UK · CHAPTER 5
English testsfor UK study.
For a degree-level Student visa your English must be at least B2 (CEFR), assessed by your university. Universities commonly ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for master's, or equivalent PTE and TOEFL scores. Some accept Class 12 English marks as a waiver.
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Typical scores
| Test | Typical master's requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, 6.0 per band (7.0 for law, medicine, some top universities) |
| PTE Academic | 58–65 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88–100 |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted by some universities; 115–125 |
Waivers
Some universities accept a high Class 12 English mark from CBSE, ISC or certain state boards instead of a test. The waiver is the university's decision and the university must still confirm your English level on your CAS.
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Tests UK universities accept
| Test | Typical master's score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, 6.0 each band | Most widely accepted |
| PTE Academic | 58–65 overall | Fast results |
| TOEFL iBT | 88–92 overall | Check each university |
| Duolingo English Test | 115–125 | Accepted by a growing number |
| Class 12 English | 70–80%+ in CBSE/ICSE | Waiver at some universities |
If your score is a little short
Many universities offer pre-sessional English courses of 4–12 weeks before the degree; passing gives you the required level without retaking IELTS. The CAS then covers both the pre-sessional and the degree. It adds cost and time, so retaking the test is often cheaper if you are 0.5 band short.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
For degree-level study at a university with a sponsor licence, the university assesses your English and usually accepts IELTS Academic. IELTS for UKVI is required mainly for pre-degree courses and some other visa routes.
Some universities waive the test for students with high Class 12 English marks from CBSE, ICSE or certain state boards, or a degree taught in English. Each university publishes its own list.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
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