UOW accepts prior studies undertaken in English either in Australia or offshore.
Please note, some variations apply to specific degrees which have external registration or accreditation requirements.
Coursework
Prior studies in English from an approved English-speaking country*
If your prior studies have been undertaken in an approved English-speaking country* you will meet UOW’s English language requirements where:
- You have successfully completed a recognised senior secondary qualification or a minimum of one year of full-time tertiary study, at AQF Diploma level or higher, within the last three years.
OR
- You are a citizen, or permanent resident of an approved English-speaking country*, AND
- You have resided in an approved English-speaking country* for a minimum of ten years, AND
- You have successfully completed a recognised senior secondary qualification, University Preparation program, Foundation Year program, or post-secondary qualification, at AQF Certificate IV level or higher, taught and assessed entirely in English from an approved institution.
Other prior studies in English
If your prior studies have been undertaken in a country not included on the UOW list of approved English-speaking countries*, but your studies were taught and assessed entirely in English, you may meet the University’s English language requirements if you have successfully completed a minimum of two years of recognised full-time tertiary studies, at AQF Diploma level or higher, within the last two years.
You will need to provide an official letter from the Academic Registrar (or suitable delegate) verifying that:
- all courses at the institution are entirely taught and assessed in English; or
- that the specific course you completed was entirely taught and assessed in English.
- The notification must apply to both the awarding institution and the institution you studied at (if different).
Prior study in English is considered on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically meet UOW's English language requirements.
If you have undertaken a recognised senior secondary qualification in a country not included on the UOW list of approved English-speaking countries*, you may meet UOW's English proficiency requirements if you have achieved at a specified level in an approved senior secondary English subject and the study was completed within the last two years.
*American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, UK, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Higher Degree Research (HDR)
HDR applicants may also meet the English language requirements by satisfying one of the following:
- Within the last two years have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, of at least two years duration, where the degree was taught and assessed entirely in English and the institution is located in a country where the official language is English. Qualifying countries are Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, UK and USA;
- Within the last two years have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, of at least two years duration, where the degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. Acceptable evidence includes an official university web page or letter from the Registrar's office (or equivalent) stating the degree was taught entirely in English;
- Within the last two years completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an approved country that includes a major assignment or thesis written in English. Approved countries are Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden;
- Completed the degree qualifications described in 1, 2 or 3 above within the last five years together with additional evidence of recent studying or working in an English environment and/or writing in English.
