Studying in the UK : Test your English language skills

In order to successfully obtain a visa, all non-EU students need to prove that their English language skills are good enough to be able to study. Find out how you could qualify...

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS is the most commonly accepted test in the UK and universities usually require a minimum average score of between six and seven. There are two types of test to choose from: Academic or General Training depending on whether you want to work, study or migrate.

Both modules are made up of four parts - listening, reading, writing and speaking - and the results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale. IELTS Worldwide Search  will let you find your nearest centre and see the test fee in your local currency. Find out more at IELTS (International English Language Testing System)  

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

Pearson Test of English (PTE)  is a computer-based test of international academic English recognised by programmes worldwide including hundreds of universities around the UK, as well as the UK Border Agency. Test takers receive an overall score and sub-scores for reading, writing, speaking and listening. The test is available throughout the year at secure test delivery centres around the world.

Most institutions will require a PTE Academic score in the range of 50-64. Some institutions may list a higher or lower score depending on the course.

Cambridge ESOL

Cambridge English exams are accepted by almost all UK universities and colleges as proof of English language skills. They test real-life language skills and cover the four key skills: speaking; reading; writing; and listening.

They are accepted by the UK Border Agency for student visa applications and you can also gain valuable UCAS Tariff Points that can be used when applying to UK universities with certain exams. Cambridge English exams can be taken in 2,500 centres in over 130 countries.

Cambridge English exams are accepted by over 11,000 universities, colleges and employers around the world. For more information visit Cambridge ESOL .

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Most universities offer further languages support to students who have been accepted onto courses - this is called English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

There are two main types of EAP in the UK. Pre-sessional courses are for students who want to improve their English for study purposes before they attend their main course in the UK. Students with an average IELTS score of 6 are encouraged to take intensive pre-sessional courses for at least a month, those with 5.5 for at least two months and those with 5 for at least three months before they start their postgraduate study. These are only rough estimates of the time required and students with scores lower than 5 will need many months of such courses.

The second type of EAP is usually called in-sessional English support and is for students after they start their postgraduate study. This kind of support can include intensive English lessons as the students have already been accepted for full-time study, but it often offers classes in specific skills as well as tutorials or one-to-one help from an EAP expert. All students whose first language is not English should contact the In-sessional Support programme as soon as possible after arriving. There is a professional organisation called the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP)  which supplies information on accredited EAP courses.