Job Discussion Forums

[william wallace]

I've been told that IELTS scores down under for entering unis has gotten as low as Band 5, is that true ? One gal I taught last year says that she can enter a degree program in Australia with a Band 5.5. Is IDP allowing such a thing to happen ? Or is this a special allowance for the heaps of Chinese students with heaps of cash ?
Cheers

[eslstudies]

6.5 is the general score for base level undergraduate admission: many will be higher. TAFE scores [Technical Colleges] are usually 5.5. These colleges can offer up to diploma level.
There are probably some universities offering low level associate diploma courses at that kind of score as well.
Many Chinese come not for the degree, but for the lifestyle and a foot in the migration door. I'd be interested to hear of where "the gal" applied. Competition is fierce for the education dollar. Some regional institutes may be doing this.

[11:59]

There may well be some institutions in Australia that permit students with modest scores to enroll on academic programs, there certainly are some in the UK, and I have indeed met many HK students with very weak English language skills who have been accepted at universities Down Under. However, as I understand it, most if not all of such institutions insist that the candidates complete an initial intensive language course before commencing their studies.

[eslstudies]

[william wallace]

A shocking amount of known students have either gone through the back door, or have created a new one. I know, and have proof, of a Canadian high school/university here that have given degrees and Canadian high school diplomas to people with scores as low as Band 3.

China is way over the top in dodgy business practices;but I should also add that this is happening with a lot of Western institutions knowing full well what is going on here in China - and turning a blind eye is as guilty as any participant.