Examinations in Australia - Find the Right Exam For Your Study Goals
Pick your test, then match your score to courses and universities in Australia.
Start from IELTS, PTE, UCAT, ATAR, GRE, GMAT or more and quickly see which courses and universities fit your score, intake, and budget — without scrolling endless pages.
Too many exams, not enough clarity. This page cuts the noise so you can pick a test, time it right, and match your result to real course options. PickMyUni helps you turn a score into an offer—fast.
Types of Examinations in Australia
One exam score can unlock a lot of doors in Australia. The trick is picking the test that lines up with your goal: undergrad entry, medicine or dentistry, English proof for admission, or a global postgrad exam for business, STEM, or research. At PickMyUni, we’ve helped thousands of students map scores to real offers. The pattern is clear: students who get clarity early—which exam, what score, which intake, what budget—land in the right course faster and with fewer surprises.
Here’s a clean breakdown you can actually use, with links to dig deeper and a simple finder to match your score with eligible courses and universities.
Australian Admission Exams
For Australian undergrad entry and course-specific checks.
English Proficiency Exams
Proof of English for admission and registration.
Academic Global Exams
For postgraduate entry in Australia and worldwide.
Where can this exam take you?
Pick your exam, enter a score, and imagine how it maps to intakes, budgets, and course options in Australia.
This is a planning helper only. Final eligibility, cut-offs and admissions decisions always depend on official university and visa criteria.
How to use the examination tool well (from our advising team):
- Pick the exam first, not the course name. This avoids chasing programs that won’t look at your score type.
- Enter your real score, not your target. You’ll get a shortlist you can actually apply to.
- Set your budget. Australia has solid options under AUD 30–35k per year if you’re flexible on city or campus.
- Lock an intake. February and July are common; mid-year can be friendlier for late test-takers.
If you’d like a human to sanity-check your list, send us your score and budget—PickMyUni can build a verified shortlist in one go.
Popular Australian exams, explained
IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Cambridge C1 Advanced
These all prove English ability for admission. Universities publish a minimum overall score and often section minimums. For coursework masters or competitive undergrad programs, we frequently see higher bands than the base uni entry. If your sections are uneven (e.g., strong reading, weaker speaking), choose the test format that plays to your style and retake quickly to lift the one weak area. PickMyUni coaches see the best gains when students use targeted drills for that single section for 10–14 days before a retest.
UCAT / ISAT (medicine, dentistry, some health programs)
UCAT is the common choice for undergrad medicine and dentistry in ANZ. ISAT appears for some international pathways. Both are aptitude-style tests; raw talent helps, but timed practice moves the needle. Based on our applicant tracking, the biggest jump comes from drilling question types you consistently miss under time stress, not doing endless full mocks.
ATAR
ATAR is a rank, not a score. Universities publish a selection rank guide by course; real offers can shift with subject bonuses, adjustment factors, or pathway packages. If your rank is close, ask about packaged diplomas that transition into second-year credit—our PickMyUni team sees strong outcomes through this route for engineering, IT, and business.
STAT
Useful for non-school leavers or those needing a second look from admissions. If you’re changing fields or returning to study, STAT can keep your options alive while you gather other documents.
GRE / GMAT
For postgrad business and analytics, both are common. Shortlist your target schools, then pick the exam that lets you score higher per hour of prep. If your quant is already sharp, the GRE can be efficient. If you like a test with a tight business flavour, GMAT can fit.
GAMSAT
For graduate-entry medicine, GAMSAT requires long-form prep across reasoning in humanities, written communication, and science. The students who do best usually build a calendar that blends reading and writing practice with concept refreshers in bio/chem and section-specific timing drills. Keep it steady across months rather than sprinting late.
OET
Healthcare-specific English for professional registration. Some universities accept OET for admission to health programs; registration boards may have their own thresholds. Always confirm with the board and the course page.
LSAT
Required for JD law at some universities. Score targets vary; if your list includes both Australian and North American law schools, plan your timeline early so your LSAT sits before the main application window.
Exam Announcements, Deadlines & Changes
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How PickMyUni helps you turn a score into an offer
- Score-to-course mapping: Translate your IELTS, PTE, UCAT, ATAR, GAMSAT, GRE, GMAT or other exam scores into concrete course and university options in Australia.
- Single-shot applications: Structure applications smartly so your profile is positioned well across multiple right-fit options, without wasted attempts.
- Scholarship matching: Align your scores and budget with universities and scholarships that genuinely match your profile and financial plan.
Ready to move? Use the finder above or contact us for a free shortlist built around your score, intake, and budget.