English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, studying in the UK can be very challenging. That's why we make sure you have the language skills you need to succeed right from the start. We’ve listed our English language entry requirements here and the qualifications we accept. You'll also find information about Pre-sessional English courses on this page.
What language qualifications does NTU accept?
We accept a range of English language qualifications for students from all over the world. You'll need to achieve the required grade in your qualification in order to meet our English language level.
Please note that any results you submit will need to be verified. This can include using the online verifying services provided by examining bodies or contacting the awarding institution.
Accepted qualifications:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT, including ‘Home Edition' - We accept the online test as well
- IGCSE
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Pearson Test of English
- International/European Baccalaureate
- A/O level
- Trinity College ISE
- KITE - We accept the online test as well
- Various country qualifications
We do not accept qualifications such as Duolingo, EF or ELLT. We do not consider ‘Medium of Instruction’ letters as evidence of English language unless listed below.
You can find a full list of accepted qualifications on this page but please email us at international@ntu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
IELTS
We accept IELTS as an English Language qualification. You’ll need to achieve the required grade in IELTS which are listed below.
Please note there are different types of IELTS test available, and it is important that you take the correct one. We do not currently accept ‘IELTS Indicator’ or 'IELTS Online' test scores.
IELTS requirements for students who need a Student visa to study at NTU are listed below for all courses.
| NTU School (or course) | Undergraduate (Bachelors) IELTS academic test grade | Postgraduate (Masters) IELTS academic test grade |
|---|---|---|
School of Art & Design: All undergraduate practice-based courses | 6.0 with minimum of 5.5 in each component This requirement is for Year One entry only. If you're starting in Year Two or final year you'll need a higher grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component |
School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences | ||
Confetti: All undergraduate courses except BA (Hons) Filmmaking | ||
School of Science and Technology | ||
Nottingham Business School | 6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component | For 1-year Masters you'll need a 6.5 grade overall with minimum of 5.5 in each component. For 2-year Masters you'll need a 6.5 grade overall with a minimum of 6.0 in speaking and listening, and 5.5 in reading and writing. |
School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment | 6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component | 6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component |
School of Art & Design: All postgraduate courses, and: BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding | ||
School of Arts and Humanities (see below for Journalism) | ||
Confetti: All postgraduate courses, and BA (Hons) Filmmaking | ||
Nottingham Institute of Education | ||
Nottingham Law School (see below for BTC) | ||
School of Social Sciences (see below for BA (Hons) and MA Social Work, and BSc (Hons) Nursing). | ||
| Journalism | 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in speaking and listening | 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in speaking and listening |
| Barristers Training Courses For the BTC we accept the IELTS, Pearson Test of English (Academic), TOEFL iBT and KITE. We do not accept any other English language test. | IELTS: 7.5 with a minimum of 7.5 in each component Pearson: 73 overall with 73 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 107 overall with at least 27 in Reading, 27 in Listening, 24 in Speaking and 29 in Writing KITE: 527 in every component | |
BA (Hons) and MA Social Work We accept IELTS, Pearson Test of English (Academic), TOEFL iBT and KITE. We do not accept any other English language test. | 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component Pearson: 68 overall with 62 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 96 overall with at least 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing KITE: 495 overall with at least 459 in every component | 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component Pearson: 68 overall with 62 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 96 overall with at least 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing KITE: 495 overall with at least 459 in every component |
| BSc (Hons) / MSc Nursing courses | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading |
| All postgraduate research degrees | 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent). |
Please note that the date of your IELTS academic test result must be within two years of your degree course start date.
Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)
There are entry requirements for PEAP courses so that we can decide how many weeks you need to complete.
To comply with Student visa regulations you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre.
