Learn how Nigerian students can study in Australia without IELTS. Discover 10 Australian universities offering IELTS waivers, how to use your Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, and visa tips for 2025.
How to Study in Australia Without IELTS — A 2025 Guide for Nigerians
The IELTS exam has long been a barrier for Nigerian students aiming to study abroad. With the high test fees (₦150,000+), limited centers, and pressure to score high bands, many talented students pause their dreams of studying in countries like Australia.
Here’s the truth: you can study in Australia for Nigerian students without IELTS — legally, confidently, and with full visa compliance — if you understand how the IELTS waiver system works.
This guide breaks down:
- How to qualify for an IELTS waiver using your Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
- Alternative English proficiency options (like PTE Academic).
- The top 10 Australian universities that accept Nigerians without IELTS.
- A vital visa warning — because the Australian Home Affairs Office may still ask for English proof.
How to Qualify for an Australian IELTS Waiver from Nigeria
Australian universities recognize that students from Nigeria have studied in an English-speaking environment from primary to tertiary level. For that reason, they often waive the IELTS requirement under certain conditions.
There are two main methods to qualify:
Waiver Method 1: The Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
This is the most powerful and widely accepted IELTS waiver pathway.
If your degree was taught entirely in English, you can request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university’s registrar. The letter should confirm that English was the official language of instruction and assessment.
Example Format:
“This is to certify that the language of instruction and examination for the degree awarded to [Your Full Name] by [University Name] was English.”
How It Works:
Submit the MOI with your application to the university.
Include transcripts and degree certificates as supporting evidence.
Many institutions verify your MOI directly with your university before granting a waiver.
Additional Tip:
Keep your WAEC or NECO English credit handy — some schools use this as supplementary evidence of English proficiency.
Waiver Method 2: Accepting Alternative Tests (PTE/TOEFL)
If your chosen school does not grant a full IELTS waiver, you can submit alternative tests that are equally accepted by both Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs:
| Test Type | Recommended Score Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) | 58–64 | Widely accepted; often used for visa purposes. |
| TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) | 79–90 | Recognized by all top Australian universities. |
| Cambridge English (C1 Advanced) | 176+ | Accepted by many postgraduate programs. |
The PTE is the most popular alternative among Nigerian applicants because it’s accepted by both universities and the Australian Visa Office — with flexible testing dates and instant results.
10 Australian Universities Known to Offer IELTS Waivers
Below are 10 reputable institutions that have confirmed histories of offering IELTS waivers to students from Nigeria, provided they submit an MOI certificate or equivalent proof of English instruction.
| University | Known Waiver Policy for Nigerian Students |
|---|---|
| 1. University of Adelaide (Group of Eight) | Accepts MOI from English-speaking countries like Nigeria; often grants waivers for postgraduate programs. |
| 2. University of Queensland (UQ) | Waives IELTS if applicant completed tertiary education in English within the last 5 years. |
| 3. University of Wollongong | Grants direct waivers for graduates from English-medium universities in West Africa. |
| 4. University of South Australia (UniSA) | Accepts MOI letters and WAEC English for undergraduate and postgraduate entry. |
| 5. Deakin University | Very flexible — MOI, WAEC, or prior English education accepted. |
| 6. Macquarie University, Sydney | Requires MOI letter and official transcripts; may request online verification. |
| 7. University of Southern Queensland (USQ) | Offers waivers for English-speaking country graduates; allows PTE alternative. |
| 8. Charles Sturt University | Accepts MOI, but reserves the right to interview applicants if clarification is needed. |
| 9. Edith Cowan University (ECU) | Frequently approves IELTS waivers for West African graduates. |
| 10. University of Newcastle (UON) | Provides full exemptions if prior education was taught in English and verified by MOI. |
Insider Tip: Most universities verify your degree awarding body through online portals or email. Ensure your registrar’s office can respond quickly to international verification requests.
The Final Hurdle: University Waiver vs. Visa Requirements ( Read Carefully)
While a university may admit you without IELTS, your visa is issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) — and that’s where extra caution is needed.
The DHA may still request evidence of English proficiency even after your admission. This happens especially for Nigerian applicants because English is not listed as an official national language under Australia’s visa policy framework.
DHA’s Official Standard (2025):
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency unless the university or program is listed under the DHA’s “Exemption List.”
Why This Matters:
- A university waiver ≠ automatic visa clearance.
- The visa officer may still ask for an IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score.
- Failure to provide valid proof can delay or reject your visa.
Recommendation:
If possible, write PTE Academic — it’s faster, cheaper, and accepted for both university admission and visa purposes.
Read More — Related Guides for Nigerian Students Abroad
To strengthen your chances and avoid common errors, read these related guides on our platform:
- UK Student Visa Proof of Funds: CAS, IHS, and 28-Day Rule for Nigerians
- 🇨🇦 How to Get a Canadian Student Visa from Lagos (VFS Global Guide)
- 🇬🇧 Best Study Abroad Consultants in Abuja for UK Student Visa Success
- Government-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students Abroad (UK, US, Canada)
- 🇩🇪 Germany Job Seeker Visa from Nigeria: Requirements & Success Rate
How to Study in Australia Without IELTS the Smart Way
To successfully study in Australia for Nigerian students without IELTS, you need more than just luck — you need documentation strategy.
Here’s your step-by-step plan:
Obtain a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your Nigerian university.
Confirm the IELTS waiver policy with your preferred Australian university.
Prepare a PTE Academic result as backup for visa security.
Keep your WAEC English result handy for additional evidence.
Next Step: Contact your university registrar today to get your MOI certificate. It’s your key to unlocking an IELTS-free admission pathway in Australia.