UK Border Agency approved English qualifications
The following table shows the requirements for the IELTS and TOEFL internet-based tests. The full list of qualifications is available on the UKBA website.
| Qualification |
Minimum result accepted |
UKBA minimum requirements |
IELTS
(International English Language Testing System)
Website:www.ielts.org |
Foundation level
- 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills for International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway)
- 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills for International Foundation Diploma.
- 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills for Foundation Diploma in Liberal Arts:
Four year integrated foundation degrees
- 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills for International Foundation Business & Technology; International Foundation Arts, Humanities & Law; and Extended Sciences.
- 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking for Engineering Foundation; Foundation Technology and Foundation Computing.
- 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all skills for Built Environment Foundation
Undergraduate level
- 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking for Law, Psychology, Architecture, English Language and Communication, English, Accounting and Finance
- 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 5.5 in all skills for courses in the School of Health and Social Care (see individual course details)
- 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing; 5.5 in listening and speaking for all other undergraduate courses
Postgraduate level
- 6.5-7.0 overall (with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking) depending on the subject
Notes
- An IELTS certificate is only valid for 2 years
- You should choose the academic modules in the test
|
B1 = 4.0 overall with 4.0 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
B2 = 5.5 overall with 5.5 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Academic
Website:www.pearsonpte.com |
Foundation level
- 36 overall with 36 in all skills for International Foundation Diploma.
- 58 overall with 51 in all skills for Foundation Diploma in Liberal Arts:
Four year integrated foundation degrees
- 42 overall with 42 in all skills for International Foundation Business & Technology; International Foundation Arts, Humanities & Law; and Extended Sciences.
- 51 with 51 in reading and writing, 42 in listening and speaking for Engineering Foundation; Foundation Technology and Foundation Computing.
- 51 overall with 42 in all skills for Built Environment Foundation
Undergraduate level
- 58 overall with 51 in reading and writing, 51 in listening and speaking for Law, Psychology, Architecture, English Language and Communication, English, Accounting and Finance
- 58 or 65 overall with 51 in all skills for courses in the School of Health and Social Care (see individual course details)
- 51 overall with 51 in reading and writing; 51 in listening and speaking for all other undergraduate courses
Postgraduate level
- 58-65 overall (with 51 in reading and writing, 51 in listening and speaking) depending on the subject
Notes
A PTE Academic score is only valid for 2 years |
B1 = 36 overall with 36 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
B2 = 51 overall with 51 in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing |
TOEFL (internet-based)
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Website:www.toefl.org |
Foundation
- 53 for the International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway)
- 61 for the International Foundation Diploma
Four year integrated foundation degrees
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Notes
TOEFL is valid for 2 years |
B1 = Reading: 8, Listening: 13, Speaking: 19, Writing: 17
B2 = Listening: 21, Reading: 22, Speaking: 23, Writing: 21 |
Other English language qualifications
If you need a student visa these qualifications are suitable for applications for undergraduate (including four year degrees with integrated foundation) and postgraduate level study only.
If you will be taking a pre-sessional English language course before your main course you will need one of the UKBA approved courses listed above.
These qualifications may also be acceptable if you do not need a student visa to enter the UK.
| Qualification |
Minimum result accepted |
|
|
Pass the IFD with 55% overall (undergraduate only) |
English for University Studies Level 3
One term course run by Oxford Brookes International · |
Pass at 55% overall (undergraduate only)
Exit level is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 |
English for University Studies Level 4
One term course run by Oxford Brookes International · |
Pass at 50% overall (undergraduate and postgraduate)
Exit level is equivalent to IELTS 6.5 |
|
One semester course run by Oxford Brookes International · |
Undergraduate
- Level 2 with an average mark of 60%, plus 60% in reading and writing
- Level 3 with an average of 40%
- Level 4 with an average of 40%
Postgraduate
- Level 3 with an average mark of 60%
- Level 4 with an average of 50% (some courses ask for an average of 60% at Level 4)
Some subjects may require higher grades |
A' level in a Social Science or Humanities subject |
Grade C or above
Note: This qualification has a ‘shelf life’ of 10 years |
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) |
Grade B or above |
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) |
Grade B or above |
Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE) |
Grade C1 Pass or above (for accounting and finance related courses only) |
London tests of English |
Level 3 (International Foundation Diploma only)
Level 4+ (for most undergraduate & postgraduate courses)
Level 5 (for Law & Psychology) |
Hong Kong Certificate in Education Examination (HKCEE) in English |
Grade C or above in Syllabus B |
Hong Kong Use of English Examination |
Grade C or above |
NEAB UETESOL
(Northern Examinations & Assessments Board: University Entrance in English for speakers or other languages) |
BBBCC |
Test for English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) – Reading University |
Band 6.0 (undergraduate)
Band 6.5 (postgraduate) |
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination Board (LCCI) |
English for Business Course – pass at level 3
English for Commerce – pass at level 3 |
Advanced Placement International English Language Examination (APIEL) |
Score of 4 or 5 |
This page was last updated June 2011. Please visit the UKBA website for the latest information. |
