English language requirements

As our programmes are taught and assessed in English, applicants must be able to prove their level of English language ability as part of the application process. This should be shown through one of the following means:

  1. You are from a majority English speaking country or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree from a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). View UKVI Majority English speaking countries. 
  2. You have successfully completed a University qualification we consider equivalent to a UK degree. The qualification was taught at an overseas campus of a university which is based in a country recognised by the UKVI as a majority English speaking country.
  3. You have passed one of the following English Language Tests at the levels indicated (we will need to verify the results of the test and as such you will need to upload your original certificate as part of the application process.
English Language Test Requirements
Test Foundation Entry Undergraduate Entry PGT (STEM and Design programmes) PGT (non-STEM programmes)
IELTS Academic (Including IELTS Academic Online) 5.5 (with no band below 5.0) 6.0 (with no band below 5.5) 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum
PTE Academic 44-49 50-57 with 51 in each component 55 (minimum 51) 55 (minimum 51 for reading, listening and speaking with minimum 55 in writing)
TOEFL ibt 70 78 including reading 18, listening 17, speaking 19 and writing 21 79 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21) 79 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 23)
Cambridge (new) 162-168 169-175 169 - 175 169-175 with 175 in writing
Trinity ISE II Not applicable Pass in all components Pass in all components Pass in all components
CEFR Mid B1-B2 B2 B2 Mid - High B2
Oxford ELLT 5 with no score lower than 5 6 with no score lower than 5 6 with no score lower than 5 6 with writing at 6 and no score lower than 5

Please note:

  • The test should have been passed within two years of the enrolment date of the degree for which you are applying.
  • In relation to TOEFL iBT, we do accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition however we do not accept myBest or Superscore results and minimum scores must be achieved in one sitting.
  • We do not accept Duolingo.
  • In relation to IELTS Academic, we do accept IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake however we do not accept the IELTS indicator or general training tests.
  • In relation to PTE Academic, we do not accept the online version of this test.
  • For Oxford ELLT, we will accept the Global and Digital versions of this test. Test takers who register through the link here and use the promo code ‘HWU10’ will receive a 10% discount on the price.
  1. Successful completion of one of our Pre-Sessional English Language Programmes within 19 months of the enrolment date of the degree programme for which you are applying.
  2. Successful completion of another UK University Pre-Sessional English Language course, based within the UK and which has BALEAP accreditation. This course must have been completed within one year of the enrolment date of the degree programme for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to prove that the mark you have obtained is a pass and would enable you to continue your studies at the UK University at which the English programme was taught.
  3. Successful completion of a UK University Pre-masters qualification. This course must have been completed within one year of the enrolment date of the degree programme for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to prove that the mark you have obtained is a pass and would enable you to continue your studies at the UK University at which the pre-masters was taught.
  4. Successfully completion of school studies from one of the non-English speaking countries and have achieved the minimum grades in English in your School.
Qualification-wise English Grade requirements
Country Qualification Minimum English Language Grade
Global GCE A or AS level - English C
Global GCE O level - English C or 4
Global International Baccalaureate SL4 or HL4
France French Baccalaureate 12
Ghana WAEC/WASSCE C6
Nigeria WAEC/WASSCE C6
India Standard XII when awarded by - CBSE or CISCE exam boards only. 65% CBSE ICE and 70% from approved state boards
Global European Baccalaureate 7
Botswana Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) 6
Germany Arbitur Year 12 12
Kenya Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education C
Norway Vitnemol (VVO) 4
Pakistan Intermediate Certificate/High School Certificate 70%

Postgraduate

  1. You have successfully completed a degree from a nonnative English-speaking country but completed the studies in English language. It is the responsibility of the student to provide evidence that the medium of instruction was English throughout the studies.
  2. You have successfully completed a degree from a nonnative English-speaking country and completed the studies in a language other than English however you have been working in an English language environment, in these circumstances we will consider a letter from your employer confirming English is the language of the workplace.
  3. In this case, your employer must be a verifiable, international company or government agency, the letter must come from your employer’s HR department or line manager and the signatory of the letter must be contactable. You must have worked there for a minimum of 6 months.
  4. In relation to point (above), where proof of English may be inconclusive or when it is not possible to contact the signatory, the University, at its discretion, reserves the right to ask postgraduate applicants to take an in-house English test or other appropriate assessment to confirm English level.
  5. Where proof of English may be inconclusive or when it is not possible to verify the test results, the University, at its discretion, reserves the right to ask applicants to take an in-house English test or other appropriate assessment to confirm English level.

For more details on our English Language Requirements, please contact our Admission Office at: dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk