UWTSD minimums by level
From UWTSD's English language requirements page, which links a June 2026 policy. Visa applicants must meet both the UKVI requirement and UWTSD's own, and UWTSD may ask any applicant to take its own English assessment and refuse entry on the result. Tests must be awarded within two years of applying. IELTS Academic from a non-UKVI centre, PTE from a non-UKVI centre and TOEFL iBT Home Edition may each be accepted "under certain circumstances", so ask before booking. Duolingo is not on the list.
| Level | IELTS | Other accepted tests |
|---|---|---|
| International Foundation, CertHE and HND | 5.0; 4.5 in reading, speaking, listening, 5.0 in writing | A UKVI Secure English Language Test |
| Undergraduate and taught postgraduate (incl. DBA, Professional Doctorate) | IELTS for UKVI 6.0, no skill below 5.5 | PTE (UKVI centre) 59 in all four components; TOEFL iBT R18 L17 W17 S20; Cambridge C1 169 (162); Oxford ELLT 6 (5); LanguageCert ESOL SELT 33/50 each |
| Postgraduate research | 6.5; 6.5 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking | Equivalent scores |
Class 12 English, MOI degrees and pre-sessional routes
UWTSD accepts Indian Standard XII English at 70% or above for undergraduate study, with the exception of the Punjab and Haryana exam boards, so Punjab board students need a test. It also accepts WAEC (WASSCE) English at C or above, without the usual time limit, and Kenyan KCSE English at B.
For degree-level study, a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification completed within the last five years and certified as taught in English also counts, and UWTSD may ask for documents confirming the language of teaching and assessment. So does a pre-sessional English course with the Oxford International Digital Institute completed within the last two years at the required level.
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The visa
For a Student visa, UK Visas and Immigration asks for English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level, per gov.uk. At degree level, gov.uk adds, your university can assess your English itself and may ask you to take a different test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UWTSD programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does UWTSD accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic taken at a UKVI test centre with at least 59 in all four components; a non-UKVI PTE may be accepted under certain circumstances.
Does UWTSD accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes, with IELTS Academic for UKVI.
Can Punjab board students use Class 12 English for UWTSD?+
No. UWTSD accepts Standard XII English at 70% for undergraduate study except from the Punjab and Haryana exam boards.
Does UWTSD accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on UWTSD's list of accepted tests.
What IELTS does UWTSD need for a PhD?+
6.5 overall with 6.5 in reading and writing and at least 5.5 in listening and speaking.
Keep reading
Related
- Swansea University IELTS requirement
- University of South Wales IELTS requirement
- IELTS for UKVI vs IELTS Academic
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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