Two separate people may judge your English: the university (for admission) and the government (for your visa). Pick a test both will accept, so you only take it once.
For admission
Universities set their own requirements and many accept several tests: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert, Duolingo English Test and others. Check the course page for the overall score and the minimum in each skill — a low score in one part can fail an otherwise good result.
Some universities waive the test if your previous degree was taught in English (a “medium of instruction” letter) or if you studied English to a set grade at school. Ask for the waiver in writing.
For a UK Student visa
For a degree-level course at a university, the university usually assesses your English and confirms it on your CAS, so any test it accepts is enough. For courses below degree level, or if your university asks, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
| Approved SELT providers (outside the UK) | Tests |
|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills |
| LanguageCert | Academic SELT, General SELT |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home |
| PSI | Skills for English UKVI |
Standard IELTS Academic is not the same as IELTS for UKVI. If you might need a SELT, book the UKVI version — universities accept it too.
Tips
- Results are usually valid for two years. Make sure yours will still be valid when you apply for your visa.
- Book early for the spring and summer; slots near deadlines fill up.
- Practise with the official sample tests in the exact format you will sit.
