Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
What IELTS score is required for the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne?
For the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, the IELTS Academic requirement is generally 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0. This sits at the upper end of the typical 6.0–6.5 range for Australian undergraduate degrees. The 2026 Australian student visa separately requires a minimum IELTS 6.0 overall.
This guide explains the IELTS score for the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, the 2026 Australian visa threshold, and how Indonesian students can plan their preparation.
Key facts
| Common IELTS range for Australian undergraduate entry | 6.0–6.5 overall (Universities may set higher scores) |
|---|---|
| Target for Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 (Check official page; can change per academic year) |
| Minimum IELTS for Australian student visa | 6.0 overall (Applies in 2026, raised from 5.5) |
| Living cost evidence for visa | AUD 29,710 per year (Excludes tuition and travel) |
| Visa application charge | AUD 2,000 (Subclass 500, raised from AUD 1,600) |
| International undergraduate tuition in Australia | AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (Arts programmes usually in the lower-to-middle range) |
| Total cost for 3 years | AUD 120,000–200,000 (Includes estimated living costs) |
| IELTS preparation from 5.5 to 6.5 | 2–4 months (General estimate for Indonesian learners) |
IELTS score for the Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne
The standard entry requirement for the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne is an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0. Australian universities commonly require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate entry, so Melbourne's Arts programme sits at the higher end. Requirements can change by academic year and applicant background, so check the university's official English language requirements page before booking a test.
- Alternative tests such as TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic may be accepted; confirm with the university.
- IELTS Academic is the version required for university admission, not IELTS General Training.
2026 Australian student visa English and financial rules
The student visa (Subclass 500) sets a separate minimum English requirement. From 2026, the visa threshold is IELTS 6.0 overall, increased from 5.5. This means a Melbourne BA applicant needs to meet both the university's 6.5 with no band below 6.0 and the visa's 6.0 overall.
Indonesia is now classified as Level 2 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework, so financial evidence and a valid English test result are usually mandatory. The visa application charge is AUD 2,000 per primary applicant, raised from AUD 1,600.
- Minimum visa English: IELTS 6.0 overall (up from 5.5 in 2026)
- Financial evidence: AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel
- Visa application charge: AUD 2,000 for primary applicants
Cost expectations for a three-year Arts degree
International undergraduate tuition in Australia generally ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, with Arts programmes often in the lower-to-middle part of that range. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate living costs of AUD 29,710 per year, not including tuition or travel. A three-year Bachelor of Arts, including estimated living costs, commonly totals AUD 120,000–200,000.
How long to prepare your IELTS
Most Indonesian learners need about 2–4 months of focused study to move from IELTS 5.5 to 6.5. Since Melbourne's BA requires 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, you should practise all four components, not just the overall score. Use mock tests and targeted feedback to identify weak bands early. SpecTa Education offers free IELTS mock tests and an AI tutor to help you plan this preparation.
Key takeaways
- Target IELTS Academic for the Melbourne Bachelor of Arts is generally 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
- The 2026 Australian student visa requires a minimum IELTS 6.0 overall, up from 5.5.
- You must show AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition, for the visa.
- Indonesian learners often need 2–4 months to move from 5.5 to 6.5.
- Check the University of Melbourne's official page because requirements change by academic year.
Related questions
Can I use a TOEFL or PTE score instead of IELTS for Melbourne's Bachelor of Arts?
The University of Melbourne may accept TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic as alternatives, but acceptance varies by programme and year. Check the official English language requirements page before booking a test.
Is the IELTS 6.0 visa minimum enough to enter the Bachelor of Arts?
No. The 2026 student visa requires IELTS 6.0 overall, but Melbourne's BA typically requires 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. You must meet both the higher university score and the visa threshold.
How much money do I need to show for the Australian student visa in 2026?
You need to show at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel. The visa application charge is AUD 2,000 for a primary applicant.
How long will it take to reach IELTS 6.5 from 5.5?
For most Indonesian learners, 2–4 months of focused study is a realistic range. Use mock tests and feedback on all four bands to stay on track.
What happens if I get 6.0 overall but not 6.5?
You may still qualify for some Australian undergraduate courses that accept 6.0 overall, and you meet the visa minimum, but you would not meet Melbourne's standard BA requirement. You could retake IELTS or explore other universities.
Sources
- University of Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- Australian Government - Student Visa Subclass 500
- IELTS - Test Format
- Australian Government - English Language Requirements
Check your current IELTS band with a free mock test before you plan your Melbourne application.