English Language Requirements for UK Universities 2027: IELTS, Tests & Scores

To study at a UK university, you’ll need to meet its English language requirement, but the accepted test and minimum score depend on the university, course and study level. Most universities ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate courses and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate courses, or an equivalent score in another accepted test. Your Student visa has its own English requirement, which isn’t always the same as your university’s.

Which English Language Tests Do UK Universities Accept?

UK universities accept a range of English language tests, but the accepted qualifications and minimum scores depend on your chosen university and course. While IELTS Academic remains the most commonly recognised test, many universities also accept TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge English qualifications, and some accept the Duolingo English Test.

If you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for your UK Student visa, you’ll need to choose a UKVI-approved version of the test.

Other UKVI-approved SELTs include tests from LanguageCert, Trinity College London and Skills for English. Compare the options in more detail in the guide to alternative English language tests.

Choosing the Right English Language Test

The best test depends on both your university’s admission requirements and your visa situation.

What IELTS Score Do You Need for a UK University?

Most universities set an overall score and a minimum score for each skill (reading, writing, listening and speaking). These are typical ranges, so always check your course page for the exact requirement.

Competitive courses such as medicine and law often ask for IELTS 7.0 or higher. For the full picture of grades and qualifications, see the UK university entry requirements.

University English Language Requirements vs UK Student Visa Requirements

Choosing the right English language test is only part of the process. Your test also needs to meet both your university’s admission requirements and the UK Student visa requirements, where applicable.

These requirements are set by different authorities. Your university decides which English language qualifications and scores it accepts for admission, while the UK Home Office sets the English standard for the Student visa. Under the Student visa English rules, you must show English equivalent to CEFR B2 for degree-level study and CEFR B1 for courses below degree level.

For many degree-level applicants, this doesn’t mean taking a SELT. Higher Education Providers (HEPs) can assess your English themselves, as long as it meets the B2 standard, and record their assessment on your CAS. However, applicants for many below-degree courses, including foundation programmes, normally need a UKVI-approved SELT unless they’re exempt.

One area that often causes confusion is IELTS Academic and IELTS for UKVI. Both assess the same reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, but only IELTS for UKVI is delivered under UKVI-approved security arrangements and can be used as a SELT when one is required for a Student visa.

Can You Study in the UK Without IELTS?

Yes. Many UK universities accept alternatives to IELTS, although the options vary by university and course. Depending on your programme, you may be able to apply with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English qualifications or, at some universities, the Duolingo English Test. Some universities also accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or previous study in English for degree-level courses.

However, meeting your university’s English requirement doesn’t automatically meet the Student visa requirement. Depending on your circumstances, the Home Office may accept an eligible UK qualification, an overseas degree taught in English (usually with an Ecctis assessment), your university’s own assessment for degree-level study, or a SELT where one is required.

TOEFL iBT Update for 2026

From January 2026, TOEFL iBT introduced a CEFR-aligned 1.0–6.0 band scale alongside the existing 0–120 score scale. Both scores will appear on test reports until 2028, but universities are adopting the new scale at different speeds. Before submitting your TOEFL score, check which scale your chosen university accepts.

Who Is Exempt From English Language Requirements?

Not every applicant needs to take an English language test. University admission requirements and Student visa exemptions are assessed separately, so check both before assuming you’re exempt.

For the UK Student visa, you may not need to prove your English if you:

• Are a national of a majority English-speaking country recognised by the Home Office, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland
• Hold a degree taught in English (if it was awarded outside the UK, you’ll normally need an Ecctis assessment)
• Are studying at degree level or above and your university has assessed your English at CEFR B2
• Proved your English at the required level in a previous successful UK visa application

Even if you’re exempt for visa purposes, your university may still ask for its own evidence of English as part of the admissions process.

What If You Don’t Meet the Required Score?

Missing the required score doesn’t necessarily mean delaying your plans. Many universities offer pre-sessional English courses that bring you up to the required level before your degree starts, while others accept a resit or an alternative test.

If your pre-sessional course is below degree level and studied separately, you’ll usually need a SELT at B1 for that part of your visa, unless you qualify through another Home Office route.

Get Expert English Test Advice From StudyIn

Working out the exact score you need, and whether your test also works for your visa, can be confusing. StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience helping international students study in the UK and across multiple destinations.

Our counsellors check your course’s score requirements, whether you need a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI, and whether you qualify for an exemption, before you book a test. We then support you through applications, scholarships, financial evidence and your visa, and our service is free throughout the process.

FAQs

What English language tests do UK universities accept?

Most UK universities accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge English, and a growing number accept the Duolingo English Test. Acceptance varies by institution and course, so check your course page.

What IELTS score do I need for a UK university?

Undergraduate courses typically ask for 6.0 to 6.5 overall, and postgraduate courses for 6.5 to 7.0. Competitive courses such as medicine and law often require 7.0 or higher, alongside minimum scores in each skill.

Is IELTS Academic enough for a UK Student visa?

For degree-level study, it often is, because your university can assess your English itself. For courses below degree level, you’ll usually need IELTS for UKVI or another approved SELT.

Can I study in the UK without IELTS?

Yes. Many universities accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Duolingo or an MOI letter instead. Your Student visa may still have its own requirement, so check both before you book a test.

Do all UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test?

No. Acceptance varies by university, course and department, and regulated courses such as medicine often exclude it. Confirm current acceptance on your course page before relying on it.

Who is exempt from English language requirements?

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries, holders of degrees taught in English, and degree-level students assessed by their university can qualify for a visa exemption. University admission exemptions are decided separately.

How long are English language test results valid?

A SELT is generally valid for two years from the test date for visa purposes. Universities set their own validity rules too, so check both against your intended start date.

What should I do if I don’t achieve my required score?

Ask your university about a pre-sessional English course, which brings you up to the required level before your degree starts. A resit or an alternative accepted test may also work.