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. On this page we’ve listed our English language entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. You’ll also find details of our pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) courses.

    IELTS

    We accept a range of English language qualifications, including IELTS..

    You’ll need to achieve the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS.

    There are different types of IELTS test available, and it is important that you take the correct one.

    If you're applying for a degree level course you must have the IELTS academic test. If you’re applying for below degree level (such as pre-sessional English) and need a visa you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre.

    • IELTS requirements for international students

      We've listed IELTS academic test grade needed for all courses in the table below.

      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

      School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

      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 Science and Technology

      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
      BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component 

      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

      School of Arts and Humanities (see below for Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism)

      Nottingham Institute of Education

      Nottingham Law School (see below for BPTC)

      School of Social Sciences (see below for BA (Hons) and MA Social Work)

      School of Art & Design


      All postgraduate courses, and:

      BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding
      BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion
      BA (Hons) Fashion Management
      BA (Hons) International Fashion Business

      6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component

      6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component

      Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism  7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in speaking and listening
      Bar Professional Training Course
      For the BPTC we accept IELTS (see below) and the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with a minimum of 73 in each skill. We do not accept any other alternative English language test.       		  7.5 with a minimum of 7.5 in each component
      BA (Hons) and MA Social Work  7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
      All postgraduate research degrees   6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
      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 Tier 4 visa regulations you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre.

      **Please note that the date of your IELTS academic test result must be within two years of your degree course start date.**

    • IELTS requirements for EU students

      We've listed IELTS academic test grade needed for all courses in the table below.

      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

      School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

      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 Science and Technology

      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
      BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. 

      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

      School of Arts and Humanities (see below for Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism)

      Nottingham Institute of Education

      Nottingham Law School (see below for BPTC)

      School of Social Sciences (see below for BA (Hons) and MA Social Work)

      School of Art & Design


      All postgraduate courses, and also:

      BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding
      BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Promotion
      BA (Hons) Fashion Management
      BA (Hons) International Fashion Business

      		6.56.5
      Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism7.0 with minimum 6.0 in reading and writing 7.0 with minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing 

      Bar Professional Training Course

      For the BPTC we accept IELTS (shown here) and the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with a minimum of 73 in each skill.  We do not accept any other English language test.

      		 7.5 with a minimum of 7.5 in each component
      Social Work – BA (Hons) and MA7.0 with minimum of 6.5 in each component
      All postgraduate research degrees 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

      **Please note that the date of your IELTS academic test result must be within two years of your degree start date.**

    International students in classrooms

    Alternative English language tests accepted by the University

    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 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.

    • Pearson, Cambridge, International/European Baccalaureate, A/O level, Trinity, TOEFL iBT

      Name of test Grade equivalent to IELTS 6.0 Grade equivalent to IELTS 6.5
      Pearson Test of English (Academic) 54 (with no less than 51 in any component)  62 (with no less than 51 in any component) 
      C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) Scores of 180 and aboveScores of 180 and above
      C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Scores of 169 and above

      Scores of 176 and above

      Scores of 185 and above are equivalent to IELTS 7.0

      European Baccalaureate (as a first or second language)   6
      International Baccalaureate (English A or B syllabus or English Literature, Standard or Higher level)   4
      AS or A-level English Language or English Literature   A-E
      O-level English   C

      Trinity College ISE

      		  Level 3 and 4
      TOEFL iBT (taken outside the UK)
      EU students and students who do not require a Tier 4 visa only      		overall score of 76overall score of 83

    • IGCSE and GCSE

      The grades given for GCSE and IGCSE are considered equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

      GCSE English Grade C (we do not accept English Literature)
      IGCSE English as a first or second language (we do not accept English Literature)
      Requirements listed below are for international students requiring a Tier 4 visa:

      IGCSE English: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500)      		Grade C overall required, with at least grade 1 or 2 in Listening and Speaking when these components are reported separately.
      IGCSE English: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) English as a First Language (Syllabus 0522)Grade C overall
      IGCSE English: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0511)

      Grade B overall

      IGCSE English: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0510)

      Grade B overall with at least grade 1 or 2 in Speaking when this component is reported separately.

      IGCSE English Language qualifications offered by other Examination boards may also be acceptablePlease contact the International Development Office for details.

      Requirements for students who do not require a Tier 4 visa:

      Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)/AQA IGCSE English Language (First Language) – C

      CIE IGCSE English Language (Second Language) – B

      Edexcel IGCSE English Language A or B syllabus – C

      Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language - B

    • UK qualifications

      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.

