Find out all you need about English Language Requirements, SELTs, Pre-sessionals and more!
International Students Originating from non-English Speaking Countries must prove their proficiency in the English Language to be able to qualify for a degree in the UK.
Accepted Tests
IELTS
International English Language Testing System.
The most popular and accepted exam across the UK.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Langauge.
An Alternative to the IELTS, and is most popular accross US Universities.
PTE
Pearson Test of English.
PTE is becoming an increasing popular test among UK Universities.
Cambridge English Exams.
This category holds many Exams and Qualifications such IGCSE English, C1 Advaced, etc.
Recently some universities have begun to accept online exams such as Duolingo English Test.
Minimum Scores
GCSE and Below
GCSE and below includes all School levels.
Some schools may accept internal assessments or exams conducted by the school itself. Especially for younger students.
Extended Foundation Degrees
Extended Foundation Programmes last a minimum of 3 or 4 terms.
Students must acheive a minimum of 4.5 in the IELTS for UKVI or its equivalent across all components.
Regular Foundation Degrees
Regular Foundation Programmes last 2 or 3 terms.
Student must acheive a minimum of 5.5 in the IELTS for UKVI or its equivalent accross all components.
Bachelors of Science and Bachelors of Arts
Students wishing to undertake a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor or Art (BA) will be required to prove a minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS or its equivalent with a minimum of 6.0 accross all components.
Medicine and other Bachelor Degrees
Students wishing to undertake an MBBS or similar Medical programmes will require to prove a minimum of 7.0 in the IELTS or its equivalent with a minimum of 6.5 accross all components.
Master of Science and Bachelors of Arts
Students wishing to undertake a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master or Art (MA) will be required to prove a minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS or its equivalent with a minimum of 6.0 accross all components.
Law and Clinical Specialities
Students wishing to undertake a Masters in Laws (LLM) or a Master in any Clinical field (MClin) will require to prove a minimum of 7.0 in the IELTS or its equivalent with a minimum of 6.5 accross all components.
Doctor of Philosophy
Students wishing to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctoral degree of any kind (DBA, DDS, etc.) will require to prove a minimum of 7.0 in the IELTS or its equivalent with a minimum of 6.5 accross all components.
Secure English Language Tests (SELT).
A Secure English Language Test (SELT) is a test required for certain degrees in the UK. SELT tests are designed to meet the standards set by the UK Home Office or the UK Visa and Immigrations (UKVI) and are conducted at approved test centers.
You require a SELT if you are applying to a Foundation, Pre-Master, or Pre-Sessional course. When registering for an English Proficiency Exam, make sure you are registering to take the (UKVI) version of the test, for example: IELTS for UKVI or PTE for UKVI.
Pre-Sessional English Courses (PSE)
Pre-sessional English (PSE) courses in the UK are designed to help international students improve their English language skills before starting their main degree programs. PSE courses focus on Academic English and aim to raise a student’s English proficiency by 0.5 every 4 weeks.
Some Universities offer a PSE of upto 40 weeks or 9 months. With a minimum required score of 4.0 in the IELTS for UKVI or its equivalent SELT tests.
Equivelancies
| IELTS Band Score | PTE Score | TOEFL Score |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 30 | 42-46 |
| 4.5 | 36 | 47-54 |
| 5.0 | 46 | 55-64 |
| 5.5 | 52 | 65-74 |
| 6.0 | 59 | 75-86 |
| 6.5 | 66 | 87-98 |
| 7.0 | 75 | 99-109 |