- Common tests
- IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge, Duolingo
- University requirement
- Set by each university and course
- Visa requirement
- Approved SELT (UKVI) — separate list
- Exemptions
- Possible (e.g. degree taught in English)
Key takeaways
- Universities commonly accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English and often Duolingo.
- Each test scores differently — match your result to the university's stated requirement.
- The Student visa has a separate approved SELT requirement, set by UKVI, not the university.
- Some applicants are exempt from the visa English test (e.g. a degree taught in English).
Tests universities accept
Most UK universities accept several English-language qualifications, including IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English (such as C1 Advanced) and, increasingly, the Duolingo English Test. Each uses a different scale, and required scores vary by university, course and level — competitive and postgraduate programmes ask for more, and many set minimum component scores alongside the overall mark. Always check the exact accepted tests and scores on each university's course page rather than assuming.
The separate visa English requirement
Beyond the university's academic requirement, the UK Student visa has its own approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) requirement. The list of approved SELTs is set by UKVI and is narrower than the universities' lists, so a test accepted by your university is not automatically valid for the visa. Some applicants are exempt — for instance, where a degree is taught and assessed in English, or for nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries. Study UK Now confirms both your academic and visa English requirements so neither is a surprise. Always verify the current SELT rules on GOV.UK.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
Which English test should I take for a UK university?
Take a test your chosen universities accept that also satisfies the visa requirement where it applies. IELTS is the most widely accepted and is available as a UKVI SELT, which is why many students choose it, but TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge and Duolingo are accepted by many universities. Check each university's accepted tests and confirm the visa SELT requirement on GOV.UK.
Is the university's English requirement the same as the visa requirement?
No — they are separate. The university sets an academic English requirement for your course, while UKVI sets an approved SELT requirement for the Student visa that applies to some applicants unless exempt. The two lists and scores differ, so you must satisfy both where they apply. Study UK Now checks both for you.
Sources — verified June 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.