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English language requirements

Last updated:
17 April 2025

You must demonstrate that you have a good level of English to study at UAL. Most students from outside of the UK will need to submit results from an English language test. The IELTS test is one example of a test that UAL accepts.

You do not need to take an English language test before you apply.

Please see the information below regarding the English language requirements process.

Each course at UAL has a minimum English language requirement. Check the entry requirements section on the relevant course page.

The English language requirement is expressed as an overall IELTS score between 5.0 and 7.5. There are also minimum skills requirements.

We accept several other English language tests in addition to IELTS.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not currently have the language test score that you need, you will need to take another test. We offer pre-sessional English courses to improve your English level. You can check your eligibility.

UAL's Progress Test

If you are a current UAL student, you can take the UAL Progress Test instead of IELTS or another external test. Your current test result must be less than 2 years old on the start date of your course.

If you meet all the requirements of one of the below categories, you don’t need to take an English language test. Select each title below to read an explanation of each category.

Category 1 - English speaking countries

  • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Majority English speaking countries are designated by UK Visas and Immigration. Check the list on GOV.UK: Student Visa.
  • You have completed full secondary-level education in a majority English-speaking country. If you took only part of your secondary education in the UK or a majority English speaking country, you are not exempt from taking a test.

Category 2 - Permanent and legal UK resident

  • You are a non-UK national who is permanently and legally resident in the UK.
  • You have an existing immigration status that permits study and you will not require a student visa during your studies with us.
  • You have completed full secondary-level education in the UK or in a majority English-speaking country. If you took only part of your secondary education in the UK or a majority English speaking country, you are not exempt from taking a test.

Category 3 - Degree taught in English

  • You hold a qualification equal to a UK undergraduate degree or higher which was taught in English.
  • Your proposed course of study at UAL will be at least RQF Level 6 (BA, MA or above).

These qualifications are valid for 3 years from the date of issue and must be valid on the start date of your course.

We set minimum grades for each qualification. Please see the 'Degree qualifications' section below to see what we accept. If your degree is not listed, get in touch using the ‘Contact Us’ button in your UAL Portal after you have applied.

Category 4 - UK English qualifications

If you completed one of the following English Language or Literature qualifications in the UK when you were 18 years old or younger, you may be exempt from taking an additional test:

  • GCSE
  • A-level
  • Scottish National Qualification
  • Scottish Higher
  • Advanced Higher

After you have applied, contact the Admissions team using the ‘Contact Us’ button in your UAL Portal. We will ask you to upload your certificate.

These qualifications are valid for 3 years from the date of issue and must be valid on the start date of your course. We set minimum grades for each qualification. You can check the minimum grades required for each qualification under 'Alternative qualifications' below.

Check your test is valid

  • Your English language test must be valid on the start date of your course. Check the information under 'Test scores' below to confirm how long your test result is valid for.
  • We are not able to give extensions.

Minimum skills requirements

  • You must achieve 5 language scores. One is an overall score, and the rest are for listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
  • There are minimum scores you must achieve for each skill, which are listed under 'Test scores' below.
  • You must achieve your scores from a single sitting of a test. We do not accept results from tests taken at different times or 'best of' results.
  • We will accept an IELTS One Skill Retake for applicants who need to retake one of the 4 skills within their IELTS test. If you retake one skill, IELTS will give you a new certificate which will specify which skill you have retaken. We will accept a certificate that confirms a One Skill Retake as long as you have met all the score requirements and the test will be less than 2 years old on the start date of your course. We will not accept a cumulative score, across multiple attempts on different IELTS certificates.
  • If you have a disability, your test provider may allow an exemption from a component of the test. They may also offer accommodated testing. Please note that accommodated testing takes several weeks to arrange so you must book your test early. We are not able to accept lower scores on the grounds of disability, so please make sure any accommodations are arranged when you take the test.

IELTS Academic for UKVI

If your condition includes 'IELTS Academic for UKVI', you must provide a certificate for this test or another UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). We cannot accept:

  • IELTS Academic (non-SELT)
  • IELTS General (non-SELT)
  • IELTS General (SELT)

IGCSEs

If you take a Cambridge IGCSE, you must:

  1. Check you have taken a syllabus that assesses all 4 skills separately (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and gives a score for each skill. We have listed IGCSE syllabus numbers we accept under 'Test scores' below.
  2. Provide 2 documents: the certificate and the certifying statement from the exam body, which will include a score for all 4 skills. You will need to request the certifying statement and pay the fee. It can take up to 28 days to provide.

Your iGCSE must be less than 3 years old on the start date of your course.

Please note, if you took an IGCSE between 2020 and 2022 you may not have been externally assessed in every skill.

This breakdown of minimum scores is intended as a guide only. Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.

Select each test score below to review the list of minimum scores.

IELTS 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic for UKVI (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 5.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: 4.5

PTE Academic UKVI (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 43
  • Minimum score for each skill: 43

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE II Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE II Pass

LanguageCert Academic SELT* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 54
  • Minimum score for each skill: 47

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

PSI Skills for English B1 (valid for 2 years).