    • Qualifications by country

      Grades given below are considered equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

      Country Qualification Minimum grade required in English element
      Antigua and Barbuda
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see below)
      • Academic* qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Austria Matura or Reifeprufung  2 (gut) when both written and oral examinations have been taken
      Australia
      • High School qualifications vary by state, please contact us for advice.
      • 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)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Belize
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see below)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Bermuda
      • Bermuda School Certificate grade D
      • Bermuda School Diploma grade D
      Botswana Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination C
      CameroonGCE O LevelC
      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) C
      Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree from an English-speaking institution
      CyprusCyprus/Cypriot Apolytirion 'Απολυτήριο Λυκείου (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
      16/20 = IELTS 6.0
      17/20 = IELTS 6.5
      Denmark STX / HF / HHX / HTX 10
      Dominica
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Germany Abitur 10+ (gut) when taken as a ‘leistungskurs' (credit / main / intensive course)
      Fachhoch Schulreife/Zeugnis Der Fachloch ShulreifeA score of at least 'Gut' in English
      Grenada
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Guyana
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Hong Kong Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination [HKCEE] C or 4
      Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority [HKEAA] –
      AS Level Use of English       		E
      Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 4 = IELTS 6.0 or 6.5
      5 = IELTS 7.0
      Iceland Studentsprof (from Gymnasium) (Matriculation Certificate) 9 (when taken as a compulsory modern language)
      India Higher Secondary Certificate
      (Standard XII)       		70/100 (70%) or 160/200 (80%)

      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)
      • Anna University (India)
      • Osmania University (India)
      • The University of Goa (India)
      Ireland Leaving Certificate C (Ordinary/Standard Level)
      Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
      Jamaica
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Kenya Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) C
      Malaysia UCLES English 1119 Syllabus C
      Malawi Malawi Certificate of School Education (MSCE) 6
      MaltaSecondary Education CertificateGrade 1-3

      Mauritius

      General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level

      		Grade C
      The Netherlands Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma 8 (goed)
      New Zealand National Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 2 Achieved (A)
      Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree
      NigeriaNigerian Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School CertificateC6 or 6
      West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Senior School CertificateC6 or 6
      Norway

      Vitnemål fra den videregående skole

      (Leaving Certificate from Upper

      Secondary School)

      		4
      Singapore Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-Level Grades 1-6
      South Africa

      NSC (National Senior Certificate) IEB or

      Govt Board (post 2007)

      		5 or above

      Senior Certificate (with Matric. IEB or

      Govt Board) (last awarded 2007)

      C or above (Standard Level)

      E or above (Higher Level)

      Sri Lanka Sri Lanka GCE A-level C
      St Kitts and Nevis
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      St Lucia
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      St Vincent and the Grenadines
      • Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (see above)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Sweden Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg VG (val godkant) or higher in English (A, B or C)
      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)
      • Academic* qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree.
      Uganda Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) grades 1-6
      USA

      High School Graduation Diploma

      		 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 .
      Various in West Africa (inc. Nigeria and Ghana): West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate C6 or 6
      Zambia School Certificate / General Certificate of EducationGrade 1-6
      Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Certificate of Secondary Education at Ordinary Level C

      *If you have this qualification and are not a national of this country, you will need to provide a UK NARIC English Language Assessment document in support of your visa application.

      The following country qualifications are also accepted for those students who do not require a Tier 4 visa:

      CountryQualificationMinimum grade required in the english element
      Belgium Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs8/10 or 80% or met grote onderscheiding
      Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur8/10 or 80% or avec grande distinction
      Bulgaria Diploma za sredno ObrazovaniGrade 5
      CroatiaMatura5/5 at lower level = IELTS 6.0
      4/5 at higher level = IELTS 6.5
      EstoniaGeneral Secondary School  (Gümnaasium Lõpueksamid)Grade 4/5 English = IELTS 6.5
      France Baccalauréat 
      La langue vivante 1
      (The living language 1)      		14 (bien), where the co-efficient applied to the subject is greater than 1
      Baccalauréat avec Option Internationale (OIB)12/20
      FinlandYlioppilastutkinto / Studentexamenbetyg
      (matriculation examination)

      5 (magna cum laude approbatur)

      LatviaAtestatas

      Grade 8/10 in English = IELTS 6.5

      7/10 = IELTS 6.0

      LithuaniaNational Level Matura (state) English examination

      90% = IELTS 6.5

      75% = IELTS 6.0

      LuxembourgDiplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires45 (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

      16/20 = IELTS 6.5

      14/20 = IELTS 6.0

      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
      Certificat de Maturité
      Attestato de Maturità      		5 (gut)
      5 (bien)
      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.

    Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)

    We offer pre-sessional English courses from 6 to 20 weeks.

    If you’d like to study at NTU and need help achieving our English language requirements, this course is for you.

    A PEAP course will help you meet any language conditions of your offer, it’s also a great opportunity for you to settle in to the University.  You can make strong friendships with classmates and teachers as you improve your study skills and grow in confidence.

    There are entry requirements for PEAP courses. How long your PEAP course is depends on your current English level and whether you need a visa.

    If you’re applying for a visa to study your PEAP course you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre.

    Still need help?

    International Development Office
    +44 (0)115 848 8175