English language requirements
The following information gives English language requirement guidance for undergraduate applicants.
Any student who is not a national of a UK Home Office majority English-speaking country is required to provide recent evidence of English language proficiency.
In individual cases UCL reserves the right to:
- specify an additional language requirement for an applicant, or
- request additional confirmation of education or employment for your institution or employee.
Who does not need to provide evidence of English language proficiency
You do not need to prove your level of English language if you are a national of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- the British overseas territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
Who does need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency
If you are not a national of one the countries above, you will need to provide recent evidence of one of the following before you become a student at UCL:
- 12 months education which leads to an academic qualification in a majority English-speaking country
- An English language qualification or test result accepted by UCL
- Completed a school leaving qualification containing English, accepted by UCL
You do not need to provide this evidence as part of your UCAS application. This will not affect the assessment of your application. If we need evidence of your English language proficiency and make you an offer, this offer is conditional on you providing us with evidence at the appropriate level.
12 months education which leads to an academic qualification
This option means you must complete at least 12 consecutive months in academic education leading to an awarded qualification.
This must be in a country that UCL considers to be "majority English-speaking". Please see the list of acceptable countries below.
You must complete your 12 months of education during one continuous period, ending no earlier than the summer two years before the proposed date of enrolment (e.g. if you are starting your course in September 2025, we will accept 12 months education completed in Summer 2023 or later). You must also be awarded with an academic qualification at the end of this period.
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- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cameroon (only if the qualification is taught in English)
- Canada
- Caribbean / West Indies (English-speaking Caribbean Commonwealth territories)
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Malta
- Mauritius
- the Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Swaziland (Eswatini)
- Tanzania
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
An English language qualification or test result
For this option you must receive the qualification or test result no more than two years before the proposed date of enrolment. For entry in September 2025, this means a test must have been sat on or after 1 September 2023.
Accepted English language qualifications
Listed below are all the English language qualifications and tests accepted by UCL.
There are five levels of English proficiency needed to meet UCL’s English language requirements for undergraduate study:
- Level 1 (previously referred to as "Standard Level")
- Level 2 (previously referred to as "Good Level")
- Level 3
- Level 4 (previously referred to as "Advanced Level"), or
- Level 5
See each programme's page in our Undergraduate Prospectus to confirm which level of English proficiency you will need to meet. Below you can find the scores and grades required for each level.
Applicants have until 17:00 UK time on 31 August 2025 to meet all conditions of their offer including English language requirements. The exact date can also be found in your Portico account and offer letter. However, we would advise you to take a test as soon as possible, as test centres are very busy during the summer.
Please note we can only consider tests that meet the score requirements for the overall and all individual component parts (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
We encourage applicants to take a test centre exam if possible, however, we also accept the online exams mentioned in the list below. Please note that regardless of the form of the exam, UCL takes fraud very seriously. If evidence of malpractice is found in a submitted test result, it will result in the submitted application being withdrawn and not being considered further.
Test providers
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This test is UCL's preferred English language qualification.
- Level 1: Overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- Level 2: Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- Level 3: Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- Level 4: Overall score of 7.5 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- Level 5: Overall score of 8 and a minimum of 8.0 in each component
Applicants may take the IELTS Academic Online test to meet the requirement. IELTS Indicator may be accepted if it was taken within the two-year time frame.
We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake test to meet the requirement.
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- Level 1: Overall score of 92 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening
- Level 2: Overall score of 96 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 22/30 in speaking and listening
- Level 3: Overall score of 100 with 25/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening.
- Level 4: Overall score of 109 with 27/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening.
- Level 5: Overall score of 110 with 29/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening.
Applicants may take the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test to meet the requirements.
Please note that TOEFL iBT MyBestScore is not acceptable for meeting the English language requirement.
We do not accept the TOEFL Essentials Test for meeting the English language requirement.
UCL’s institution code for TOEFL is 9163.
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- Level 1: Overall score of 65% and a minimum of 60% in each component
- Level 2: Overall score of 70% and a minimum of 65% in each component
- Level 3: Overall score of 70% and a minimum of 70% in each component
- Level 4: Overall score of 75% and a minimum of 70% in each component
- Level 5: Overall score of 80% and a minimum of 80% in each component
These courses are run by UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE).
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- Level 1: Overall score of 65% and a minimum of 60% in each component
- Level 2: Overall score of 70% and a minimum of 65% in each component
- Level 3: Overall score of 70% and a minimum of 70% in each component
- Level 4: Overall score of 75% and a minimum of 70% in each component
- Level 5: Overall score of 80% and a minimum of 80% in each component
These courses are run by UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE).
