United Kingdom · Study
IELTS score for the UK Student visa
Student visa applicants need English equivalent to CEFR B2 for degree-level study and above, and CEFR B1 below degree level. Universities can assess degree-level applicants themselves and often ask for higher IELTS scores.
Set by UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office). Checked against the official source on 23 October 2026.
Scores required
Test: IELTS for UKVI, or a test your university accepts
Level: CEFR B2 for degree-level study; CEFR B1 below degree level
Scores are minimums: the score in each skill must be at least the figure shown.
What else to know
- Below degree level you must pass an approved SELT such as IELTS for UKVI at B1: at least 4.0 in each skill on the Home Office list.
- At degree level, B2 through IELTS for UKVI is at least 5.5 in each skill. Your university may set a different test or a higher score; check its own entry requirements.
- SELT results must have been awarded in the two years before you apply.
- Nationals of the listed majority English-speaking countries, and people who proved their English in an earlier visa application, are exempt.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of Englishwww.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english
- Home Office: list of approved English tests (spreadsheet)assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68da41cd750fcf90fa6ffb33/List_of_approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_taken_outside_the_UK+_1_.ods
Figures confirmed by hand on 23 October 2026; sources last checked automatically on 23 October 2026. Requirements change: the official source always decides.
Preparing for this score
This requirement is for IELTS Academic. Writing is usually the hardest score to reach, so practise full Task 1 and Task 2 answers under time and check where you lose marks.
See how close you are to the score you need
Take a timed mock test and get estimated band scores for each skill, with the errors that are costing you marks.
Try a mock testOther requirements in United Kingdom
- NMC (nurses, midwives and nursing associates)Listening 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 6.5, speaking 7.0
- GMC (doctors)Overall 7.5; 7.0 in each skill
- HCPC (allied health professions)Overall 7.0; 6.5 in each skill
- GPhC (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians)Overall 7.0; 7.0 in each skill
- Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas5.5 in each skill; CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Family visa (partner or spouse)CEFR A1 for a first application; A2 to extend after 2.5 years; B1 for settlement after 5 years
This page summarises a published requirement. It is not immigration or legal advice, and we cannot advise on individual cases: for that, use the official body or a regulated adviser. IELTS is a registered trademark. IELTS Prep Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English.