The minimum English language level required to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree is upper intermediate.

Different universities accept different exams as evidence of an applicant’s English language level. You should check on the university’s website before you book a test to find out what results you need. Your course may require a specific test result for the different language skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking. Now let us look at some university's requirement.

University of Oxford

All courses now require the higher level of ability in English.

* We recommend that you take the IELTS Academic option. The IELTS General, IELTS UKVI General and IELTS life skills options are not suitable for admission. The IELTS UKVI Academic test can be accepted but is not recommended, as this is more expensive than the IELTS Academic test and is not offered in as many countries or centres worldwide so it may be difficult to book an appointment. This UKVI version of the test is required for students taking courses below degree level but is not required for courses at degree level or above and IELTS recommend that university applicants do not apply for this version of the test as it will fill up spaces required by other students (below degree level) who do have to take this version of the test.

** TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.

University of Cambridge

Minimum English language requirements: 

• IELTS Academic - normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element

• TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) - normally a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element

• EU students - a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving exam (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable

• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency - accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.

• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus an assessment by the Language Centre. Following assessment the University Language Centre may advise further action from the applicant (eg enrolment at one of the Language Centre courses, or completion of an IELTS test).

• Singapore Integrated Programme (SIP) - may be considered an acceptable English language qualification

• English language test results are only valid for two years from the date of the exam and

• should still be valid on the first day of the Cambridge course. Component scores should all be achieved in a single sitting.

If English isn't your first language, it's essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging academic course that's taught and examined in English. Throughout the admissions process, Admissions Tutors will be assessing your English language skills as well as your academic ability.

Imperial College London

All home, EU and overseas applicants must demonstrate they meet the required English language competency level for their chosen course.

They have two English language attainment levels:

• Standard

• Higher

The requirements for meeting the standard or higher level are explained below:

*IELTS single score re-takes are not accepted. Candidateds must meet the IELTS requirements on a single test sitting.

Imperial College London considers IELTS scores to be valid for 2 years.

Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperal if your application is successful.

*ETS at Home accepted for admission

Imperial College London considers TOEFL scores to be valid for 2 years.

Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial if your application is successful.

* Test scores are only considered valid if taken within 2 years of the intended course start date.

Imperial College London considers Pearson(PTE) scores to be valid for 2 years.

Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial if your application is successful.

*Test scores are only considered valid if taken within two years of the intended course start date.

*Test results must be within 12 months of programme start date in order to be treated as valid and subject to online verification.

*OET Paper/Computer at est centre and oet@Home accepted

*Test scores are only considered valid if taken within two years of the intended course start date.

*Test scores are only considered valid if taken within two years of the intended course start date.