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- Level 1: Overall score of 176 with 169 in all subtests
- Level 2: Overall score of 180 with 172 in all subtests
- Level 3: Overall score of 185 with 180 in all subtests
- Level 4: Overall score of 191 with 180 in all subtests
- Level 5: Overall score of 210 with 200 in all subtests
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- Level 1: Overall score of 176 with 169 in all subtests
- Level 2: Overall score of 180 with 172 in all subtests
- Level 3: Overall score of 185 with 180 in all subtests
- Level 4: Overall score of 191 with 180 in all subtests
- Level 5: Overall score of 210 with 200 in all subtests
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UCL will accept the Pearson Test of English (Academic), often referred to as PTE (Academic), with the following grades:
- Level 1: Overall score of 75 with a minimum of 67 in each Communicative Skill
- Level 2: Overall score of 76 with a minimum of 75 in each Communicative Skill
- Level 3: Overall score of 76 with a minimum of 76 in each Communicative Skill
- Level 4: Overall score of 80 with a minimum of 76 in each Communicative Skill
- Level 5: Overall score of 88 with a minimum of 80 in each Communicative Skill
Applicants may take PTE Academic Online test to meet the requirements.
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- Level 1: Successful completion of ISE II with a ‘merit’ in all components
- Level 2: Successful completion of ISE II with a ‘distinction’ in all components
- Level 3: Not accepted
- Level 4: Not accepted
- Level 5: Not accepted
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- Level 1: Successful completion with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 2: Successful completion with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 3: Successful completion with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 4: Successful completion with a ‘distinction’ in all components
- Level 5: Not accepted
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- Level 1: Successful completion of ISE IV with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 2: Successful completion of ISE IV with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 3: Successful completion of ISE IV with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 4: Successful completion of ISE IV with a ‘pass’ in all components
- Level 5: Successful completion of ISE IV with a ‘pass’ in all components
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For English Language GCSE and iGCSEs you must receive the qualification or test result no more than the summer two years before the proposed date of enrolment. For entry in September 2025, this means the GCSE or iGCSE must have been received in summer 2023.
For all GCSE English Language qualifications we require the following grades.
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit in spoken component (where applicable) for 2025 entry
- Level 2: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit in spoken component (where applicable) for 2025 entry
- Level 3: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction in spoken component (where applicable)
- Level 4: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction in spoken component (where applicable)
- Level 5: Pass at 7 (or grade A) with Distinction in spoken component (where applicable)
GCSE qualifications are only accepted if all four skills are assessed or the spoken language component is separately endorsed on the certificate.
- OCR English language (9-1) [J351] - Spoken language endorsement required
- AQA English language (9-1) [8700]- Spoken language endorsement required
- Pearson/Edexcel English language (9-1) [1En0]- Spoken language endorsement required
- WJEC/Eduquas English language (A*-E)
- CCEA (NI) English language (A*-E) [5030]
For all IGCSEs, we require a copy of both the official certificate and statement of results. This allows us to confirm your grade and syllabus studied.
For IGCSE qualifications, please see our syllabus requirements below (requirements are given for 2025 entry).
Cambridge Assessments International Education (CAIE)
Cambridge IGCSE English – First Language (0500) (0990) or (0524)
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit/grade 2 in the speaking and listening component
- Level 2: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit/grade 2 in the speaking and listening component
- Level 3: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction/grade 1 in the speaking and listening component
- Level 4: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction/grade 1 in the speaking and listening component
- Level 5: Pass at 7 (or grade A) with Distinction/grade 1 in the speaking and listening component
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking endorsement) (0510) or (0993)
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit/grade 2 in the speaking component
- Level 2: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Merit/grade 2 in the speaking component
- Level 3 and above: Not acceptable
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Count-in speaking) (0511) or (0991)
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C)
- Level 2: Pass at 6 (or grade B)
- Level 3 and above: Not acceptable
Pearson Edexcel
Edexcel IGCSE English Language A (4EA1) or B (4EB1)
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit in the spoken language component
- Level 2: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with Merit in the spoken language component
- Level 3: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction in the spoken language component
- Level 4: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with Distinction in the spoken language component
- Level 5: Pass at 7 (or grade A) with Distinction in the spoken language component
Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language (4ES1)
- Level 1: Pass at 4 (or grade C) with pass in the spoken language component
- Level 2: Pass at 6 (or grade B) with pass in the spoken language component
- Level 3: Pass at 7 (or grade A) with pass in the spoken language component
- Level 4 and above: Not acceptable
Oxford International AQA Examinations
Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language (9270)
- Level 1: Pass at grade 4 with Merit in the speaking and listening component
- Level 2: Pass at grade 6 with Merit in the speaking and listening component
- Level 3: Pass at grade 7 with Distinction in the speaking and listening component
- Level 4: Pass at grade 8 with Distinction in speaking and listening component
- Level 5: Pass at grade 9 with Distinction in speaking and listening component
Oxford AQA IGCSE English as a Second Language (9280)
- Level 1: Pass at grade 6
- Level 2: Pass at grade 6
- Level 3: Pass at grade 9
- Level 4 and above: Not acceptable
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Only the following Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) International O Levels are considered to meet our English Language requirements.
