English tests (IELTS and others)

If you will study in English, most universities and scholarships want proof of your English level. The most common proof is the IELTS Academic test. This guide explains when you need it, where to take it, and how to prepare.

Do you need a test? When?

It depends on the scholarship and on the university. There are three common cases:

• When you apply. You send a test result with your application.
• Only if you are shortlisted (chosen for the next step). You apply without a test. If you are shortlisted, you take the test. Sometimes the provider organises it and pays for it.
• The university decides. The scholarship has no rule, but the university asks for a score to accept you.

Two examples from this site:

• Australia Awards Vanuatu: shortlisted applicants take the IELTS Academic test. To get the scholarship, you need 6.5 overall or more, and at least 6.0 in each part. Australia Awards Vanuatu says this rule is "non-negotiable" (it does not change). If you must come to Port Vila for the test, Australia Awards says it pays your travel and the test fee.
• Manaaki New Zealand: you do not need a test to apply. They ask for a result only if you are shortlisted. Usually it must be less than 12 months old. The guide level is IELTS 6.0 overall (no part below 5.5) for a bachelor's degree. It is 6.5 overall (no part below 6.0) for postgraduate study. Other accepted tests can replace IELTS.

These scholarships ask for a test only if you are shortlisted:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (Vanuatu)Fully funded Australian Government scholarships for Ni-Vanuatu citizens to study in Australia or at a Pacific institution, from TVET Certificate IV to master's, in priority fields for Vanuatu's development.
• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (tertiary)New Zealand Government scholarships for Ni-Vanuatu citizens to study a degree, postgraduate diploma, master's or PhD in New Zealand or Fiji, in subjects that matter for Vanuatu's development.

For other scholarships, look at the English test line on the scholarship page. Also read the entry rules of your course.

What IELTS Academic checks

IELTS has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each part gets a score from 0 to 9, called a "band". You also get an overall score.

Example: a programme asks for "6.5, no band below 6.0". This means two things: your overall score is 6.5 or more, and each of the four parts is 6.0 or more.

Book IELTS Academic, not General Training, unless your provider says something else.

Where to take IELTS in Vanuatu

IDP has an IELTS test centre in Port Vila:

• IDP IELTS Vanuatu, at the National University of Vanuatu, Port Vila.
• You take the test on a computer. The Speaking part is by video call.
• On 11 October 2026, the price on their page was AUD 475, for IELTS Academic or General Training.
• If the page shows no test dates, fill in the form to say you are interested. They contact you when they plan a test day.
• Contact given by IDP: ielts.australia@idp.com, +61 3 9997 9350.

Other English tests

Some universities accept other tests, for example TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English. Before you choose one, check two things:

• Do your university and your scholarship accept this test?
• Can you take it in Vanuatu, or near Vanuatu?

Do not guess: ask the provider.

Prepare for free

Australia Awards Vanuatu recommends these free official resources:

• the IELTS preparation guide and free practice tests on ielts.com.au;
• the IELTS familiarisation test, to try the computer version before the real test.

More tips:

• Practise like in the real test, with a timer, for each of the four parts.
• Writing: write full answers in the time allowed. Then compare them with the official band descriptors (the description of each score).
• Speaking: answer questions out loud with a friend, and record yourself.
• Read and listen to English every day: news, podcasts, free university classes online.

Francophone students

You can apply for English-language scholarships even if you studied in French. You will probably need a test score. For example, Australia Awards Vanuatu accepts francophone students, with their documents translated into English. To study in French, see Studying in French.