English Language Requirements

We recognise the following English language qualifications:

• GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above
• IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component (including One Skill Retake)*. Please note that for those students who do not require a UKVI SELT, USW will also be able to accept the IELTS online test
• TOEFL iBT (Including Home Edition):
  -For exams taken before January 21, 2026:
  Minimum total score: 72
  Minimum section scores: Reading: 18, Listening: 17, Writing: 17, Speaking: 20
  -For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:
  Minimum total score: 4
  Minimum section scores: Reading: 4, Listening: 4, Writing: 4, Speaking: 4
• Duolingo English Test - 110 overall and 100 in each component for standard entry. This test is currently being piloted in selected countries. Please note that the overall scores shown above are only indicative of the score required and additional checks on test samples may be required. Visit your country page for more information.
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): exams taken from January 2015 – overall score of 169 with at least 162 in each component; exams taken before January 2015 – Grade C and no less than borderline in each skill 
• Trinity College English Language qualifications: ISE II Distinction or ISE III Pass
• IELCA
  -Direct entry: 32 overall score, no less that 30 in each component
  -Direct entry needing a higher IELTS score: 35 overall, no less than 30 in each component
• PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI with a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component. Please note this must be taken at a PTE test centre
• Language Cert Academic or Language Cert Academic (SELT) with a minimum score of 65 overall, with a minimum of 60 in each component. Please note that the online version of the Language Cert test is not accepted.
• PSI Service (UK) Ltd Skills for English UKVI B2 (4 component) with a pass in all 4 components (listening, speaking, reading writing)
• Kaplan Test of English online test: Overall score of 458, with 425 in each component
• Password Skills Plus with an overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each component
• Language Cert International ESOL B2 Communicator exam with a High Pass overall and a minimum of 38 in speaking and 33 in all other components. Please note we do not accept the online version of this test
• Oxford Test of English (OTE) with a score of 125 overall and 111 in each component
• For doctoral and research masters courses a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall is required (with a minimum of 5.5 in each band) or regional equivalents. Evidence of a UK Masters (for doctoral level) or UK undergraduate degree (for research masters) are also acceptable.
  

*Please note that a very small number of USW’s programmes require a higher IELTS (or equivalent) score. Please see the individual course pages for details. 

Please note that international students applying for a Tier 4 student visa who will be studying at a course below degree level (this includes Pre-Sessional English programmes, International Foundation Programmes, HNDs and foundation degrees) must have a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test.