Study overseas? Read this before applying to our program

If you gained your undergraduate degree overseas, you may need to prove English language proficiency to join our postgraduate pathway – and our number one tip is to start preparing as early as possible.

“Once you receive an offer to our Leadership Development Program, there’s a lot of preparation work you need to do – and sometimes the English language proficiency test can be the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said TFA Admissions Specialist, Erie Martha Lane.

“Regardless of your pathway into the classroom, if you want to be a teacher, it won’t hurt to start preparing as soon as you apply.”

Who needs to take the test?

As a general rule, you’ll need to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you gained your undergraduate degree outside of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

When you first apply, we’ll assess your academic transcript and let you know if it’s likely you’ll need to undertake an English language proficiency test. And if you’re offered a place in the program, we’ll confirm it.

While you’ll receive one-one-one advice based on your circumstances, our admissions experts typically recommend the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

You must do the test before you can enrol in the Master of Teaching delivered by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) as part of our program – which means you’ll need to have your results before you start the Masters in October-November.

Making the process easier

Erie said it was important to apply by June at the latest – and to start preparing for the test as soon as you’re advised that it might be required.

“Don’t get caught unaware or assume you will get an exemption – start preparing for the test as soon as you apply. For example, many libraries run free courses to help you,” she said.

“Once you’re offered a place in our program, there are a lot of tasks waiting for you: enrolling in the Masters, registering as a teacher, being placed into a teaching vacancy, and then there’s the personal side such as changing careers or relocating. Preparing early for IELTS will help make this process easier.

“Ultimately, we want to help you avoid the worst-case scenario of having to defer from the program because you have run out of time.”

If you have further questions about proving English language proficiency, email apply@teachforaustralia.org and our team will assist.