IELTS requirements for students who do not need a Student visa to study at NTU are listed below for all courses.
| NTU School (or course) | Undergraduate (Bachelors) IELTS academic test grade | Postgraduate (Masters) IELTS academic test grade |
|---|---|---|
School of Art & Design: All undergraduate practice-based courses | 6.0 This requirement is for Year One entry only. If you're starting in Year Two or final year you'll need the higher grade of 6.5. | 6.5 |
School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences | ||
Confetti: All undergraduate courses except BA (Hons) Filmmaking | ||
School of Science and Technology | ||
Nottingham Business School | 6.5 | For 1-year Masters you'll need a 6.5 grade overall. For 2-year Masters you'll need a 6.5 grade overall with a minimum of 6.0 in speaking and listening. |
School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment | 6.5 | 6.5 |
School of Art & Design: All postgraduate courses, and also: BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding | ||
School of Arts and Humanities (see below for Journalism) | ||
Confetti: All postgraduate courses, and BA (Hons) Filmmaking | ||
Nottingham Institute of Education | ||
Nottingham Law School (see below for BTC) | ||
School of Social Sciences (see below for BA (Hons) and MA Social Work, and BSc (Hons) Nursing) | ||
| Journalism | 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in reading and writing | 7.0 with minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing |
Barristers Training Courses For the BTC we accept the IELTS, Pearson Test of English (Academic), TOEFL iBT and KITE. We do not accept any other English language test. | IELTS: 7.5 with a minimum of 7.5 in each component Pearson: 73 overall with 73 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 107 overall with at least 27 in Reading, 27 in Listening, 24 in Speaking and 29 in Writing KITE: 527 in every component | |
BA (Hons) and MA Social Work We accept IELTS, Pearson Test of English (Academic), TOEFL iBT and KITE. We do not accept any other English language test. | 7.0 with minimum of 6.5 in each component Pearson: 68 overall with 62 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 96 overall with at least 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing KITE: 495 overall with at least 459 in every component | 7.0 with minimum of 6.5 in each component Pearson: 68 overall with 62 in each component. TOEFL iBT: 96 overall with at least 19 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 24 in Writing KITE: 495 overall with at least 459 in every component |
| BSc (Hons) / MSc Nursing courses | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading |
| All postgraduate research degrees | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading | IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking & Writing, and 5.5 in Listening and Reading |
Please note that the date of your IELTS academic test result must be within two years of your degree start date.
Alternative English language tests
We accept any of the qualifications listed here as an alternative to IELTS. In most cases the grades specified are acceptable for courses requiring an IELTS 6.5 (with 5.5 in each component) unless otherwise stated.
If your course has a higher language requirement, or your qualification is not listed here please email us and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Please note that we do not accept the Duolingo English test.
Grade equivalent to IELTS 6.0
- 59 (with no less than 59 in any element)
Please note, we do not accept ‘PTE Academic Online’.
- Scores of 180 and above, with 162 or above in Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking
C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):
- Scores of 169 and above, with 162 or above in Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking
- 120 overall with at least 111 in each component
*TOEFL iBT, including ‘Home Edition':
- Overall score of 74 with at least 18 Reading, 17 Listening, 20 Speaking, 19 Writing
Please note, we do not accept 'TOEFL Essentials'
*KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
- Average score of 426 for KITE Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, with at least 425 in each component.
Please note that we calculate your average score manually when assessing your application. We do not refer to the 'Overall ability result' (or 'Main flight result' in older certificates) as these do not include all 4 skills.
LanguageCert SELT B2 or *LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator.
156 overall (scores for all 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component
Please note LanguageCert International ESOL is only considered where both written and spoken tests have been taken within one year of your intended course start date.
*These tests can be taken online, without the need to attend a test centre.
Grade equivalent to IELTS 6.5
- 62 (with no less than 59 in any element)
Please note, we do not accept ‘PTE Academic Online’
C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE):
- Scores of 180 and above, with 162 or above in Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking
C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)):
- Scores of 176 and above, with 162 or above in Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking
- Scores of 185 and above are equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall
- 130 overall with at least 111 in each component
*TOEFL iBT, including ‘Home Edition':
- Overall score of 81 with at least 18 Reading, 17 Listening, 20 Speaking, 19 Writing
Please note, we do not accept 'TOEFL Essentials'
*KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English)
- Average score of 459 for KITE Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, with at least 425 in each component
Please note that we calculate your average score manually when assessing your application. We do not refer to the 'Overall ability result' (or 'Main flight result' in older certificates) as these do not include all 4 skills.
