Australia Study Weekly Update: USYD & UNSW Policy Changes (Feb 23)
1. The University of Sydney (USYD) | English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBT Clarification: USYD only accepts the 0-120 score scale Australian specific version (Legacy) of the TOEFL iBT test. The new 1-6 score scale version is currently not accepted. Students who have taken the new version will need to retake the Australian specific version.
- LanguageCert Recognition: The LanguageCert Academic (Offline) test will be accepted for most courses starting from Semester 2, 2026.
- Important Exceptions: All pre-registration Nursing, postgraduate Clinical Dentistry, and Master of Clinical Psychology courses do not accept LanguageCert scores at this time.
2. UNSW Sydney | 2027 Applications
- 2027 Intake Now Open: Applications for all 2027 terms and all student categories are now officially open. We highly recommend submitting your applications early to secure priority processing in the admission rounds.
- 2026 T2/T3 Arrangements: Applications remain open for students meeting specific exemption criteria (e.g., students in articulation pathway programs).
3. Southern Cross University (SCU) | Early Childhood Registration Update
- NSW Teacher Registration Change (Important): Effective January 1, 2026, students entering the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education without a bachelor’s degree (relying solely on 5 years of relevant work experience) will no longer be eligible for NSW teacher registration.
- Unaffected Groups: This change does not affect students entering with a completed bachelor’s degree, nor does it affect students who commenced their studies prior to January 1, 2026.
- Note: The course remains ACECQA nationally approved; this change only applies to the NSW teacher registration requirements.
4. Charles Sturt University (CSU) | 2026 S1 Courses & Scholarships
- 2026 Semester 1 Availability: There are ample places with no quota limits for programs including Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (includes a 2-year paid internship), Bachelor of IT, and Master of Professional IT.
- Generous Scholarships:
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship: 50% tuition fee reduction (open until June 30, 2026).
- International Diversity Excellence Scholarship: 30% tuition fee reduction.
- International Student Excellence Scholarship: 25% tuition fee reduction.
- International Student Support Scholarship: 10-15% tuition fee reduction.
- Regional Area Advantages: High graduate employment rates, lower cost of living, migration pathway bonus points, extended post-study work visas, and a safe community.