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 with a score of 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing (including Home Edition)
• 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

*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.