If English isn't your first language, it's essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging academic course that's taught and examined in English. Throughout the admissions process, Admissions Tutors will be assessing your English language skills as well as your academic ability.
A reasonable standard in spoken and written English is also expected at the time of interview and, to be competitive, you should be able to comfortably achieve one of the English language requirements listed below. You may be asked to achieve one of these qualifications as part of the conditions of an offer.
If you don't have one of these formal qualifications but are currently being taught in English, please contact one of the College admissions offices for advice. In some cases, a College may include a requirement to attend a language support programme – such as the Language Centre's Academic Development and Training for International Students (ADTIS) programme or a College-provided course – as a condition of an offer, instead of one of the qualifications listed.
Minimum English language requirements
- IELTS Academic1 – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element
- TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) – normally a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element
- EU students – a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving exam (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable
- Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency – accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced – accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus an assessment by the Language Centre. Following assessment the University Language Centre may advise further action from the applicant (eg enrolment at one of the Language Centre courses, or completion of an IELTS test).
- Singapore Integrated Programme (SIP) – may be considered an acceptable English language qualification
English language test results are only valid for two years from the date of the exam and should still be valid on the first day of the Cambridge course. Component scores should all be achieved in a single sitting.
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1 For some visa types, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic). However, in accordance with UKVI policy, as Cambridge is a Higher Education Provider (HEP) it is able to accept other English language qualifications it deems suitable when sponsoring Student visas, so a SELT is not necessary and the standard IELTS Academic test is acceptable.