The answer in 60 seconds
- For degree-level courses, many universities can assess your English themselves — often accepting Class XII English marks or their own test.
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required in some cases, including most pre-degree courses.
- Book the test that your specific university and course accepts, not the one that is cheapest.
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Commonly accepted tests
Acceptance varies by university and by course, and some tests are accepted by a university but not for a visa where a SELT is required. Always verify against your offer letter.
- IELTS Academic and IELTS for UKVI.
- PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI.
- TOEFL iBT (accepted by many, but not all, universities).
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities).
- Cambridge English qualifications.
Typical requirements
Most master's programmes ask for the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0; some professional courses require 7.0 or higher. Pre-sessional English courses can bridge a small shortfall.
Common mistakes
- Booking a non-UKVI test when the course requires a SELT.
- Meeting the overall score but missing a single band requirement.
- Testing too late to meet a conditional offer deadline.
FAQs
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