LanguageCert SELT B2 or *LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator.
- 180 overall (scores for all 4 components added together) with at least 33 in each component
- A score of 39 is required where IELTS 6.0 is required in any component.
Please note LanguageCert International ESOL is only considered where both Written and Spoken tests have been taken within one year of your intended course start date.
European Baccalaureate (as a first or second language):
- Please contact us for details
International Baccalaureate:
- Grade 4 at Standard or Higher Level in:
- English Language A: literature, or
- English Language A: language and literature, or
- English B.
AS or A-level English Language or English Literature:
- A-E
O-level English:
- C
Trinity College ISE:
- ISE III (CEFR C1) or ISE IV (CEFR C2)
*These tests can be taken online, without the need to attend a test centre.
The grades given for GCSE and IGCSE are considered equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
GCSE English
- Grade C/4, with a pass in Speaking if this component is reported separately.
We do not accept English Literature.
IGCSE English as a first or second language
We do not accept English Literature.
Requirements for international students requiring a Student Route visa:
Cambridge:
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English as a First Language: Grade C/4 overall required, with at least grade 1, 2 or Merit in Listening and Speaking when these components are reported separately.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English as a Second Language: Grade B/6 overall required with at least grade 1,2 or Merit in Speaking when this component is reported separately.
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English as an Additional Language: Not Accepted.
Pearson:
- Pearson | Edexcel IGCSE English Language: Grade C/4 overall. If any components are reported separately, specific grades may be required, please contact us for details.
- Pearson | Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language: Grade B/6 overall. If any components are reported separately, specific grades may be required, please contact us for details.
Oxford AQA:
- Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language: Grade 4 overall with merit in Listening and Speaking if these components are separately endorsed.
- Oxford AQA IGCSE English as a Second Language: Grade 6 overall. If any components are reported separately, specific grades may be required, please contact us for details.
Learning Resource Network:
- LRN (Learning Resource Network) IGCSE English as a Second Language: Grade 6 overall with at least Grade 4 in each component (Reading, Listening, Writing & Speaking). A ‘Certificate’ and ‘Certifying Statement’ must be provided.
IGCSE English language qualifications offered by other examination boards may also be acceptable, please contact the International Development Office for details.
Requirements for students who DO NOT require a Student Route visa:
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) / AQA IGCSE English Language (First Language) – C/4
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) / AQA IGCSE English Language (Second Language) – B/6
- Edexcel IGCSE English Language A or B syllabus – C/4
- Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language - B/6
- LRN (Learning Resource Network) IGCSE English as a Second Language - 6
We consider the following qualifications studied in the UK:
- An English language component of a foundation or a pre-Masters course.
- Pre-sessional English language qualification from a UK university.
- Undergraduate (Bachelors) degree-level study at other UK university.
If you're already studying in the UK and need advice on your English language qualification please email international@ntu.ac.uk.
