English language requirements

Our courses are taught in English, so you will need a good understanding of the language to study with us.

The standard of English required varies by course. You can see the standard you will need in the 'Entry requirements' section of your course page. This is given as an IELTS score.

If you don't have the right language qualification, we have pre-study English courses to get you ready for the start of term.

Degree level and above

We accept a range of qualifications. Your score will need to be equivalent to the IELTS score given on your course page. You can check using the tables below.

If you are taking an IELTS test and need a student visa, take IELTS for UKVI, as this is approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

IELTS score of 6.0

Qualification Result required
IELTS Overall: 6.0
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Reading: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
TOEFL iBT (including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) Overall: 67
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 12
Speaking: 17
Reading: 12
Writing: 14
Duolingo  Overall: 105
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 95
Speaking: 95
Reading: 100
Writing: 95
Or, minimum scores of: 
Production: 95
Literacy: 95
Comprehension: 95
Conversation: 95
 Pearson  Overall: 64 
Minimum scores of :
Listening: 59
Speaking: 59
Reading: 59
Writing: 59
 Oxford ELLT Overall: 6
Minimum scores of :
Listening: 5
Speaking: 5
Reading: 5
Writing: 5
 LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 Overall High Pass and or 
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 33
Speaking: 33
Reading: 33
Writing: 33

IELTS score of 6.5

Qualification Result required
IELTS Overall: 6.5
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Reading: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
TOEFL iBT (Including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) Overall: 81
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 12
Speaking: 17
Reading: 12
Writing: 14
Duolingo 
Overall: 120
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 95
Speaking: 95
Reading: 100
Writing: 95
Or, minimum scores of: 
Production: 95
Literacy: 95
Comprehension: 95
Conversation: 95
 Pearson  Overall: 69
Minimum scores of:
Listening: 59
Speaking: 59
Reading: 59
Writing: 59
Oxford ELLT Overall: 7
Minimum scores of :
Listening: 5
Speaking: 5
Reading: 5
Writing: 5
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 Overall High Pass and or 
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 33
Speaking: 33
Reading: 33
Writing: 33
 

IELTS score of 7.0

Qualification Result required
IELTS Overall: 7
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Reading: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
TOEFL iBT (including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) Overall: 91
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 12
Speaking: 17
Reading: 12
Writing: 14
Duolingo 
Overall: 130
Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 95
Speaking: 95
Reading: 100
Writing: 95
Or, minimum scores of: 
Production: 95
Literacy: 95
Comprehension: 95
Conversation: 95
Pearson Overall: 76
Minimum scores of :
Listening: 59
Speaking: 59
Reading: 59
Writing: 59
Oxford ELLT Overall: 8
Minimum scores of :
Listening: 5
Speaking: 5
Reading: 5
Writing: 5
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 Minimum scores of: 
Listening: 33
Speaking: 33
Reading: 33
Writing: 33

Diplomas and English language courses

For courses at NFQ level 5 and below, you need to prove your English language level with a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

As with degree level courses, your score must be equivalent to the IELTS score shown on your course page.

Gov.uk has a list of approved English language tests.

Alternatives for direct applications

If you are applying direct for a courses we also may accept the following as alternatives to UKVI-approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTS).

  • Indian 12th Standard*
  • WAEC (Nigeria only)*
  • NECO (Nigeria only)*

You will need to achieve the equivalent IELTS level needed for your course.

*Please note these additional English language equivalencies are not accepted across all courses (i.e. courses within our Health portfolio).

Related content