Australia is one of the top destinations for international education, offering high-quality universities, cultural diversity, and pathways to career growth. For Afghan students, studying in Australia is a dream that can open doors to global opportunities.

However, one of the biggest challenges Afghan applicants face is English language requirements, especially providing test results from IELTS or TOEFL. Many students ask: “Can I apply for an Australian student visa without IELTS or TOEFL?”

لاندی لاړ شه

The answer is yes. While English proficiency is a requirement, there are alternative pathways that Afghan students can use to apply successfully. This guide explains the complete process.

Why Afghan Students Prefer Australia

High-Quality Universities

Australia hosts globally ranked institutions like the University of Melbourne, ANU, and Monash University.

Safe and Multicultural Society

Despite challenges back home, Afghan students find Australia welcoming, with Afghan communities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Post-Study Opportunities

Graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience.

Do Afghan Students Need IELTS or TOEFL?

The Official Requirement

Normally, Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs ask for proof of English through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Alternative Pathways

Afghan students without IELTS or TOEFL can still apply if they:

Show proof of previous education in English.
Take alternative language tests.
Enroll in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
Apply for universities that waive English test requirements.

Step 1: Research Universities That Accept Alternatives to IELTS

Universities Offering Exemptions

Some Australian institutions accept Afghan students without IELTS/TOEFL if:

They studied in an English-medium school.
They completed prior education in a country where English is the primary language.
They undertake an internal placement test.

Examples of Alternatives

University of Queensland (UQ) – accepts PTE and Cambridge English.
University of South Australia (UniSA) – considers academic history and other English certifications.
RMIT University – allows conditional admission via ELICOS.

Step 2: Choose an Alternative English Test

Afghan students can use:

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English).
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE).
Duolingo English Test (DET) – accepted by some universities.
Internal University Tests (some Australian universities conduct their own online exams).

Step 3: Enroll in ELICOS (English Language Course)

What is ELICOS?

The English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students is an Australian government-approved pathway for students without IELTS.

Benefits for Afghan Students

No IELTS required at the start.
Improves academic and daily communication.
On completion, you can directly transition to your main course.

دلته کلیک وکه

Full HD

Duration

Usually 10–20 weeks, depending on your current English level.

Step 4: Secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

CoE for Afghan Students

Once you receive admission from a university or ELICOS provider, the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

This is mandatory for applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Step 5: Prepare Financial Evidence

The Department of Home Affairs requires Afghan students to show they can cover tuition, living costs, and travel.

Minimum Requirements (2025)

Living expenses: AUD $29,710 per year (~1.7 million AFN).
Tuition fees: Depends on course, usually AUD $20,000–$45,000 annually.
Travel cost: Around AUD $2,000–$3,000.

Proof can include bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarships.

Step 6: Get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All Afghan students must purchase OSHC before applying. It covers medical treatment and hospitalization during your stay.

OSHC Providers

Allianz Care
Bupa
Medibank
nib OSHC

Step 7: Create ImmiAccount and Apply Online

How to Apply

Go to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Create an ImmiAccount.
Complete the Student Visa (Subclass 500) form.
Upload: CoE, passport, OSHC, financial evidence, and proof of English (ELICOS enrolment or exemption letter).
Pay the visa fee.

Visa Application Fees (2025)

Main applicant: AUD $710 (~50,000 AFN).
Dependent partner: AUD $530.
Dependent child: AUD $175.

Step 8: Submit Biometrics and Health Exam

Biometrics

Afghan applicants must provide fingerprints and photos at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) (commonly in Pakistan or UAE, as no centers exist in Afghanistan).

Health Exam

Must be completed with a panel physician approved by Australia.

Step 9: Visa Processing Times

Standard processing: 4–6 weeks.
Afghan students may face longer due to additional security checks.

If approved, you’ll receive a Visa Grant Letter with conditions and expiry date.

Key Challenges for Afghan Students Without IELTS

Limited Testing Centers

Afghanistan currently has limited international testing centers for PTE or Cambridge English. Many students travel abroad.

Financial Burden

Extra ELICOS courses increase costs.

Longer Processing Times

Background checks for Afghan applicants may delay approval.

Tips to Improve Chances of Approval

Apply for Scholarships

Programs like Australia Awards and Destination Australia offer full or partial financial support.

Work With Education Agents

MARA-registered agents can help Afghan students apply correctly.

Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Clearly explain why you chose Australia, your course, and future plans.

Apply Early

Start at least 6–9 months before course commencement.

After Visa Approval: Living in Australia

Work Conditions

Up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters.
Full-time work during holidays.

Staying Compliant

Stay enrolled in a CRICOS-approved course.
Maintain OSHC at all times.
Keep valid travel documents.

Future of Afghan Students Studying in Australia

More universities are adopting Duolingo and internal English assessments, making it easier for Afghan students.
Australian government programs may expand opportunities for students from conflict regions.
Afghan communities in Australia are providing support networks to help new arrivals adjust.

Conclusion

For Afghan students dreaming of studying in Australia, IELTS or TOEFL is not always mandatory. By choosing universities with exemptions, enrolling in ELICOS programs, or taking alternative tests like PTE or Duolingo, Afghan students can successfully apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500).

The key steps include securing a CoE, preparing financial and health documents, applying through ImmiAccount, and ensuring compliance with visa conditions.

With proper planning, Afghan students can achieve their academic and career goals in Australia—without IELTS or TOEFL.