Study in Australia 2026: Exams You Need and How to Prepare

Australia is one of the most welcoming and rewarding destinations for international students. With world-class universities, affordable living costs compared to the UK and USA, and post-study work opportunities, it’s no surprise that more than 700,000 international students choose Australia each year. However, for anyone targeting the 2026 intake, success starts with one key step; exam preparation. At BrighterPrep, we help students prepare strategically for the exams that open doors to Australia’s top universities and scholarships.

Key Exams for Studying in Australia

1. English Language Proficiency

All Australian universities require proof of English ability.

• IELTS Academic: The most commonly accepted test. Most universities require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0. Top programs such as Medicine or Law may demand IELTS 7.0–7.5 .
• TOEFL iBT: Usually accepted with minimum scores between 79–100.
• PTE Academic: A popular alternative in Australia due to its fast results and AI-based scoring. Universities like Monash and Deakin accept PTE 58–65 as competitive.

2. Undergraduate Exams

For students applying after high school, most Australian universities don’t require SAT or ACT. However, a few globally ranked institutions such as University of Melbourne and University of Sydney may consider SAT/ACT scores for certain international curriculums. Students with IB Diplomas or A-Levels can apply directly using their predicted or achieved grades.

3. Postgraduate Exams

For master’s and MBA programs, additional exams may be needed:

• GMAT: Required by top business schools like Melbourne Business School and UNSW for MBA admission. Competitive applicants typically score 650+.
• GRE: Preferred for engineering and science programs. A GRE score of 315–320 strengthens applications to top research universities.

Why Scores Matter for 2026

Strong exam results do more than satisfy entry conditions — they determine eligibility for scholarships.

• The Australia Awards Scholarship and Destination Australia Scholarship prioritise students with strong academic and English scores.
• Universities such as Monash, UQ, and ANU offer partial tuition waivers for students with high IELTS or GMAT results.

Good exam scores also make visa applications smoother, since they serve as proof of readiness for English-taught courses.

BrighterPrep’s Approach to Exam Preparation

At BrighterPrep, we believe preparation is more than practice — it’s precision. Our expert trainers design customised programs for IELTS, PTE, GMAT, and GRE that fit your target university and field.

• Diagnostic Testing: We start with a skill assessment to identify gaps.
• Structured Study Plans: Personalised schedules focusing on high-weight areas.
• Mock Tests: Simulated exams using adaptive AI tools.
• Result Tracking: Continuous feedback to build accuracy and speed.

Our goal is simple — to help students move from anxious test-takers to confident achievers ready for their Australian university journey.

Conclusion

Australia’s universities are globally recognised for their quality and inclusiveness. Whether you’re aiming for engineering, business, or medicine, exam preparation is the first step to turning your dream into reality. With BrighterPrep’s focused strategies and expert guidance, you’ll be ready to meet Australia’s admission standards, and exceed them.

Start preparing for your Australia 2026 journey at BrighterPrep.