Antigua and Barbuda
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see below), or
Academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Austria
Matura or Reifeprufung - 2 (gut)
Australia
High School qualifications vary by state, please contact us for advice, or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Bahamas
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Barbados
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see below), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Belize
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see below), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Bermuda
Bermuda School Certificate grade D, or
Bermuda School Diploma grade D
Botswana
Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination - Grade C
Cameroon
GCE O Level - Grade C
Various countries in the Caribbean
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (post-1998) - Three (III) at General Proficiency level
Canada
Grade 11 or Grade 12 of Secondary School Diploma (English-medium schools only) - Grade C, or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree from an English-speaking institution
Denmark
STX / HF / HHX:
7-point scale (after 2007) - grade 7
13-point scale (prior to 2007) - grade 9
Dominica
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
France
Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) within the British or American stream – 12/20
Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) American, British or Australian streams – 10/20
Gambia
West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate (WASSCE / WAEC) - Grade C6 or 6
Germany
Abitur - 10+ (gut) when taken as a ‘leistungskurs' or ‘Kurse mit erhohtem Anforderungsniveau’ (credit/main/intensive course)
Ghana
West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate (WASSCE / WAEC) - Grade C6 or 6
Grenada
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Guyana
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Hong Kong
HKCEE English Language (obtained between 2007-2011) and HKCEE English Language Syllabus B (obtained up to and including 2006); C = IELTS 6.0 or 6.5, B = IELTS 7.0, or
Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority [HKEAA] – AS Level Use of English - Grade E, or
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) - 4 = IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 ; 5 = IELTS 7.0
Iceland
Studentsprof (from Gymnasium) (Matriculation Certificate) - Grade 9
Stúdentspróf (post-vocational) (Matriculation Certificate) added - Grade 9
India
Higher Secondary Certificate (Standard XII) - 70/100 (70%) or 160/200 (80%)
Awarded by CBSE, ISC and select State Boards may also be accepted (please contact us for further info), or
A degree from one of the following universities:
- The University of Mumbai (India)
- The University of Delhi (India)
- The University of Calcutta (India)
- The University of Bangalore (India)
- Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly The University of Pune (India))
- The University of Chennai/Madras (India)
- Osmania University (India)
- The University of Goa (India)
Ireland
Leaving Certificate: O4 / C / C3 (Ordinary / Standard Level) ; H7 / D / D3 (Higher / Honours Level), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Jamaica
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Kenya
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - Grade D or above (D – (minus) is not acceptable)
Lesotho
Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE) - Grade C
Liberia
West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate (WASSCE / WAEC) - Grade C6 or 6
Malaysia
UCLES GCE O Level (GCE-O) 1119 English language (awarded in 2020 or earlier) – Grade C. If your qualification was awarded after 2020, please contact us for further info.
Malawi
Malawi Certificate of School Education (MSCE) - Grade 1-6
Malta
Secondary Education Certificate - Grade 1-5
Matriculation Certificate Examination - Grade E or above
Mauritius
General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level - Grade C
Namibia
Namibian Senior Certificate - Standard Level C ; Higher Level E, or
Namibian Senior Secondary School Certificate (Ordinary level) - Grade C
The Netherlands
Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma - 8 (goed)
New Zealand
National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 2 – At least 14 credits in English ‘Achieved’ (A) at Level 2, or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Nigeria
Nigerian Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate - Grade C6 or 6, or
West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Senior School Certificate - Grade C6 or 6
Norway
Vitnemål for videregående opplæring or Vitnemål fra den videregåendeskole (Leaving Certificate from Upper Secondary School) - Grade 4
Pakistan
A full 4 year Bachelor degree accompanied by a ‘Medium of Instruction’ letter, from one of the following institutions may be considered as evidence of English on a case by case basis:
- National University of Sciences And Technology (NUST) Islamabad
- Quaid-i-Azam University
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
- University of the Punjab
- COMSTATS University Islamabad
- University of Engineering and Technology Karachi (NED Karachi)
Rwanda
Ordinary Level Certificate of Education - Grade 1-6/D1-C6
Sierra Leone
West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate (WASSCE / WAEC) - Grade C6 or 6
Singapore
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-Level - Grades 1-6
South Africa
NSC (National Senior Certificate) post 2007 - 3 or above in either First Language, First Additional Language or Second Language
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka GCE A-level - Grade C
St Kitts and Nevis
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
St Lucia
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Sweden
Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskola - VG (val godkant) or higher in English (A, B or C), or
Högskoleförberedande Examen (from 2014) – grade C in the English 7 subject
Tanzania
Secondary School Leaving Certificate or the National form IV Examination / Certificate of Secondary Education (CSEE) - Minimum grade C
Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above), or
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Uganda
Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) - Grades 1-6
USA
High School Graduation Diploma - Grade C (where English has been studied to grade 12)
Other qualifications may also be considered - please contact us for advice on these.
Academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
Zambia
School Certificate / General Certificate of Education - Grade 1-6
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Certificate of Secondary Education at Ordinary Level - Grade C
The following country qualifications are also accepted for those students who do not require a Student visa:
Belgium
Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs - 8/10 or 80% or met grote onderscheiding, or
Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur - 8/10 or 80% or avec grande distinction
Bulgaria
Diploma za sredno Obrazovani - Grade 5
Croatia
Matura - 5/5 at lower level = IELTS 6.0 ; 4/5 at higher level = IELTS 6.5
Cyprus
Cyprus/Cypriot Apolytirion 'Απολυτήριο Λυκείου (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate):
16/20 = IELTS 6.0
17/20 = IELTS 6.5
Estonia
General Secondary School (Gümnaasium Lõpueksamid) - Grade 4/5 English = IELTS 6.5
France
Baccalauréat Général/Technologique La langue vivante 1 (The living language 1) - 14 (bien), where the co-efficient applied to the subject is greater than 1, or
Baccalauréat avec Option Internationale (OIB) - 12/20
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamenbetyg (matriculation examination) - 5 (magna cum laude approbatur)
Latvia
Atestatas - Grade 8/10 in English = IELTS 6.5 ; 7/10 = IELTS 6.0
Lithuania
National Level Matura (state) English examination - 75% = IELTS 6.0 ; 90% = IELTS 6.5
Luxembourg
Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires - 45 (bien)
Malta
Successful completion of a degree from the University of Malta
Poland
Polish Matura qualification - Świadectwo Dojrzałości (Certificate of Maturity) Extended Level English language exam
- 70% overall in Extended Level English language = IELTS 6.0
- 75% overall Extended Level English language = IELTS 6.5
Portugal
Certificado de fim de Estudios Secundários - 14/20 = IELTS 6.0 ; 16/20 = IELTS 6.5
Slovakia
Maturita - English B2 - Grade 1 (Výborný) = IELTS 6.5 ; Grade 2 (Chválitebný) = IELTS 6.0
Maturita - English C1 - Grade 2 (Chválitebný) = IELTS 6.5
Switzerland
Maturitatzeugnis - 5 (gut)
Certificat de Maturité - 5 (bien)
Attestato de Maturità - 5 (bene)
If your country is not listed here or if you have any questions about your qualification please contact the International Development Office for advice.
If you are applying from an EU partner university to spend a semester or year studying abroad at NTU then you may be required to provide different English language requirements. Please find out more about our exchange entry requirements.
If you are applying from any other international partner university to spend a semester or year studying abroad at NTU you must ensure you meet our standard English language requirements. Language requirements vary according to which teaching school you wish to take modules in.
Find out more about how to apply for an exchange.
How can I meet the English language conditions of my offer?
You may receive an offer to study with us that is conditional upon meeting our English language requirements. You can meet this condition by doing one of the following:
- Uploading an IELTS or alternative test certificate (see above information) at the appropriate grade to the NTU Applicant Portal or to the Ask NTU online form if you have applied through UCAS.
- Successfully completing our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) at the appropriate grade.
Pre-sessional English (PEAP)
Our 2023 PEAP courses are taught on campus. There are entry requirements for PEAP and how long you study depends on your language level today, between 6 - 15 weeks.
PEAP has many benefits:
- Your tutors will give you the support you need so that you’re well-prepared for assessments and your follow-on course.
- You’ll make substantial gains in language development in a short time and everything you learn will be relevant to your studies.
- Learning takes place through collaborative tasks in small groups.
- You’ll become more confident and familiar with the ‘NTU way’ of doing things.
If you are interested in applying, you need to apply through the NTU Applicant Portal.