Study
Study in Australia
University life, academic culture, and grades in Australia.
English Tests: PTE & IELTS
Everything you need to know about PTE and IELTS for Australian visas and university entry
What is PTE?
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based English test accepted by all Australian universities, vocational colleges, and for visa purposes. You get results in 1-2 days — much faster than IELTS.
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the older, more widely recognised test. Used for student visas, skilled migration, and professional registration. Available in paper-based or computer-delivered format.
Which should I take?
For Australian student visas: both are accepted and equally weighted by DHA. PTE is faster and cheaper (~$340 AUD vs ~$385 AUD for IELTS). PTE is fully computerised — good if you're confident typing. IELTS may feel more familiar if you prefer paper.
PTE scoring
PTE uses a 0-90 scale. Most universities require 50-60 overall for undergraduate or 58-65 for postgraduate. Score is calculated using AI across all four skills simultaneously — each question can affect multiple scores.
IELTS scoring
IELTS uses a 0-9 band scale. Most universities require 6.0-6.5 overall for undergraduate or 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate. Each skill is scored separately (0-9) and then averaged for an overall band score.
PTE format
3 hours total, four sections in one sitting: Speaking & Writing (77-93 min), Reading (32-41 min), Listening (45-57 min). Questions are machine-adaptive — harder questions appear if you're doing well.
IELTS format
Paper-based: 2h 45min. Computer-delivered: same content, faster results. Four sections: Listening (30 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (60 min), Speaking (11-14 min — face-to-face with examiner).
Why Korean students prefer PTE
Many find PTE easier because: speaking is into a microphone (no examiner judgement), AI doesn't penalise accent, questions are objective and consistent, and you can use templates for writing. Popular resources: E2 Language (YouTube) and MyPTE.
How to prepare
Allow 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. Practice with official test simulators. Focus on your weakest skill first. For PTE: E2 Language YouTube channel (free, excellent). For IELTS: British Council website has free practice tests.
When to book
Don't wait until the last minute. Most universities accept results up to 2 years old for admissions. DHA typically requires results within 1 year for visa applications. Book 2-3 months before your deadline to allow for a re-sit if needed.
Aussie Uni Culture
What university life is really like in Australia
Large Lectures
First-year lectures can have 200-500 students. Don't be intimidated — just sit near the front, take notes, and ask questions. Lectures are recorded online at most universities, so you can rewatch them later.
Approachable Professors
Aussie professors are generally friendly and approachable. They prefer you call them by their first name or 'Dr [Name]'. They expect you to ask questions, challenge ideas, and participate — that's part of learning here.
Group Work is Central
Almost every subject includes group assignments. You'll be assessed on how well your group works together. Australians value collaboration — learning to work with different people is part of the education.
Participation Matters
Tutorials (small group classes) often have a participation mark. You don't need to be an expert — just show up, listen, and contribute when you can. Saying 'I agree with that point' is participation.
Self-Directed Learning
Lectures are just the starting point. You're expected to do reading, research, and study in your own time. A 12-credit-point subject typically expects about 10 hours of work per week (including classes).
Talking to Professors
Email etiquette, office hours, and asking for help
Email Etiquette
Start with 'Dear Dr [Name]' or 'Hi [First Name]' (check what they use). Keep it short and clear. Include your subject code and student ID. Sign off with your full name. Allow 2-3 business days for a reply.
Office Hours
Most professors have weekly office hours — drop-in times when you can visit their office without an appointment. Use these! Ask about assignments, lecture content, or career advice. They appreciate students who seek help.
How to Ask for an Extension
If you need an extension on an assignment, email your lecturer before the deadline. Explain your situation briefly (illness, family emergency, etc.) and suggest how many extra days you need. Medical certificates help. Most lecturers are reasonable if you ask early.
Debate is Encouraged
Aussie academic culture values critical thinking. Questioning what you read or hear in lectures is encouraged — as long as it's respectful. Professors may actively play devil's advocate to challenge your thinking.
Don't Be Shy
Many international students are hesitant to approach professors. Don't be. Professors are used to students from all over the world. They won't judge your English or your background. Asking for help shows initiative.
Group Work
How group assignments work and how to survive them
How Groups Are Formed
Sometimes the lecturer assigns groups, sometimes you choose your own. If you can choose, try to pick people with different strengths (one good at writing, one at research, one at presenting).
Group Size
Usually 2-4 people. Some larger subjects might have groups of 5-6. Everyone is expected to contribute equally. The assignment will have one mark for the whole group — so team dynamics matter.