  • Overall score: Pass with Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: Pass with Merit

IELTS 5.5 (minimum 4.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic for UKVI (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 5.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: 4.5

PTE Academic UKVI (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 43
  • Minimum score for each skill: 43

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE II Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE II Pass

LanguageCert Academic SELT* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 60
  • Minimum score for each skill: 47

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

PSI Skills for English B2 (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: Pass

IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: 5.5

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted.

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 169
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

Cambridge Advanced (CAE) from Jan 2015 (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 169
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (C)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (2), Reading (E), Writing (E), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (D), Reading (E), Writing (E), Speaking (D)

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE II Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE II Merit

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 80
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (17), Reading (18), Writing (17), Speaking (20)

PSI Skills for English B2 (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: Pass with Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: Pass with Merit

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 65
  • Minimum score for each skill: 60

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

International Baccalaureate (IB) (English Language or English Language and Literature combined)* (valid for 3 years)

  • IB Higher Level (A syllabus): Grade 5
  • IB Standard Level (A syllabus): Grade 6

*IB English must be achieved as part of the full International Baccalaureate Diploma; we do not accept the individual certificate to meet the UAL English requirement.

IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: 5.5

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted.

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years)

  • Not valid

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (C)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (2), Reading (E), Writing (E), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: C
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (D), Reading (E), Writing (E), Speaking (D)

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Pass

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (17), Reading (18), Writing (17), Speaking (20)

PSI Skills for English C1 (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: Pass

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: 60

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

International Baccalaureate (IB) (English Language or English Language and Literature combined)* (valid for 3 years)

  • IB Higher Level (A syllabus): Grade 5
  • IB Standard Level (A syllabus): Grade 6

*IB English must be achieved as part of the full International Baccalaureate Diploma; we do not accept the individual certificate to meet the UAL English requirement.

IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 7.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: 6.0

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 66
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted.

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 169

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 169

Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years)

  • Not valid

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (C), Writing (C), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (C), Writing (C), Speaking (C)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (2), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (C), Reading (D), Writing (D), Speaking (C)

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 100
  • Minimum score for each skill: 20

PSI Skills for English C1 (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: Pass
  • Minimum score for each skill: Pass

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 75
  • Minimum score for each skill: 65

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

IELTS 7.5 (minimum 6.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 7.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: 6.5

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 76
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted.

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 191
  • Minimum score for each skill: 176

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 191
  • Minimum score for each skill: 176

Cambridge B2 First (valid for 2 years)

  • Not valid

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0510 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (B), Writing (B), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0511 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (A), Reading (B), Writing (B), Speaking (B)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0500 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (1), Reading (C), Writing (C), Speaking (2)

Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus 0522 (valid for 3 years)

  • Overall score: B
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (B), Reading (C), Writing (C), Speaking (C)

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 110
  • Minimum score for each skill: 22

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 80
  • Minimum score for each skill: 70

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted.

For courses which require non-standard scores which are not listed under 'Test scores' above.

IELTS 6.5 (Minimum of 6.0 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: 6.0

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: 20

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: 65

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: 169

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: 169

UK University Degree

  • 2:1

IELTS 6.5 (Minimum skills scores: Listening (5.5), Reading (6.0), Writing (5.5), Speaking (6.0)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (5.5), Reading (6.0), Writing (5.5), Speaking (6.0)

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (17), Reading (20), Writing (17), Speaking (20)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (60) Reading (60) Writing (65) Speaking (65)

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (Pass), Reading (Merit), Writing (Pass), Speaking (Merit)

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (162), Reading (169), Writing (162), Speaking (169)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (162), Reading (169), Writing (162), Speaking (169)

UK University Degree

  • 2:1

IELTS 6.5 (Minimum skills scores: Listening (6.0), Reading (5.5), Writing (5.5), Speaking (6.0)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (6.0), Reading (5.5), Writing (5.5), Speaking (6.0)

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (20), Reading (18), Writing (17), Speaking (20)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: Reading (60) Writing (60) Listening (65) Speaking (65)

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (Merit), Reading (Pass), Writing (Pass), Speaking (Merit)

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (162), Writing (162), Speaking (169)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (162), Writing (162), Speaking (169)

UK University Degree

  • 2:1

IELTS 6.5 (Minimum skills scores: Listening (5.5), Reading (5.5), Writing (6.0), Speaking (5.5)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (5.5), Reading (5.5), Writing (6.0), Speaking (5.5)

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (17), Reading (18), Writing (20), Speaking (20)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (60) Reading (60) Speaking (60) Writing (65)

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (Pass), Reading (Pass), Writing (Merit), Speaking (Pass)

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (162), Reading (162), Writing (169), Speaking (162)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (162), Reading (162), Writing (169), Speaking (162)

UK University Degree

  • 2:2

IELTS 6.5 (Minimum skills scores: Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (6.0), Speaking (6.5)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (6.0), Speaking (6.5)

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 59
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 90
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (20), Reading (20), Writing (20), Speaking (22)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 70
  • Minimum score for each skill: Reading (60) Writing (60) Listening (60) Speaking (70)

