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Students may be required to take specific tests to study in the UK, whether for particular courses or to fulfill language competency standards established by the UK government. Standardized exam scores for studying in the UK, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, are critical for students from non-English speaking nations.

The minimal requirements for each test vary depending on the university and whether the exam is course-specific or degree-specific. Further, standardized examinations such as the GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, and others are required for a graduate or undergraduate entrance to specified programs.

To get admission to UK institutions, the UK Home Office requires a minimum of B2-level English language competency. For your language proficiency skills, you can take exams such as IELTS, ISE, TOEFL, and PTE, which are valid for two years.

1 IELTS

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is one of the most widely used English language competency exams in the UK. A minimum overall IELTS score of 4.0 - 5.5 is necessary for a UK student visa.

Different institutes impose cut-offs that a prospective student must reach, often higher than the visa requirement. Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge require an IELTS score of 7.0-7.5, although the average cut-off is 6.0. The level of English skills needed for each course varies as well.

2 TOEFL

Although some UK institutions favor IELTS over TOEFL, many universities accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as an alternative to IELTS. You can apply for a Tier 4 visa by submitting TOEFL scores.

The UK Home Office establishes the following immigration conditions for colleges that recognize TOEFL as a genuine English language test:

Top institutions require a TOEFL score of 100 - 110 on a scale of 120. However, other lesser-known universities require a score as low as 70.

3 PTE Academic

Nearly 98% of UK colleges accept the Pearson Test of English or PTE Academic scores. The UK student visa requires a score between 43 and 59. However, individual schools and programs may demand higher scores too.

Cambridge English Language Assessments

Although the Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations do not have an expiration date, some institutes do not consider them valid after two years.

The minimal cut-off is usually established at grades A, B, or C. The examinations are of various levels, although any of the following are generally taken for Tier 4 visas:

Most institutions in the United Kingdom accept Cambridge exam scores; however, there may be several exceptions too.