IELTS Academic
The most widely accepted test for universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS for UKVI is the version approved for UK visas.
English language tests
Most universities abroad ask for proof of English. Here is how the main tests compare, which ones work for a UK Student visa, and how we help you pick the right one for your course.
The main tests
PTE Academic
A computer-based test of all four skills, accepted by most UK and Australian universities and many in Canada, New Zealand and the US. PTE Academic UKVI is the version approved for UK visas.
TOEFL iBT
Widely used for US universities and accepted by many others. From January 2026 TOEFL iBT also reports scores on a new 1 to 6 scale, so compare your result with the scale your course uses.
Duolingo English Test
Accepted by many universities in the US and Canada and by some in the UK. It is not on the Home Office list of approved tests, so it cannot be used where a UK visa needs a SELT.
LanguageCert Academic
LanguageCert Academic SELT is on the Home Office list and is accepted by a growing number of universities. Check that your chosen course lists it before you book.
Skills for English UKVI
A Home Office approved test delivered by PSI at test centres outside the UK, for applications that need a SELT.
English for a UK Student visa
Degree level or above: you need English at CEFR level B2. Your university can assess your English itself, so it may accept a test or qualification that is not on the Home Office list.
Below degree level, such as foundation and pathway courses: you need CEFR level B1, usually shown with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
Approved SELTs on the Home Office list include IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills, PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home, LanguageCert SELTs, Trinity College London SELTs (taken in the UK) and Skills for English UKVI (taken outside the UK).
Exemptions: you may not need to prove your English if you are a national of a listed majority English-speaking country, or if you hold a degree taught in one of those countries.
Source: GOV.UK, Student visa: knowledge of English and approved Secure English Language Tests (list updated 5 October 2026). Rules change, so we check them again for every application.
What universities usually ask for
Requirements are set course by course. Many UK master's courses ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or the equivalent in PTE. Some ask for more, especially in law, medicine and teaching.
Some universities accept other evidence in place of a test, such as English results in Intermediate, O levels or A levels, or a previous degree taught in English. Every course in our course finder shows its published English requirement.
How we help
- Choosing the test that fits both your course and your visa
- Checking whether your existing qualifications can replace a test
- Matching your score to each university's requirement
- Guidance on booking, test dates and sending results
- Planning a pre-sessional English course if your score is close
- Reviewing your result against the visa rules before you apply
Getting the rest of your paperwork ready? See our documents checklist.