English requirements for studying abroad
Universities need to know you can study in English. Most ask for an English test, but there are other options.
Accepted English tests
- IELTS Academic (and IELTS for UKVI for some UK courses)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
Study in the UK without IELTS
You can apply to some UK universities without IELTS. Options include a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter showing that your previous degree was taught in English, the university’s own English test or interview, or a pre-sessional English course before your degree. MOI is more often accepted for master’s courses.
Typical IELTS scores by country
UK
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, usually with no part below 5.5
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
- Student visa: degree-level study needs English at CEFR B2, for example IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each part
- Foundation and pre-master’s routes: from IELTS 5.0–5.5
USA
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 79–90)
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5–7.0 (or TOEFL iBT 90–100)
- Many universities also accept the Duolingo English Test
Australia
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
- Nursing, teaching and some health courses: often IELTS 7.0 or higher
Ireland
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
Canada
- College diplomas and certificates: IELTS 6.0 overall, usually with no part below 5.5
- University undergraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall
Malta
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall
Hungary
- Undergraduate: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.0 overall
- Medicine and dentistry: universities usually set their own entrance exam
Denmark
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 overall, usually with no part below 6.0
Sweden
- Bachelor’s: IELTS 6.5 overall with no part below 5.5 (the Swedish “English 6” level)
- Master’s: set by each programme, often the same English 6 level
Malaysia
- Undergraduate: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall
Typical figures. Requirements and scholarship amounts vary by university and course and change each year, so we confirm the latest details with you before you apply.