Dealing with Free-Riders
If someone isn't contributing, first talk to them directly. Say 'We need your part by Friday to stay on track.' If that doesn't work, talk to your tutor. Most universities have a process for reporting unequal contributions.
Meeting Tips
Use WhatsApp or Discord for quick communication. Use Google Docs so everyone can work simultaneously. Set clear deadlines for each section. Have your first meeting early — not the night before the due date.
Peer Assessment
Some courses include peer assessment, where you rate your group members' contributions. Be honest but fair. If someone really didn't contribute, say so — it's part of the learning process.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism, AI use, and referencing — the rules are strict
What is Plagiarism?
Using someone else's work (words, ideas, data, images) without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism. This includes copying from textbooks, websites, other students' work, or your own previous submissions (self-plagiarism). Penalties can range from a zero grade to expulsion.
Using AI Tools
Most universities now have policies on using ChatGPT and other AI tools. Generally, you CAN use AI to help brainstorm or check grammar, but you CANNOT submit AI-generated text as your own work. Always check your subject outline for specific rules.
Referencing Properly
Every time you use an idea from somewhere else, you must reference it. Common styles: APA (psychology, business), Harvard (business, law), MLA (humanities), IEEE (engineering). Your subject outline will specify which style to use. Use tools like Zotero or EndNote to manage references.
Turnitin
Most assignments are submitted through Turnitin, which checks your work against a massive database of academic papers, websites, and other student submissions. A high similarity score (usually >20-25%) will be reviewed. Paraphrase properly and cite everything.
Consequences of Academic Misconduct
Penalties include: reduced mark on the assignment (even zero), failing the subject, a formal warning on your record, or in serious cases — suspension or expulsion. International students risk visa cancellation. It's not worth it.
Special Consideration
What to do if illness or circumstances affect your studies
What is Special Consideration?
If unexpected circumstances (illness, injury, family bereavement, etc.) affect your ability to study or complete assessments, you can apply for 'Special Consideration'. This is common and not shameful — it's a standard university process.
What You Can Get
Depending on your situation, you may get: an extension on an assignment, a deferred exam, an alternative assessment, or even withdrawal from a subject without academic or financial penalty.
How to Apply
Submit an application through your university's online portal (usually within 3 working days of the circumstance). Attach supporting documents — medical certificate, bereavement notice, police report, etc. Each application is assessed individually.
No Shame in Applying
Many international students hesitate to use Special Consideration because they feel it shows weakness. In Australia, it shows responsibility. Universities understand that life happens. Using support systems is a sign of maturity, not failure.
Mental Health is Valid
Mental health difficulties (anxiety, depression, stress) are valid grounds for Special Consideration. University health services and counseling are free and confidential. You don't need to suffer in silence.
Grades Explained
Understanding the Australian grading system
Grade Scale
Universities use letter grades with corresponding marks. Generally: HD (High Distinction) = 85-100%, DN (Distinction) = 75-84%, CR (Credit) = 65-74%, P (Pass) = 50-64%, F (Fail) = below 50%. Some subjects have different thresholds — check the subject outline.
What Each Grade Means
HD = exceptional performance (very rare, usually top 5-10%). DN = above average (strong understanding). CR = good solid work (meets expectations well). P = satisfactory (meets minimum requirements). F = did not meet minimum requirements.
What is GPA?
GPA (Grade Point Average) is the average of all your grades, usually on a 0-7 scale. HD=7, DN=6, CR=5, P=4, F=0. Your GPA matters for honours programs, postgraduate study, scholarships, and some employers.
Pass / Fail Only Subjects
Some subjects (internships, research projects) are graded Pass/Fail only. They don't affect your GPA but you must pass them to graduate. You simply need to meet the requirements to receive a 'Pass'.
What's a Good GPA?
For most graduate programs: 4.5+ is competitive, 5.5+ is strong, 6.0+ is excellent. For honours: usually requires 5.0-5.5+. For PhD: usually 5.5-6.0+. If your GPA is below 4.0, most universities offer academic support programs.
Withdrawing from a Subject
If you're struggling, you can withdraw (discontinue) from a subject. Before the 'census date', you get a full refund and it doesn't appear on your transcript. After census date but before a deadline, you get a 'Withdrawn' (W) grade with no academic penalty. Check your university's academic calendar.
Need support?
Free help, always available.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Skills offices offer free counselling, learning support, and crisis help. International student advisors can help with visa, enrolment, and settling-in questions. Don't struggle alone.