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Progress English Test

Abstract paintings by Sheefalia Asija

If you have a conditional offer to study at UAL but need to improve your English language test score, you can take the Progress Test. This is the UAL English language test for current students.

Progress English Test 2025/26

Progress tests will take place on the following dates:

  • Test 1: 3, 4, 5 December 2025
  • Test 2: 18, 19, 20 March 2026
  • Test 3: 15, 16, 17 April 2026
  • Test 4: 6, 7, 8 May 2026
  • Test 5: 3, 4, 5 June 2026

The Reading, Writing, and Listening tests are in person tests and will be held on the Friday of the test week. Your 20 minute Speaking test will be held online on 1 of the other 2 days of the test.

Book your Progress test. Booking for tests 2 to 5 will open in January 2026. Bookings will close on the following dates:

  • Test 2: book before 10am on  4 March 2026
  • Test 3: book before 10am on  1 April 2026
  • Test 4: book before 10am on  22 April
  • Test 5: book before 10am on  20 May

For more information about the external English Language tests accepted by UAL, please read the English Language Requirements.

What is the Progress Test

You can take UAL’s Progress Test to achieve the IELTS equivalent score required for the next level of university study.

  • You can take the test if you are a current UAL student and want to progress to the next level of your university study (for example from Foundation to BA, from undergraduate to postgraduate.
  • The Progress Test covers 4 skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
  • If you get the score you need on the Progress Test, you won't have to take another external test such as IELTS.
  • The Progress test costs £200  (subject to change).

We do not issue certificates for this test. The UAL Progress Test is an internal test and your results are sent directly to admissions. If you are applying for a student visa application, UAL admissions will vouch for your level of English in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Read the Progress Test terms and conditions (PDF 172KB). This PDF may not be accessible to all users. If you need a version in an alternative format, please contact progress-test@arts.ac.uk

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