- Cambridge O Level in English Language (1120) Brunei – Spoken language must be separately endorsed on the certificate
- Cambridge O Level in English Language (1127/1128) Singapore
Please note: Cambridge O Level (1123) International is NOT accepted under any circumstances.
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The PASHE courses are intended for applicants applying to the IOE for graduate and undergraduate programmes who need to improve their English language skills. IOE applicants should apply for this programme only and not the UCL Pre-sessional courses run by the Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE).
- Level 1: Overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- Level 2: Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- Level 3: Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- Level 4: Overall score of 7.5 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- Level 5: Overall score of 8.0 and a minimum of 8.0 in each component
Applicants can contact the IOE Academic Writing Centre at Preparation for Academic Studies in Higher Education.
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Applicants may take LanguageCert (Academic) in order to meet UCL’s requirements:
- Level 1: Overall score of 70 and a minimum of 65 in each component
- Level 2: Overall score of 75 and a minimum of 70 in each component
- Level 3: Overall score of 75 and a minimum of 75 in each component
- Level 4: Overall score of 80 and a minimum of 75 in each component
- Level 5: Overall score of 85 and a minimum of 85 in each component
Accepted school leaving qualifications
UCL also accepts a number of school leaving qualifications containing English. These are considered by UCL as meeting the CEFR B2 level in all four skills.
You must receive this qualification no more than the summer two years before the proposed date of enrolment. This includes the summer two years before enrolment if starting in September.
To be considered acceptable, you must provide us with a copy of your final officially issued certificate and transcript. If these documents are not in English, we will also require a translation.
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We accept the following International Baccalaureate English Language subjects taken as part of the IB Diploma.
IB English Language A: Literature, IB English Language A: Language and Literature
- Level 1: Grade 5 at either higher or standard level
- Level 2: Grade 5 at either higher or standard level
- Level 3: Grade 6 at either higher or standard level
- Level 4: Grade 6 at higher level or grade 7 at standard level
- Level 5: Grade 7 at either higher (not acceptable at standard level)
IB English Language B
- Level 1: Either grade 5 at higher level or grade 6 at standard level
- Level 2: Either grade 6 at higher level or grade 7 at standard level
- Level 3: Either grade 7 at higher level (not acceptable at standard level)
- Level 4: Either grade 7 at higher level (not acceptable at standard level)
- Level 5: Not acceptable at either level
IB English Language A: Literature and Performance (standard level only)
- Level 1: Grade 5
- Level 2 and above: Not acceptable
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Austria: Matura/Reifeprufung
All levels: In the Matura/Reifeprufung, 2 (gut) in English when both written and oral examinations have been taken.
Belgium: Diploma van Secundair or the Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur
All levels: In the Diploma van Secundair or the Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur, the equivalent of 8.5/10 or 85% in English.
Denmark: Studentereksamen
All levels: In the Studentereksamen, 7 in English.
European Baccalaureate
All levels: 7.5 in English as either an Obligatory Subject (Language I or II) or as a Full Option (Language III or IV).
Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen matriculation examination
All levels: In the Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen matriculation examination, 5 (magna cum laude approbatur) in English at the Advanced Level.
France: Baccalaureat General and Baccalauréat Français International
All levels: In the Baccalaureat General or the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI),13 (assez bien) in English, where the co-efficient applied to the subject is greater than 1. (Grades obtained in the Option International du Baccalaureat (OIB) within the acceptable time frame will be considered for 2025 entry.)
Germany: Abitur
All levels: In the Abitur, 12 (gut) in English when taken as an achievement/main/intensive course (LK/Advanced Level)
Iceland: Studentsprof matriculation examination
All levels: In the Studentsprof matriculation examination, 8 in English when taken as a compulsory modern language.
Luxembourg: Examen de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires
All levels: In the Examen de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires, 46 in English.
The Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma
All levels: In the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) diploma, 7 (ruim voldoende) in English.
Norway: Vitnemal - videregaende opplaering
All levels: In the Vitnemal - videregaende opplaering, 4 in English.
Sweden: Avgangsbetyg
All levels: In the Avgangsbetyg, C in English.
Switzerland: Maturitatzeugnis/Certificat de Maturite/Attestato de Maturita federal maturity certificate or the federally-recognised cantonal maturity certificate
All levels: In the Maturitatzeugnis/Certificat de Maturite/Attestato de Maturita federal maturity certificate or the federally-recognised cantonal maturity certificate, 4.5 in English.
Submitting your results
We encourage you to:
- provide your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) number or TOEFL iBT appointment number within your UCAS test results, as part of your application form or,
- only send us any other test results if they meet our requirements given above. In these cases, you must provide the official document issued by the test provider.
Please be aware, that we cannot accept any unofficial test reports or screenshots of your results.