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (169), Writing (169), Speaking (176)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 176
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (169), Writing (169), Speaking (176)

UK University Degree

  • 2:1

IELTS 7.0 (Minimum 5.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 7.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: 5.5

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 66
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 100
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (17), Reading (18), Writing (17), Speaking (20)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 75
  • Minimum score for each skill:  60

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 162

UK University Degree

  • 2:1

IELTS 7.0 (Minimum 6.5 in each skill)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 7.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: 6.5

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 66
  • Minimum score for each skill: 59

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 100
  • Minimum score for each skill: 22

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 75
  • Minimum score for each skill: 70

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 176

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: 176

UK University Degree

  • First

IELTS 7.0 (Minimum skills scores: Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (7.0), Speaking (6.0)

IELTS Academic / IELTS Academic for UKVI / IELTS Academic (Online) (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 7.0
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (7.0), Speaking (6.0)

PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 66
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (59), Reading (59), Writing (66), Speaking (59)

*PTE Academic Online is NOT accepted

TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 100
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (20), Reading (20), Writing (22), Speaking (20)

LanguageCert Academic SELT / LanguageCert Academic* (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 75
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (70) Reading (70) Speaking (70) Writing (75)

*LanguageCert International ESOL tests are not accepted. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted. Written and spoken tests must be taken within 3 months of each other.

Trinity ISE (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: ISE III Merit
  • Minimum score for each skill: ISE III Merit

Cambridge C1 Advanced (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (169), Writing (185), Speaking (169)

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (valid for 2 years)

  • Overall score: 185
  • Minimum score for each skill: Minimum score for each skill: Listening (169), Reading (169), Writing (185), Speaking (169)

UK University Degree

  • See main course webpage for details

We will only accept a degree qualification or above listed below, if your proposed course of study at UAL will be at least RQF Level 6 (BA, MA or above).

These qualifications are valid for 3 years. They must be valid on the start date of your course. We are not able to give extensions.

Select each test score below to review the list of minimum scores.

IELTS 5.0

UK university degree

  • Pass

USA university degree

  • 2.0

Australian university degree

  • Pass

UK Master’s degree

  • Pass

UK PgDip

  • Pass

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Pass

New Zealand

  • N/A

South Africa

  • N/A

Canada

  • N/A

IELTS 5.5

UK university degree

  • Pass

USA university degree

  • 2.0

Australian university degree

  • Pass

UK Master’s degree

  • Pass

UK PgDip

  • Pass

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Pass

New Zealand

  • N/A

South Africa

  • N/A

Canada

  • N/A

IELTS 6.0

UK university degree

  • 2:2

USA university degree

  • 3.0

Australian university degree

  • Second class
  • B/Credit (60‐69%)

UK Master’s degree

  • Pass

UK PgDip

  • Pass

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Pass

New Zealand

  • B- / C+
  • 5

South Africa

  • 60-69%
  • Second Class
  • Division Two

Canada

  • C+
  • 66%
  • 3.0 (4 year degree) / 3.3

IELTS 6.5

UK university degree

  • 2:2*

*A 2:1 degree classification is required to meet the following minimum skills scores:

  • Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (6.0), Speaking (6.0)
  • Listening (6.0), Reading (6.0), Writing (5.5), Speaking (5.5)
  • Listening (6.5), Reading (6.0), Writing (6.0), Speaking (6.0)

USA university degree

  • 3.0

Australian university degree

  • Second class
  • B/Credit (60‐69%)

UK Master’s degree

  • Pass

UK PgDip

  • Merit

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Not valid

New Zealand

  • B- / C+
  • 5

South Africa

  • 60-69%
  • Second Class
  • Division Two

Canada

  • C+
  • 66%
  • 3.0 (4 year degree) / 3.3

IELTS 7.0

UK university degree

  • 2:1

USA university degree

  • 3.2

Australian university degree

  • Second class
  • A/Distinction
  • (70‐79%)

UK Master’s degree

  • Merit

UK PgDip

  • Merit

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Not valid

New Zealand

  • B / B+
  • 6

South Africa

  • 70-74%
  • Second Class
  • Division One

Canada

  • B
  • 75%
  • 3.3 (4 year degree) / 3.5

IELTS 7.5

UK university degree

  • First

USA university degree

  • 3.7

Australian university degree

  • First class
  • High Distinction (80‐100%)

UK Master’s degree

  • Distinction

UK PgDip

  • Distinction

UK Graduate Diploma

  • Not valid

New Zealand

  • A / A+
  • 7

South Africa

  • 75-100%
  • First Class

Canada

  • A-
  • 85%
  • 3.7 (4 year degree) / 3.9

We can only accept an alternative English language qualification if:

  • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Majority English speaking countries are designated by UK Visas and Immigration. Check the list on GOV.UK: Student Visa.
  • You do not require a student visa to study at UAL.

If one of these apply to you, check the alternative English language qualifications scores.

After you have applied for your UAL course, contact us with any questions using the 'Contact us' button in your student portal.