to Destination Australia without IELTS?
English proficiency evidence is required, but exemptions may apply if you are from a recognized English-speaking country or have completed substantial study in English. Contact your chosen regional institution for their specific exemption policies.

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